Episodes

  • Self-Tape Secrets: 10 Tips in 10 Min

    Self-Tape Secrets: 10 Tips in 10 Min
    Feb 18 2025
    In this episode of 'Slate It Till You Make It,' host Catherine Donnelly shares her Top 10 Self-Tape Tips to help actors stand out, impress casting, and book more work. From mastering your frame and lighting to delivering authentic, high-energy reads, Catherine breaks down exactly what commercial casting directors are looking for—and the biggest self-tape mistakes to avoid. She also reveals **why the first three seconds of your tape matter most,** how to make sure your eyelines feel natural, and the subtle tweaks that can make your performance pop on screen. Plus, Catherine shares an exciting opportunity for actors ready to take their self-tapes to the next level: her upcoming Self Tape Intensive, a four-week coaching experience designed to give actors personalized feedback and the confidence to book more jobs. If you’re tired of feeling like your tapes disappear into the void, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss!
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    11 mins
  • Unlocking the Future of Self-Tapes with the Co-Founders of Rafy

    Unlocking the Future of Self-Tapes with the Co-Founders of Rafy
    Feb 11 2025
    In this episode of "Slate It Till You Make It," host Catherine Donnelly sits down with Daniel Rojas and Jamila Hache, the visionary co-founders of Rafy, an innovative self-tape app designed to give actors more freedom, flexibility, and control over their auditions. As self-tapes continue to dominate the industry, actors face ongoing challenges—limited space, scheduling conflicts, and the struggle to find a reliable reader. Rafy tackles these pain points head-on, providing autonomous practice, AI-powered recording, and an all-in-one solution that simplifies the audition process without sacrificing artistic integrity. Daniel, a sound engineer and composer, and Jamila, an actor who knows the self-tape grind firsthand, bring their unique backgrounds in entertainment and tech to this groundbreaking platform. Together, they’ve built a tool that not only streamlines auditions but ensures actors maintain full ownership of their work in an evolving industry. In this conversation, we dive into Rafy’s origins, what sets it apart, and how ethical AI is shaping the future of auditioning. Plus, Daniel and Jamila share essential insights for actors looking to elevate their self-tape game. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with game-changing advice you won’t want to miss!
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    49 mins
  • Voice and Speech 101: Everything Actors Need to Know with Sean Spann

    Voice and Speech 101: Everything Actors Need to Know with Sean Spann
    Jan 28 2025
    In this episode of 'Slate It Till You Make It,' host Catherine Donnelly interviews returning guest Sean Spann: an actor, teacher, private coach and VO dubbing artist born and raised outside St. Louis, MO. An LA resident for almost 17 years, he's worked as an actor in television, film, commercials, and stage. TV/Film credits include The Little Things, Little America, Shameless, General Hospital, and Jane the Virgin. He's recently been seen in commercials or ad campaigns for Volkswagen, Disney, and Delta Airlines. He's dubbed central characters in Max's 'On The Spectrum' and Amazon's 'The Corruption Game', and in 2023, played Brutus in 'Julius Caesar' in his 7th season at the New Swan Shakespeare Festival. He's instructed Voice, Speech, Movement, Shakespeare on both the college and conservatory level, and privately coaches actors for auditions, voice, and accent modification. Sean earned a BFA in Acting from the University of Evansville, and an MFA in Acting from UC Irvine.
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • Empathy, Hope, and Resilience: A Love Letter to My Fellow Angeleno Creatives

    Empathy, Hope, and Resilience: A Love Letter to My Fellow Angeleno Creatives
    Jan 14 2025
    Dear Fellow Angeleno Creatives - I love you. Stay Strong. - Catherine
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    9 mins
  • Industry Secrets Unlocked: Spencer Kramber, Acclaimed Actor and Renowned Coach, Reveals All

    Industry Secrets Unlocked: Spencer Kramber, Acclaimed Actor and Renowned Coach, Reveals All
    Jan 7 2025
    In this episode of 'Slate it Till You Make It," host Catherine Donnelly sits down multi-hyphenate Spencer Kramber - actor, acting coach, and commercial session director. With a strong foundation in Theatre Arts from Minnesota State University and an MFA from UCLA’s School of Theater, Film, and Television, Spencer’s rigorous training has prepared him to excel both in front of and behind the camera. He’s shared the screen with heavyweights like J.K. Simmons in You Can’t Run Forever and earned accolades for his performances in award-winning projects like Sarajin and Pop Music. You might also recognize him from hit shows like Criminal Minds, Them, and The Young and the Restless. When he’s not captivating audiences, Spencer is passionately coaching actors, sharing his expertise, and helping others thrive in the business. Oh, and he’s also a devoted father, finding inspiration in balancing family life with his creative pursuits. Get ready for an inspiring conversation packed with insight and advice—please welcome Spencer Kramber!”
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    59 mins
  • The Best of Season 3: Career-Changing Insights for Commercial Actors

    The Best of Season 3: Career-Changing Insights for Commercial Actors
    Dec 17 2024
    In this episode of "Slate It Till You Make It," Catherine Donnelly curates valuable insights gleaned from Season 3, meticulously tailored to cater to emerging actors.
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    17 mins
  • From Behind the Lens to In Front of the Camera: Jesse Hsu on Following Your Destiny, Overcoming Rejection, and Booking Big

    From Behind the Lens to In Front of the Camera: Jesse Hsu on Following Your Destiny, Overcoming Rejection, and Booking Big
    Dec 10 2024
    Jesse Hsu began his career in entertainment in New York where he studied with UCB and after moving to Los Angeles a few years ago, he has booked a variety of commercials with multiple casting agencies and worked with some amazing brands and directors. He has had commercial training with AHC and Killian's and voiceover classes at Real Voice LA and Kalmenson. In 2022, he was a guest star in a web series, Millie & Maddie and also starred in his first feature film, "Starring Jerry As Himself" which premiered at the 2022 Slamdance Film Festival and now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
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    49 mins
  • M Casting Breaks It Down: Self-Tape Secrets, Actor Boundaries, and Letting It Go

    M Casting Breaks It Down: Self-Tape Secrets, Actor Boundaries, and Letting It Go
    Dec 3 2024
    In this episode of "Slate It Till You Make It," host Catherine Donnelly sits down with Marisa Munoz of M Casting. Marisa's journey in the entertainment industry started in Los Angeles as a dancer, where her passion for creativity and storytelling began. Transitioning to behind the camera into production, with an eye for beauty and unique talent, she discovered her calling in the world of casting. She fell in love with discovering new talent and bringing creative visions to life. Marisa has successfully cast a wide array of major brand commercials, print campaigns, music videos for renowned artists, and award- winning films. Her company, M Casting Worldwide, currently has offices in both Los Angeles and Nashville. Combining her extensive experience with a passion for talent & development, she now leaves her mark on projects around the globe casting projects worldwide. With three decades of experience, Marisa has built an impressive resume, casting commercials and print work for major brands including AT&T, Sephora, Old Navy, Nissan,Armani and Hilton to name a few. She has also cast music videos for renowned artists including Laniey Wilson, Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton and Kenny Chesney, and award-winning films with the most recent being Ride (Starring C. Thomas Howell, Annabeth Gish, Jake Allyn, Forrie J. Smith). Her expertise spans industries and genres, leaving a dynamic mark on every project she touches. In her downtime, Marisa’s zest for life continues—You can find her checking out the latest restaurants, volunteering at the Humane Society, spending time with friends, or taking long walks with her beloved dog and partner in crime, Marlowe! From casting calls to creative collaborations, Marisa’s journey is driven by her unwavering commitment to storytelling and the celebration of exceptional talent.
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    53 mins