Your headshot is often the first impression you make in the entertainment industry. But what actually makes a great acting headshot? How do you choose the right photographer, know which looks to capture, and make sure your photos represent who you are as an actor?

This week on Behind the Curtain, I’m joined by Toronto-based headshot photographer Lauren Vandenbrook, who has been working in the industry for 18 years. We get into the world of headshot photography, what actors should know before stepping in front of the camera, the importance of capturing your personality, and how the right headshots can help you put your best foot forward in the casting process.

Whether you’re an emerging actor booking your first headshot session, or an experienced performer thinking about updating your portfolio, this conversation is full of insights to help you approach your next headshot session with more confidence.

And before you go, I have some exciting news! I’ve made it into the TOP 10 for the Top Host competition, and I’m hoping to make it into the Top 5! Your votes would mean so much. You can vote for me here:

https://tophost.org/2026/anastasia-pioro

Thank you for supporting Behind the Curtain and helping me keep these conversations going!

Follow Lauren on Instagram: @lvimagery

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Creating a TV series is one thing. Getting people to watch it is another. How do you bring a creative idea to life, find your audience, and get your work out into the world?

In this episode of Behind the Curtain, I sit down with Jeff and Jake, the co-creators of Estate of Mind, a new series on Bell Fibe TV1. We discuss the creative process behind making the show, the decisions that shaped how the story was told, and why talking about your work and getting it in front of an audience can be just as important as creating it.

This conversation is for actors, comedians, filmmakers, and creatives navigating the entertainment industry who want to bring their ideas to life and build an audience for their work. If you’re interested in the realities of creating television and what it takes to get a project out into the world, this episode is for you.

Follow Estate of Mind on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/estateofmindtv/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What actually makes an actor stand out to a director? And what happens after you book the job?

Director and producer Daniel Tal takes us behind the scenes of casting, commercials, and life on set — including what directors notice in the audition room, the mistakes actors commonly make, and what can make a real difference once you’re working on set.

We also talk about Daniel’s experience working in the casting process, directing commercials in Toronto, collaborating with actors, and what he wishes more performers understood about the relationship between casting and directing.

If you’re an actor navigating auditions, commercials, film or television, this conversation offers a look at the industry from the other side of the camera — and some practical insight into how to show up prepared, professional and ready to work.

Follow Daniel on Instagram: @daniel_total

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What does it really take to build a lasting acting career—and what can you learn from an actor who has spent 20 years navigating the entertainment industry?

In this episode of Behind the Curtain, I’m joined by Tanisha to talk about her acting journey, what she has learned throughout two decades in the industry, and how she landed a lead role in a Lifetime movie. We get into the realities of building an acting career, going after bigger opportunities, and what it takes to keep moving forward in an industry that can be unpredictable. Tanisha also shares how her experiences have shaped the way she now mentors and coaches other actors.

Whether you’re an actor trying to book bigger roles, building a long-term career, or looking for guidance from someone who has been through the ups and downs of the industry, this conversation offers an honest look at what it takes to keep growing as an actor—and how the lessons you learn along the way can eventually help you guide others.

Follow Tanisha Thammavongsa on Instagram: @tanishathamma

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Think TIFF is just red carpets, celebrities and movie premieres? Think again. For Canadian actors and creatives, the Toronto International Film Festival can be an opportunity to learn, connect, build relationships and better understand the industry—but knowing how to actually use TIFF to your advantage is a different story.

In this solo episode of Behind the Curtain, I break down what TIFF is, why it matters to Canadian creatives, and how you can approach the festival strategically—even if you’re new to the industry and wondering whether you have any reason to be there. I talk about networking, meeting industry professionals, finding opportunities, making genuine connections and getting more out of TIFF than simply watching movies or hoping to spot a celebrity. I also break down TIFF: The Market, the new official content market launching in 2026, and what it could mean for Canadian filmmakers, actors and other screen-industry creatives as TIFF expands its role in the business side of the industry.

Whether you’re an actor, filmmaker, emerging creative, or simply trying to figure out how to navigate the Canadian entertainment industry, this episode will help you look at TIFF through a different lens—and hopefully make the festival feel a little more accessible. If you found this episode helpful, follow Behind the Curtain and share it with another Canadian creative who should know how to make the most of TIFF.

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What happens when you’ve already built a career in Canada — and decide it’s time to take the leap to LA?

In this episode of Behind the Curtain, I sit down with Canadian Screen Award-nominated actor and comedian Clare McConnell for an honest conversation about her career, from Toronto’s comedy and theatre scene to working in television and ultimately making the move to Los Angeles.

Clare shares what she learned from her years in the Canadian industry, her experiences on Murdoch Mysteries, Star Trek: Discovery, and Slasher, and the realities of navigating a new market as a working actor.

We also discuss the differences between the Canadian and American entertainment industries, the expectations actors can have about LA before moving, and what it takes to keep growing when your career enters a completely new chapter.

A conversation about taking risks, building a career, and figuring out where you actually want to be.

Follow Clare McConnell on Instagram: @itsclaremcconnell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’re building an acting career while juggling multiple creative paths, it can be difficult to know how all of your skills fit together. In this episode of Behind the Curtain, we explore how music, acting, and the entertainment industry can intersect—and how those different skills can ultimately strengthen your career as an artist.

Nck Name is an actor, musician, music producer, audio engineer, and composer. We talk about how his journey began with music and eventually led him into acting, how his experience in audio engineering and composition influences the way he approaches performance, and what it’s really been like navigating the ups and downs of a creative career. He also opens up about the challenges, setbacks, and struggles that have shaped his path along the way.

This conversation is for actors, musicians, and emerging creatives trying to build a career in the entertainment industry without putting themselves into just one box.

Follow Nck Name: @nckname

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What does an entertainment publicist actually do—and does every actor need one?

In this episode of Behind the Curtain, I sit down with entertainment publicist Brittany Bell for an honest conversation about publicity, media, personal branding, and what happens behind the scenes of building a career in the entertainment industry.

We discuss how actors can approach PR, when it makes sense to work with a publicist, how press opportunities come together, and the importance of building authentic relationships throughout your career.

In this episode, we cover:

• What an entertainment publicist actually does

• When actors should consider hiring a publicist

• How media coverage and interviews happen

• Building a personal brand in today’s industry

• Common misconceptions about PR

• Advice for actors and emerging creatives

Whether you’re an actor, filmmaker, or content creator, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most misunderstood roles in the entertainment industry.

Follow Rhetor Network on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhetornetwork/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.