Bonnie J. Wallace is the author of Young Hollywood Actors and The Hollywood Parents Guide, and mother of Emmy Award winning actress Dove Cameron. In each of the 132 episodes over 6 seasons she shares an intimate conversation with a guest from the TV/film/music world. Inspiring, entertaining & educational.
Episodes
Thursday Dec 20, 2018
Thursday Dec 20, 2018
If you caught the smash hit movie Dumplin’ this month on Netflix, you’ll be excited to know that my guest on this episode Hometown to Hollywood is it’s star, Danielle Macdonald.
In addition to Dumplin’, where Danielle starred with Jennifer Aniston and Dove Cameron, Danielle is best known for her breakout role in Patti Cake$,; she is next scheduled to be in Bird Box, with Sandra Bullock. Her work includes appearances on Glee, Pretty Little Liars, 2 Broke Girls, American Horror Story, and The Middle.
We talk about how Danielle got her start, what it was like to land in Hollywood at 18, the crazy way she got her managers and her work visa (she’s from Australia), her thoughts on the industry, and much more.
Some of my favorite quotes from our conversation:
- “You learn so many bits and pieces from so many different people on every set.”
- On reps: “It’s really about finding the people you trust and want to do this for the long-haul with.”
- You go on a set and know no one; you’re around 100 different people, and you don’t have your people there… that’s something you learn to be OK with.”
- “Sometimes you just have to be OK with being uncomfortable.”
- “You have your own journey. And you just need to follow it.”
- “Some experiences will be better than others and that’s OK.”
- “You’re allowed to have your own method, and you do not have to agree with every teacher you have.”
- “You don’t want to beat yourself up if you have a bad audition, because they happen.”
- “If you feel like you’re not understanding a character, get help from someone you trust.”
- “You don’t want to change who you are as a person, but it’s crazy to think you’re not going to grow as a human.”
- “You have to get over your self-doubt.”
- “If you don’t give up, something goes your way eventually.”
Follow Danielle HERE:
Twitter: @DLMacdonald19
Instagram: @daniellemacdonald
(Both accounts verified)
If you enjoyed hearing Danielle’s story and her advice, you should check out my new book, Young Hollywood Actors, on Amazon! It features interviews with Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, Thomas Doherty, Sarah Jeffery, Jessica Marie Garcia, Booboo Stewart, Brenna D’Amico, Garrett Clayton, Joey Brag, Victoria Moroles, Dylan Playfair, and Luke Benward (who incidentally played Danielle’s love interest Bo, in Dumplin’-!)
And if you’re ready for some one-on-one help, book a Skype consultation with me. In 60 or 90 minutes, we can cover a huge amount of ground and set you up with a personalized action plan. Start the New Year right—take action to follow your dream, so another year doesn’t go by. A dream without action is just a wish. A dream WITH action can move mountains.
Monday Dec 03, 2018
Monday Dec 03, 2018
My guest on this Hometown to Hollywood podcast episode is director and producer Andy Fickman.
Andy has directed many film, TV and theatre projects, but he is best known for his work directing She’s the Man, You Again, Race to Witch Mountain, Parental Guidance, The Game Plan, Kevin Can Wait, Liv and Maddie, Reefer Madness, and Heathers the Musical, both off Broadway and in London. He is currently directing No Good Nick for Netflix, and will direct Paramount’s upcoming Playing With Fire starring John Cena in 2019.
This is a must-listen episode for anyone interested in the entertainment industry, whether you want to act, direct, produce, write, etc. Andy shares generously and honestly, and his wisdom is priceless. He’s also just a very funny and delightful human!
We cover a wide range of topics in our conversation. Here are some of my favorite quotes:
• “The art of producing is to produce: to take nothing, and turn it into something.”
• “My love of community theatre is what gave me all of my opportunities.”
• “All of our journeys are different… you just don’t know when it is your time.”
• “Directing, to me, is a 50/50 proposition… I don’t want t be a puppeteer. I want to meet you halfway.”
• “The audition begins the minute you walk in the door.”
