What does it really take to build a lasting career in acting, and what are talent agents looking for today?

In this episode of Next Act, host Jeff Ornstein sits down with Beverly Brock, President and Owner of The Brock Agency, Inc., to explore the realities of talent representation, the changing entertainment industry, and what separates successful actors from those who struggle to break through.

With more than 35 years of experience representing actors and screenwriters, Beverly shares an insider's perspective on how casting has evolved, why authenticity matters more than ever, and how aspiring performers can stand out in a competitive industry.

From the shift to virtual auditions and self-tapes to building relationships with casting directors, Beverly offers practical advice for actors at every stage of their careers. She also discusses launching Eagles Wings Entertainment to champion screenwriters and bring compelling stories to the screen.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What talent agents look for when signing new actors.
• How virtual auditions have changed the casting process.
• Why professionalism, responsiveness, and authenticity matter.
• How aspiring actors can build experience before seeking representation.
• What makes a screenplay stand out to producers.
• Why resilience and staying true to yourself are essential for career longevity.

Whether you're entering the entertainment industry for the first time, transitioning from another career, or looking to take your acting journey further, Beverly's insights offer a valuable look at what it takes to succeed behind and in front of the camera.

What happens when you achieve everything you thought you wanted, only to realize you're not happy?

On this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Jeff sits down with Ash T, a former physician and medical researcher who walked away from a successful career at MD Anderson Cancer Center to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming an actor.

After years of dedication to medicine, Ash had the career, salary, and stability most people dream of. But something was missing. At the height of his medical career, he made the bold decision to start over in Hollywood, trading financial security for a life driven by passion and creativity.

Since making that leap, Ash has appeared in acclaimed television series including Better Call Saul, Euphoria, Dead to Me, and The Pitt. He has also expanded into writing and producing, co-creating the award-winning pilot Son of a Bikram, which received a Special Jury Award at SXSW.

Throughout their conversation, Jeff and Ash explore the realities of reinventing yourself, overcoming fear, navigating rejection, and finding fulfillment beyond traditional measures of success. Ash shares how his medical background unexpectedly helped his acting career, why he believes actors should create their own opportunities, and how persistence has carried him through Hollywood's unpredictable highs and lows.

From selling his house to finance a passion project to facing silent audiences as a stand-up comedian, Ash's journey is a reminder that meaningful success often requires taking risks, embracing uncertainty, and refusing to give up on what you love.

Whether you're considering a career change, pursuing a creative dream, or wondering if it's too late to start over, this conversation offers an inspiring perspective on courage, resilience, and building a life without regrets.

What does it take to leave behind a traditional career and bet on yourself as a filmmaker?

On this episode of Next Act with Jeff Ornstein, Jeff sits down with Adnan Amir, an award-winning British actor, filmmaker, author, and Founder and CEO of Colossal Films.

Adnan shares his unconventional journey from studying law to building a career in film and creating Back 2 Forward, an independent romantic thriller he wrote, produced, directed, and starred in. What began as an idea for a novel ultimately became an award-winning film and expanded into the larger Back 2 Forward Universe through a series of companion novels.

Adnan opens up about making an ambitious independent film with extremely limited resources, wearing multiple hats behind and in front of the camera, and why passion and persistence can sometimes matter more than having the perfect budget.

He also shares the personal challenges behind the project, including losing his mother and his home during the filmmaking journey, and how those experiences strengthened his belief in resilience, mindset, and continuing forward through adversity.

Jeff and Adnan also discuss the importance of film festivals for independent filmmakers, maintaining creative control, overcoming fear, building confidence, and what audiences can expect next from Colossal Films.

For anyone considering their own next act, Adnan's story is a reminder that changing direction can be difficult, but sometimes the biggest opportunities begin when you're willing to take the leap.