Tech and Talent

Actor‑producer David Bianchi joins Jonathan and Brett to unpack how AI and new tech are reshaping entertainment — from the SAG‑AFTRA contract debate over synthetic humans to real risks around digital replicas and influencer‑style virtual talent.
They discuss David’s Mastering Your Self‑Tape approach (picture, sound, light), practical tips for actors to stay competitive, and the need for entrepreneurial thinking as productions shift globally. David also describes his Emmy‑nominated series Rzr, its blockchain distribution, and the show’s themes of brain‑computer interfaces and cyberpunk futures.
Key takeaways: why the SAG vote matters, what "significant additional value" in the contract could mean, how actors can level up self‑tapes, and why creators should own IP and build audiences to protect their careers.

In this episode we sit down with Jason Lockhart, owner and head talent agent at Atlanta Models & Talent, to unpack the rise of vertical content, how AI is reshaping entertainment, and what that means for actors. Jason explains why he launched a vertical division, how non-union vertical projects are creating steady opportunities, and how agents and actors should approach new technology like AI avatars.
Topics include: the vertical trend and its career potential, AI’s current and future impact on casting and representation, contract concerns (overtime, likeness use), the ethics of unpaid work, and practical advice for actors — from building footage and daily craft work to submitting self-tapes and leveraging platforms like Actors Access. Jason also shares his experience buying AMT, launching new departments, and creative business strategies that benefit talent.
Expect actionable takeaways, candid stories (including client wins and a dog-sitting origin story), and resources to explore further such as amtagency.com, rehearseNow.ai, prodigytalenttraining.com and Jason’s book Ask an Agent (Get Jason's Book Here!). Whether you’re an aspiring actor or industry pro, this episode maps emerging opportunities and pitfalls in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Plus, stick around to the end of the episode for a special BTS clip in which Brett, Jonathan, and Jason have a brief chat with the legendary Jesse Malinowski as he signs off!
***Grab your 14 days of FREE full access to RehearseNow by clicking here --> www.RehearseNow.ai/Tech

Hosts Jonathan McFadden and Brett Newton sit down with actor-entrepreneur Jesse Malinowski (Get Scene Studios) to discuss acting, entrepreneurship, and the mindset that turns big goals into simple actions. Jesse shares how Get Scene evolved into a hub for career-changing shifts, the annual Southeast Actors Summit, and practical lessons from building a thriving training company.
The conversation dives into AI and tech-driven workflows—Claude, ChatGPT, Autopod, automated podcast editing, and AI-enhanced headshots—plus how these tools power content, marketing, and audition prep. Jesse also offers concrete guidance on communication with agents and casting directors, tracking auditions, and marketing strategies actors can use to stand out.
Expect candid stories about bookings and career wins, motivational lessons on overcoming perfectionism, and actionable steps for actors, creators, and entrepreneurs who want systems, momentum, and real-world results. Check out Get Scene Studios -- GetSceneStudios.com.**Tech and Talent is powered by RehearseNow.ai and ProdigyTalentTraining.com

In this episode of Tech and Talent, Brett Newton (Executive Producer with over a billion world wide views ) and Jonathan McFadden (full time host and talent) sit down with casting director, director, educator, and all-around industry genius Erica Arvold — and fair warning: when Erica starts talking about actors, creativity, process, and what actually makes performances work… Jonathan goes full fanboy. Completely and unapologetically.
And honestly? If you’re an actor anywhere — especially in the Southeast — and auditions matter to your career, you need to watch or listen to this entire episode. 
Erica brings decades of experience from Chicago theatre to L.A. to the booming Southeast market, and the conversation dives deep into what actually makes actors bookable, how casting decisions are really made, and why empathy and humanity still matter in an industry racing toward AI and automation.
They talk about approaching auditions and self-tapes without overthinking, the difference between audition acting and on-set acting, building your “acting muscle” across genres, and how actors can make stronger, more authentic choices in the room. Erica also shares practical advice about protecting your likeness, understanding AI-related contract language, and why technology may change the business — but won’t replace human instinct anytime soon.
The episode also explores Erica’s directing and coaching philosophy, actor preparation, storytelling, creative longevity, and how artists can maintain both agency and adaptability in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.
Bottom line: this isn’t just a conversation about acting. It’s a conversation about what makes great performers memorable — and how actors can build careers that actually last.
Learn more about Erica, her classes, coaching, and her book at Arvold.com. Sponsored by: RehearseNow.ai and ProdigyTalentTraining.com