• “I am taking time to watch you… I don’t want to hear that ‘the dog ate your homework.’”
• “If you start your audition telling me all the reasons you’re going to fail… why are you even auditioning?”
• “Where one actor can take a piece of advice and just soar, another actor can just crash with that same piece of advice.”
• “If there’s ANYTHING else that you think you can do, or you want to do… go do it.”
• If an ounce of you is thinking not to do the industry, there is somebody who is full-up wanting to do it, and they’ll beat you.”
• “Learn the history of Hollywood.”
• “If you assume you’ll move to NY or LA and then start, you’re already behind.”
Andy stresses that if you want to be a successful actor, you need to start working toward that goal long before you reach Hollywood, and I agree. There is so much you can do right where you are.
Acting classes, practice auditioning, and learning as much as you can about the industry and how it works are all critical. My new book, Young Hollywood Actors can be part of that education, as well as a fun way to lean about some of your favorite performers.
Follow Andy HERE:
Instagram: @herrdirektor
Twitter: @andyfickman
Wednesday Nov 07, 2018
Wednesday Nov 07, 2018
My guest on this episode of the Hometown to Hollywood is Los Angeles based Vocal Coach Claire Hosterman.
Claire has studied vocal technique for over a dozen years, in Seattle, New York, Paris, and Los Angeles. She teaches via Skype and in her studio in Los Angeles, California, and provides techniques for a healthy singing voice able to navigate all styles of singing (Pop, Rock, Musical Theatre, R&B, Jazz, and Opera).
Claire works with a full range of singers— from people who have never sung before, to singers that Hollywood agents and studios send to her for training. She also works with singers directly in recording studios, helping to fine-tune them between takes of a song, to translate producers' visions to the vocal artists.
Claire teaches students from all over the world, and her clients include performers in Broadway touring shows, actors of all ages, as well as just people who want to be able to sing better!
Claire is also my oldest daughter. :)
In this interview, she shares her approach to singing, some approaches to different genres, what students can do to accelerate their learning, advice for vocal auditions, and much more.
Some of my favorite quotes from our conversation:
- “The way you approach singing is the way you approach your life.”
- “As long as you have good internet, you can take voice lessons with me from anywhere.”
- “You’ve got to put in the time and the work, like with anything else.”
- “You need to aim the sound into pockets of the face.”
- On technique and practice: “Your brain is going to understand it much faster than your body.”
- “I work with singers of all ages, including with a lot of young adults and professionals.”
- “When you just jump in and start singing, it’s never as hard as you think.”
- “There’s a fine line between fear and excitement.”
- “Technique is pure science. If you do the work, you’ll get the result.”
You can find Claire here:
Website: https://www.clairehostermanvoice.com/
Email: claire@clairehostermanvoice.com
Instagram: @claire_hosterman
Sunday Oct 14, 2018
Sunday Oct 14, 2018
Today my guest on the Hometown to Hollywood podcast is Marcie Smolin, acting coach and co-founder of The Actors Circle.
The Actors Circle is one of the top acting studios for film and television studies. They provide film and television workshops for actors of all ages and abilities in their Los Angeles studio. They provide weekly classes in film and television technique, private coaching, taping for auditions, and semiprivate and corporate specialty workshops.
Their actors have gone on to win Emmy’s Oscar’s, Tony’s, and even a Grammy!
Marcie covers SO much great stuff for actors, that this is a must-listen episode. Some of my favorite quotes from our conversation:
- “Be good. Work hard.”
- “The most important thing is to be good. It’s not the only thing.”
- “There’s no formula for being a good actor.”
- “It’s OK to take acting class, even if you’re not an actor.”
- “You have one job. You want people to believe you.”
- “The more you say something out loud, the more you find the nuances.”
- “You have enough friends. Do not make them in the waiting room.”
- “If you can hear people auditioning in the next room, don’t let it change your choices.”
- “If your child wants to be an actor, the first thing to do is get them into class.”
- “Student films are great. I’m a big believer in them.”
- “Work begets work.”
