In this episode of Beyond The Take, Marc Chouen sits down with Michael J Puddy to tackle industry myths and uncover the realities shaping the entertainment business in 2025. From actors making political statements to the impact of streaming, they pull no punches in exploring where the industry is headed.

They cover:

• Should actors speak out at award shows?

• How streaming transformed careers in film & television

• Why relationships are just as important as talent in Hollywood

• The ripple effects of media mergers and show cancellations

• Concerns about the cancellation of late-night comedy shows

• The influence of right-wing media companies on Hollywood

• The potential impact of Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on foreign films

• Why Los Angeles still remains the industry’s central hub

This episode blends insider experience with outsider curiosity to separate myths from reality and reveal what’s really happening in Hollywood today.

What happens when you leave a career in aviation to chase your dream in Hollywood?

In this episode of Beyond The Take, Marc Chouen sits down with actress, producer, and businesswoman Marcia Lopez to explore her incredible journey from Uruguay to the U.S., where she transitioned from pilot and flight attendant to performer and storyteller.

Marcia opens up about:

• Her path from aviation to acting and producing

• The role of AI in storytelling and why it will never replace the human soul

• The challenges of building authentic connections in a transactional industry

• Her passion for horror films and psychology as tools for understanding humanity

• The evolving film industry landscape, from tax credits abroad to the impact of self-tapes and social media

• Why authenticity, collaboration, and the right advocates can make or break a career

This is a conversation about creativity, resilience, and staying true to yourself in an ever-changing industry.

What if the best acting doesn’t look like acting at all?

In this episode of Beyond The Take, Marc Chouen sits down with veteran actor, coach, and author Jeff Seymour to explore his groundbreaking “Real Life Actor Approach.” With over 40 years of experience, Jeff challenges traditional acting methods, focusing instead on authentic human behavior, presence, and communication.

Together, Marc and Jeff dig into:

• Why practical experience beats theory in acting

• How Jeff developed his “Real Life” method

• The state of today’s acting industry and its biggest flaws

• What actors really need to succeed on stage and screen

Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just starting out, Jeff’s insights will change the way you think about the craft.