In this episode Brett and Jonathan sit down with Los Angeles casting director Paul Ruddy to explore the rapid changes reshaping the entertainment industry. They discuss the rise of vertical dramas (mobisodes/micro‑dramas), self‑tapes, AI tools and how casting processes and distribution timelines have accelerated.
Paul shares his career journey from agency work and Hallmark/Lifetime films to casting for vertical platforms, explains how verticals create new career paths and pay well, and debunks common casting myths and misinformation circulating among actors and coaches.
The conversation covers practical casting realities — in‑person vs. self‑tape auditions, production speed, what casting directors look for (preparedness, clarity of choice, teamwork), the influence casting has on final decisions, and why actors who adapt now gain a major advantage. Follow Paul Ruddy on Instagram @PaulRuddyCasting. 

A filmmaking masterclass disguised as a podcast. Brett and Jonathan sit down with Swirl Films founder and CEO Eric Tomosunas to talk indie film distribution, AI in entertainment, vertical content, and how creators can survive the changing industry. Learn more about Eric's company at SwirlFilms.com. 
 

Episode 6: Casting Is Changing
If you’re an actor trying to stop guessing, stand out in auditions, and actually book work—this episode is required listening.
In this episode of Tech and Talent, Jonathan, Brett, and casting director Rhavynn Drummer (with Chad Darnell and Al Dollar) get real about what’s actually happening in casting right now—and what actors are getting completely wrong.
They break down the truth about AI in auditions, including the rise of AI readers and even the possibility of AI-generated self-tapes, and where casting actually stands on using it. They dive deep into commercial auditions, over-direction, and why so many actors are wasting time trying to “get it right” instead of doing what actually books.
You’ll also hear:
Why casting still values human connection over perfect tapes
What separates actors who almost book from actors who consistently work
The real reason some actors get cast (and others don’t—even when they’re better)
How props, choices, and bold decisions can make you unforgettable
Why clarity in your headshots and branding matters more than versatility
The difference between vertical vs. traditional (horizontal) acting—and how to adjust your performance
Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at callbacks, industry politics, and how decisions actually get made at the producer and studio level.
 

On this episode of Tech and Talent, hosts dive into the collision of AI and entertainment with guest Chad Darnell. The conversation covers concerns about user agreements and IP ownership for AI-generated content, the rapid evolution of generative tools, and how creators can protect their work. Chad shares behind-the-scenes stories from casting and low-budget productions, including a tense on-set conflict and a last-minute role upgrade. They discuss the rise of vertical filmmaking — writing, shooting, and distributing micro-dramas — plus monetization challenges, distribution strategies, and practical tips for independent creators. The episode also explores AI’s impact on writing and production workflows, ethical and environmental considerations, and why adaptable, prepared artists will thrive in this changing landscape.

Oh man, you’ve gotta hear this — Brett and Jonathan break down vertical micro-dramas, the tech that’s changing auditions, and why your demo reel might be the single best career move right now. There's good info in here (even if Jonathan is CLEARLY not a morning person!)Practical tips, behind-the-scenes truths, and a few laughs about audition chaos. Trust me, it’ll leave you ready to hustle smarter, not harder.

While Jonathan is working a gig in NYC, Rhavynn Drummer, longtime casting director at Tyler Perry Studios and founder of Rad Media, joins Brett to discuss casting, producing, and how AI tools like HeyGen and Eleven Labs are changing the industry. They cover actor-as-producer strategies, vertical content, practical AI uses for reels, self-tapes and voice cloning, legal/IP precautions, and workshops and resources for actors looking to create their own work. Find Rhavynn here --> https://linktr.ee/rhavynn?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio
Tech and Talent is sponsored by RehearseNow.ai and ProdigyTalentTraining.com