- “When you walk into casting, don’t shake someone’s hand unless they offer it first. And don’t wear perfume.”
- “Don’t let your emotional happiness be dependent on what auditions you got this week.”
- “Enjoy your life every step of the way… everybody is on a different path.”
Find Marcie Smolin and The Actors Circle HERE:
Website: http://theactorscircle.com/
Instagram: @theactorscircle
Twitter: @theactorscircle
Facebook: @theactorscircleculvercity
Wednesday Sep 26, 2018
Wednesday Sep 26, 2018
Today my guest on Hometown to Hollywood is actress Laura Marano.
Among her many TV and film credits, Laura is best known for her roles in Austin and Ally, Lady Bird, and Bad Hair Day; her upcoming movies include War with Grandpa, with Robert DeNiro, The Stand-In, and Saving Zoe, which she is producing along with her mother and sister.
Laura shares how she got started, her approach to keeping a positive attitude, great audition advice, and much more. Join us!
Some of my favorite quotes from our conversation:
- “You have to think of acting as a muscle that you have to train and strengthen.”
- “I can’t stress how important training was for me.”
- “You can’t truly act if you don’t know the words.”
- “You can look up monologues. You can film yourself on your phone. Anything you can to just practice performing is so necessary.”
- “You really have to stay true to yourself.”
- “I do truly believe everything happens for a reason.”
- “Do a play because you’ll quickly find out if you want this life or not.”
- "If it’s something you want to do, and something you have a passion for, there are so many things that no one can prepare you for until you’re in it.”
- “If you work hard at it, and it’s truly your passion and what you love, it’s inevitable that you will succeed.”
Find Laura HERE:
Twitter: @lauramarano
Instagram: @lauramarano
Facebook: @lauramaranoofficial
(all verified)
It’s easy to think that success comes overnight if you don’t know the backstory of an artist. But Laura has been working and pursuing her dream since she was a young child. And today she is transitioning successfully from child actor to adult actor, which has it’s own challenges.
Having someone to guide you through those challenges can make a big difference. If you could use some support in navigating your own journey as a young adult actor, or your child’s journey if you are a parent, book a consultation with me. In a single session, we can cover all your concerns, address issues you may not have considered, and create an action plan. Best of all: we can work together from anywhere! Most of my consultations happen over the phone or Skype. So you don't have to be in LA to benefit from my experience. In 60 to 90 minutes you can get peace of mind and know what steps to take next.
I look forward to talking with you!
Wednesday Aug 08, 2018
Wednesday Aug 08, 2018
My guest on this episode of the Hometown to Hollywood podcast is Patrick Day.
Patrick is a veteran acting coach, and director of Young Actors Space, an acclaimed acting school in Los Angeles. Young Actors Space offers classes aimed at students from age 5 on up. They also offer workshops, on camera audition technique, dialect classes, and individual coaching.
Young Actors Space was founded in 1979, and has launched a huge number of successful young actors, including Leo DiCaprio, Emma Stone, Jessica Biel, Miranda Cosgrove, Hillary Duff, Tobey Maguire, Lucy Hale, Shailene Woodley, Sabrina Carpenter and Karan Brar.
Patrick and I cover a wide range of topics, including what he thinks accounts for the extraordinary high success rate of their students, their approach to acting, the school’s motto is “Relax. Listen. React, advice to auditions and self-tapes, their summer intensives, advice for parents of young actors, and much more.
Some of my favorite quotes from our conversation:
- “The goal is to make the Improv look like the written word, and make the written word to seem as if it’s improvisation.”
- “Analyze, personalize, memorize. Relax, listen, and react.”
- “Most actors tend to rush. If you can take your time, you’ll put yourself ahead of the competition.”
- “The casting director is not an enemy. They have chosen to meet you.”
- “Everybody can learn from everybody.”
- “Read. Read out loud. Get used to reading out loud.”
- “Find a kindred spirit, and start creating content.”
- “That next person that says ‘yes’ can change your whole career.”
- “Life is an Improv.”
