The Acting Business Boot Camp Podcast

AI in Entertainment: Essential Insights for Actors

The world of acting is evolving, and one of the most significant changes affecting performers today is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). From digital likenesses to synthetic voices, AI is reshaping the entertainment industry at an unprecedented pace. If you're an actor, understanding how AI impacts your career is no longer optional—it's essential.

In a recent episode of the Acting Business Bootcamp Podcast, hosts Peter Pamela Rose and Mandy Fisher sat down with Erik Passoja, a SAG-AFTRA leader and digital identity advocate, to break down everything actors need to know about AI, contracts, and protecting their digital identity.

The Rise of AI in Acting

AI technology is advancing rapidly, and its effects on performers are profound. Whether it’s through deepfake technology, voice synthesis, or motion capture, AI is being used in new ways that could impact actors' careers and livelihoods. Without proper regulations, AI cou...

Podcast Episode Summary
In today’s episode, we’re tackling a phrase that might hit you right in the gut:

👉 “Work harder. Nobody cares.”

I say it with love because while it’s a tough pill to swallow, it’s also one of the most freeing truths you can embrace as a person and as an artist.

This mindset shift could be the key to unlocking your full potential. So buckle up—we’re diving into the gritty, no-nonsense reality of what it really takes to succeed and why the "nobody cares" part might be the most empowering thing you hear today.

🎧 Inspired by my post on Substack: The Actors Index.

The Truth About Success in a Creative Career

Let’s start with the truth: Nobody cares about your dream as much as you do.

And honestly, that’s the way it should be, right?

Whether you’re in voiceover, acting, writing, directing, or any other creative field, the industry isn’t designed to hold your hand. It’s competitive. It’s challenging. It requires you to show up every single day with your...

Podcast Episode Summary
In today’s episode, we’re exploring a concept that has an undeniable influence in our lives:

👉 The Power of Three

This episode was inspired by my recent Substack post called Three, and if you haven’t checked it out yet, I highly recommend giving it a read.

But don’t worry—I’ll break it all down for you right here.

Why Three?

Why does this number show up in storytelling, structure, decision-making, and even how we process the world?

Stick around, and let’s unpack the strange, spooky, and powerful magic of the number three.

The Universal Effectiveness of Three

Let’s start with a simple question:

💡 Why is the number three so universally effective?

Think about it:
✔️ We tell jokes in threes (Three Times Funny in improv, "A priest, a rabbi, and a minister walk into a bar…")
✔️ Stories are structured in three parts (Beginning, Middle, End)
✔️ In visual design, groups of three feel balanced and complete

There’s something incredibly satisfying about three—it...

Meet Diane Strand – Executive Producer, Creativepreneur & TEDx Speaker

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Diane Strand, a creative entrepreneur, executive producer, bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and nonprofit founder. She believes in the power of creativity and the arts to transform both life and business.

Get ready for some golden nuggets, including:
✔️ Why believing in yourself—51% more than your doubts—changes everything
✔️ How the next step always reveals itself (if you trust the process)
✔️ The mindset shifts that help actors and creatives thrive

Let’s dive in!

🎭 The Power of Creativity in Business & Life

Diane shares how creativity shaped her journey, from overcoming dyslexia to landing her first school play role as Betsy Ross—even when everyone told her she couldn’t do it.

💡 Key Takeaway: The arts fuel focus, persistence, and personal growth.

She now works with mainstream and special-needs individuals, proving that creativity is a universal tool for success.

💡 O...

Podcast Episode Summary

Welcome to the Acting Business Bootcamp Podcast! 🎙️ Today, we’re diving into a topic that every creative entrepreneur needs to master:

🔥 Branding.

Branding isn’t just about logos, colors, or catchy taglines—it’s about how people perceive you, connect with you, and remember you.

In this episode, I break down:
✔️ What branding really is (and what it isn’t)
✔️ How to build a personal brand without all the bells and whistles
✔️ How to stay consistent while evolving as a creative entrepreneur
✔️ How to stand out in an oversaturated market

Let’s unpack what makes a strong brand and how you can build yours—without getting caught up in unnecessary gimmicks.