Follow Patrick and Young Actors Space HERE:
Website: https://youngactorsspace.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youngactorsspace
Twitter: https://twitter.com/YoungActorsSpc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/young_actors_space/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/youngactorsspace
The word "support" came up numerous times during our conversation, and this is because SUPPORT is the greatest contributing factor to a young actor's success. However, it's hard to really support your kid in their dream of becoming an actor when you don't exactly know how to do that! This is where I can help. Book a consulation with me over phone, Skype, or in Los Angeles. A single session can give you peace of mind and a detailed action plan. I look forward to talking with you!
Bonnie
Wednesday Jul 25, 2018
Wednesday Jul 25, 2018
Today my guest on Hometown to Hollywood is Social Media Marketing for Actors Expert, Heidi Dean.
Heidi Dean is the creator of Marketing4Actors.com and the 21-Day Social Rockstar Challenge. She is a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and was a working, professional SAG and AEA actor for over 20 years. Combining her years of industry experience with cutting-edge social media strategy, she helps you leverage the power of social media to open more doors for your acting career. Her clients include Emmy Award winners, Broadway stars, recording artists, directors, producers, filmmakers and actors just like you.
This is SUCH an important podcast, and we cover a huge amount of ground that will help young adult actors as well as parents, teen and child actors. We discuss the most common mistakes actors make on social media, the ideal approach to starting on social media, online safety, organizational tools, reputation management, etiquette, followers, bullying, and SO much more. Join us!
A few of my favorite quotes from our conversation:
- “This business is all about your relationships.”
- “Give yourself a little social media audit… what’s the 1st impression people have?”
- “Your reputation is everything in this business.”
- “Remember to listen before you talk on social media.”
- “Social media is a telephone, not a television; talk WITH people, not AT people.”
- “If you’re going to let your teenager run their own account, make it a requirement that they friend and follow you.”
- “Nothing is private on social media, even if it’s a private account.”
- “Turn off your geo tags.”
- “You are the boss of your social media.”
- “Start with one platform, master that one, then add another. Take baby steps.”
- “Make sure your location is turned off if you’re posting from set.”
- “Check to see if there are restrictions on what and when you can post, and what you’re required to post.”
- “Pick a time every day to do your social media.”
How to find Heidi Dean:
Website: https://marketing4actors.com/
Instagram: @marketing4actors
Twitter: @marketing4actor
Social Savvy Actor Facebook Group: www.socialmediasavvyactors.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeidiDeanMarketing4Actors
Heidi’s courses are HERE: https://marketing4actors.com/our-classes/
Freebies from Heidi Dean:
Social Media Marketing Checklist for Actors
As you can see from our conversation, there is a lot to know about managing social media for an actor—even a young actor. And we just scratched the surface! Similarly, there is a lot to know about how to get a young actor’s career started. If you’d like some guidance—and to save a serious amount of time and money—invest in an in-person, Skype, or phone consulting session with me. In 60 or 90 minutes, you can have your questions answered, (including many questions you may not know you should have!) and put together an action plan.
Go to https://bonniejwallace.com/consultations/ and schedule a consult with me today. I look forward to speaking with you!
Wednesday Jul 11, 2018
Wednesday Jul 11, 2018
Kat McNamara
Today my guest on the Hometown to Hollywood podcast is actress Kat McNamara. Kat has many credits in film and TV and on stage, but she is best known for her roles on Shadowhunters, Maze Runner, Happyland, The Fosters, and R.L. Stine’s Monsterville: Cabinet of Souls.
We cover a lot of ground, including some inspiring facts: Kat was on Broadway at the age of 13, and graduated with honors from high school at 14 and from college at 17 with a degree in business; all while working steadily! I caught her on a break from filming Shadowhunters in Toronto
Some of my favorite quotes from this podcast interview:
- “The minute this isn’t fun, don’t do it anymore.”
- “Be prepared. And then relax. And have fun.”
- “An actor’s job is to audition.”
- “If it comes your way, that’s awesome! And if it doesn’t, it wasn’t meant for you. And there’s something else out there.”
- “It’s amazing to be part of this community that ultimately is about love, acceptance, and encouraging people to be who they are.”
- “If you’re doing something and you feel accomplished, happy, and fulfilled… that’s success.”
- “I don’t really have time to focus on the negative.”
- “Find a way to look at the silver lining. Because there’s always a silver lining in every situation.”
- “If you in your own heart, are doing what you know is right, & good for you, & you’re being who you truly are, there’s no need to let anyone make you feel inferior.”
- “Never let anyone squash your dreams.”
Follow Kat HERE:
Instagram: @kitkatsmeow
Twitter: @Kat_McNamara
Facebook: @OfficialKatherineMcNamara
(all verified accounts)
Kat’s view on pursuing an acting career mirrors mine: if it’s in your heart, you should follow that dream. But if it stops being fun, let it go and do something else! The world is filled with amazing paths to pursue.
If your kid or teen has their heart set on acting, and you want to help them have their best chance at that dream, I can help you raise the odds of their success. Investing in a single consultation with me can save you years of time, thousands of dollars, and give you peace of mind. Whether you pursue a career in Hollywood, or right where you are, in your hometown.
If you’re ready for some help getting started, or are already down the road but looking to get un-stuck, schedule a phone, Skype, or in-person consultation with me today. We’ll cover the issues where you know you need help, as well as some issues you may not even be aware of!
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Thursday Jun 28, 2018
Thursday Jun 28, 2018
Today my guest on Hometown to Hollywood is Master Voiceover Actor and Coach Tish Hicks.
One of LA’s most successful voiceover artists for over 20 years, Tish is as smart, down-to-earth, and nurturing as her signature voice, which you probably have heard as the voice of countless campaigns, including Subaru (for the last seven years) and Citibank (for seven years before that), in animated series like "Ever After High" and "Stinky and Dirty".
Tish is also an acclaimed teacher, and the founder of The V.O. Dojo, a training, networking, and resource center connecting voiceover actors of all levels.
We talk about MANY things voiceover, including why Tish calls it an actor’s “secret weapon,” the major types of voiceover work available for actors, getting VO work without an agent, the kind of agent do you need for the bigger jobs, union status, what actors should do who want to expand into VO work, what should be on a beginner’s VO demo, and MUCH more!
Some of my favorite quotes from this episode:
- “Hey kids! Like theatre? Like eating? Try voiceover!”
- “The internal training is as important as the external training.”
- “Leave your inner critic outside the booth.”
- “Know that you can do it, even if you never tried.”
- “Nobody climbs a mountain by themselves.”
- “Every time you hear a voiceover, somebody gets paid.”
- “If you want to be a pro, then train like a pro, with the pros.”
- “We are essential, and we are expendable; there’s no room for mediocrity.”
- “There’s lots of people making six figures right where they are.”
- “You don’t expect to walk into a 6-week ballet class, then audition for ABT.”
How to Find Tish:
Personal website: http://tishhicks.com/vo/
VO Dojo: http://thevodojo.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thevodojo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thev.o.dojo/
The five things Tish believes are critical for a successful voiceover career—decision, mindset, technique, application, and support—are equally critical for an acting career, whether you are a child, teen or adult.
If your kid or teen has their heart set on acting, and you want to help them have their best chance at that dream, I can help you raise the odds of their success. Investing in a single consultation with me can save you years of time, thousands of dollars, and give you peace of mind. Whether your pursue a career in Hollywood, or right where you are, in your hometown.
If you’re ready for some help getting started, or are already down the road but looking to get un-stuck, schedule a phone, Skype, or in-person consultation with me today. We’ll cover the issues where you know you need help, as well as some issues you may not even be aware of!
Did this post help or inspire you? Share it with someone who would enjoy it! Thanks!
Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Thursday Jun 14, 2018
Hi, thanks for joining us on Hometown to Hollywood! Today my guest on this podcast is Hollywood casting director Marci Liroff.