🎯 Branding: More Than Just a Logo

When most people hear “branding,” they think of:
✔️ Logos
✔️ Colors
✔️ Taglines

While these can be part of branding, they’re not the most important piece.

💡 Branding is about perception. It’s the emotional connection people have with you—how they feel when they hear your nam...

Podcast Episode Summary

🚀 Big News! Mandy Fisher, VO expert extraordinaire, is now officially joining me as a co-host on the Acting Business Bootcamp Podcast! 🎉

For Mandy’s first episode as co-host, we’re diving into a game-changing concept: specificity.

💡 Why is specificity so powerful? Because when you’re clear about who you are, what you offer, and who you’re reaching out to, you’ll:
✔️ Cut through the noise and reach the right people
✔️ Build trust with casting directors, agents, and clients
✔️ Strengthen your branding, marketing, and outreach
✔️ Increase your chances of booking work

In this episode, we cover:

✅ Why vague messaging gets ignored (and how to avoid it)
✅ How to be specific in your emails, website, and portfolio
✅ The role of specificity in social media, branding, and direct marketing
✅ Actionable homework to refine your approach right now

👉 Grab a notebook, take a deep breath, and let’s dive in!

🎯 Why Specificity is a Game Changer for Actors & Creatives

In today...

Podcast Episode Summary

This week’s episode is a bit different.

I’m recording from New York, but my heart is in Los Angeles, where wildfires have been creeping dangerously close to my home.

Beyond that, I’ve been facing another personal challenge—my mom suffered a stroke over the holidays, her seventh stroke. Navigating hospital visits, stress, and uncertainty has tested me in ways I didn’t expect.

💡 So today, I want to focus on one simple but powerful tool: journaling.

When stress feels overwhelming, sometimes the only thing we can do is focus on one thing that keeps us grounded. For me, that’s stream-of-consciousness journaling.

🔥 Navigating Stress in Difficult Times

The Past Two Weeks Have Been a Lot

✔️ My mom had a stroke on Christmas night – Her seventh.
✔️ I helped get my parents settled post-hospital stay.
✔️ The LA wildfires began creeping toward my home.

And while I am safe, my family is safe, and my home is safe (for now), I know that so many others have lost thei...

Podcast Episode Summary

Is it possible to be “too nice” in the entertainment industry?

A listener asked me to tackle this topic, and I’m diving in today. 🎙️

As an actor, creative, or performer, you’ve probably heard:
❓ “You’re too nice.”
❓ “You need to be more aggressive.”
❓ “Don’t be a pushover.”

💡 But what does that really mean? And how do you balance kindness with assertiveness—without getting taken advantage of?

👉 In this episode, I break down five key strategies to help you set boundaries, make decisive choices, and stand up for yourself—while still being a respected, professional, and kind person in the industry.

🔥 Does Being “Too Nice” Hold You Back as an Actor?

There’s a fine line between being:
✔️ Kind vs. People-Pleasing
✔️ Assertive vs. Aggressive
✔️ Generous vs. Getting Walked On

💡 Actors & artists often struggle with this balance.
✔️ We want to be liked (which can lead to overcommitting).
✔️ We fear burning bridges (which can stop us from setting boundaries).
✔️ We hes...

Book a Free Consultation with Peter

Hi, everyone. I hope you had a wonderful holiday week and let me be one of the first to wish you a very happy new year.

Last week it was to close out 2024 and this week it is to welcome 2025. 

So allow yourself to find a comfortable position and if that means you need to push pause and get settled that's just fine do that now.

Book a Free Consultation with Peter

Today I'm going to be doing a meditation to close out the year. 

And you can feel free to do this meditation as many times as you want. 

Because you can also think of this meditation as being something to close out your day, or your hour, or your morning, or your month, or your week. 

But for our purposes today, it will be to close out 2024.