Marci is an independent casting director who has cast over 50 films, many of them iconic. While working at the renowned casting office of Fenton-Feinberg Casting she, along with Mike Fenton, cast such films as the Academy Award-nominated Poltergeist; Steven Spielberg’s E.T., Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner.
After establishing her own casting company in 1983, MARCI LIROFF CASTING, Marci cast successful films like Footloose, St. Elmo’s Fire, Pretty in Pink, The Spitfire Grill, Untamed Heart, Freaky Friday, Mean Girls, Mr. Popper’s Penguins, The Iron Giant, Vampire Academy and The Sublime and Beautiful, which she produced as well.
Marcie is a member of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and The Casting Society of America.
Some of my favorite quotes from our conversation:
- “If a director is watching your audition, & you don’t grab them immediately—BOOM!— instantly they’re going to click away.”
- “This is art, but it’s also business. And we can’t get the money from investors unless we have some sort of name attached to sell it.”
- “When someone walks in, and they look right for the part, my inner voice is going, “Please be good, please be good, please be good!”
- “I’m looking for authenticity, and honesty, and that they’re prepared.”
- “I think it’s a great idea for any actor to work with a coach beforehand.”
- “You have to be off-book on your very first audition. And you need to have made distinct choices, so I can see how your brain works.”
- “Just say, ‘I’m going to start over,’ rather than, ‘Oh, I’m so sorry,, I always do this, can I please start over?’”
- “Don’t fall apart (if you forget a line). It’s not life or death here… It’s how you react to the situation that gives us confidence in you.”
- “If you get an audition for something, and you start questioning, ‘what am I doing here, I’m not right for this,’ don’t do that to yourself… because WE see something in you that’s right for it.”
- “Maybe you’re not right for this. But we will remember you for the next thing.”
- “We’re getting thousands of submissions for each role. Thousands. If you’re one of the 50 that are called in—you’ve already won.”
- “Your only goal should be to consistently go into these rooms and be good. And start building a foundation with the casting directors, producers, & directors, so that they’ll remember you for the next thing.”
- “We bring you in because we’re your biggest fan, and we’re trying to get you this role.”
- “I think actors should watch 1-2 episodes of every TV show that’s out there. When you get an audition the night before, I’d rather see you spending that time preparing for the audition, rather than having to catch up.”
- “If you wouldn’t do it in the real world, don’t do it on social media.”
- “So much of this is mindset and perspective, and that’s the one thing that you can control.”
Marci’s DVD course Marci Liroff’s Audition Bootcamp, is available to purchase on her website, http://www.marciliroff.com/.
Here is a link to Marci’s online course on the Udemy platform:
https://www.udemy.com/how-to-star-on-tv-and-in-the-movies/?couponCode=BOOTCAMP3
Check them out!
Follow Marci here:
Website: http://www.marciliroff.com/
Twitter: @marciliroff
Instagram: @marciliroff
Facebook: @MarciLiroffFans
Link to “How to self-tape your audition like a rock star” HERE
Link to Deadline article about the Child Performers Protection Act HERE
Links to the 6-part article from Marci’s blog on what Casting Directors do are below:
INSIDE THE WORLD OF CASTING Part I
NSIDE THE WORLD OF CASTING - PART 2
INSIDE THE WORLD OF CASTING - PART 3
INSIDE THE WORLD OF CASTING PART 4
INSIDE THE WORLD OF CASTING PART 5
INSIDE THE WORLD OF CASTING PART 6
This was one of the most informative podcasts I’ve ever had the pleasure of producing, and one of my biggest takeaways is Marci’s emphasis on the importance of mindset to success. This really can’t be emphasized enough.
So much of what makes a difference in getting cast—as well as simple quality of life—is about your mindset. Every successful actor I know shares this belief.
Look for more writing and focus on mindset in upcoming blog posts, courses and books here… and meanwhile, if you are looking for immediate help in a breakthrough for your career or the career of your young actor, book a consultation with me over Skype or in person in Los Angeles. For little more than the cost of an hour with an acting coach, you can have a breakthrough in your success on this journey. I look forward to speaking with you!