Hollywood's Obsession Pay Problem? This Indie Film Already Solved It

What'd He Do If Money Was No Object? Not What I Expected.

Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast, episode 90!  We're back after a small hiatus, and this one goes deeper than we expected. Rían just did his first stage show in years — and we get into what actually changes when you go from screen to stage: no cuts, no second takes, and what it feels like when your scene partner drops their line. That story turns into something bigger — an honest conversation about the illusion of "planning" a career, why we changed our mind about a piece of advice we used to swear by, and what it means to actually be in service of the work instead of the other way around. Then comes the big question: E-Kan and Rían answer what if money and time weren't an issue, what would you actually be doing with your life? The answer wasn't what either of us expected..  Funny, honest, and always full of surprises. Welcome back. Did you know we're in Season 2 of the show? And we have new ways to support the podcast! Support the Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ActorsGuidePod [https://www.patreon.com/cw/ActorsGuidePod] New episodes every week! Follow @actorsguidepodcast wherever you find your podcasts. Please like, follow, review, and rate if you can. @ekansoong @ríansheehykelly Show Links: Ethan Hawke interview- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B34ncZbahw [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B34ncZbahw] Shaan Sharma episode- ep 45 - youtube.com/watch?v=tVcU1eMet00&feature=youtu.be Distress Signals Project - https://www.instagram.com/distresssignalsproject/ Hidden Gems: Young Playwrights Festival - https://www.theblank.com/ypf LA Compost at Sherman Oaks Farmers Market- https://www.lacompost.org/events-1/y88ptsz8dhxmsty-4nfpe-y3dbe-jdbwr-6px5h-tzwjy-bxrk4-jzjz6-4wh2z [https://www.lacompost.org/events-1/y88ptsz8dhxmsty-4nfpe-y3dbe-jdbwr-6px5h-tzwjy-bxrk4-jzjz6-4wh2z]   Time stamps:  (00:00) Intro (01:13) Getting back on stage after 20 years (05:00) Dealing with a short rehearsal process (06:00) Working with the best young playwrights in the country (09:22) Constructing your career is an illusion (10:25) This is the best environment we love to work in (16:09) Ethan Hawke and being in service to the art (18:43) Does focusing an acting career need a balance? (21:15) We never know how good we have it (23:18) What adjustments did you need to make on stage? (25:25) Handling dropping your lines on stage (27:05) What would you do with your life if money was no object? (37:31) Hidden Gems

Don't Quit Before the Miracle Happens - The Actor's Mindset Reset

Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the Podcast, Episode 89! We will be getting back to brand new episode THIS WEEK - but until then, another throwback to our favorites. Someone posted on Reddit: "13 years and it might be time to face reality." No breakout role. No big moment. Just years of almost. And the big question looms- am I wasting my time? What starts as one actor's crisis turned into a real, unfiltered conversation about doubt, delusional belief, and things get real.  Along the way: incredible Jim Carrey story that'll change how you think about writing your own future, an honest admission of "am I even good at this," and another great reminder how any small job or audition can turn into something much larger. Then E-Kan's recent conversation with a Lyft driver inspires him and sparks an incredible lesson learned in one of our favorite bits from Episode 10 where we talk about the "super power" to balancing the side hustle with our creative passion that  Silicon Valley figured out that most actors never do. But of course it's not as easy as it sounds. Also you'll hear why Rían used to hate the phrase "I'm living the life beyond my wildest dreams.." but not anymore. If you've ever needed a reminder that the no's don't get the last word — this one's for you. All full episode links below.  Did you know we're in Season 2 of the show? And we have new ways to support the podcast! Support the Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ActorsGuidePod [https://www.patreon.com/cw/ActorsGuidePod] New episodes every week! Follow @actorsguidepodcast wherever you find your podcasts. Please like, follow, review, and rate if you can. @ekansoong @ríansheehykelly Show Links: Reddit Post episode- #61 - youtube.com/watch?v=dxUrrb1BRS4&feature=youtu.be Audio - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/an-actors-crisis-when-is-it-actually-time-to-give-up/id1776516950?i=1000743246046 Silicon Valley episode - Episode #10 -Video -youtube.com/watch?v=GYmTk39YFUU&feature=youtu.be https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/affleck-ai-and-the-secret-to-juggling-your-side-hustle/id1776516950?i=1000682170883 Time Stamps:  (00:00) Intro (01:24) Reddit Post that started it all - Should I give up? (05:12) Don't Quit Before The Miracle Happens (11:46) What is out of our control as an actor? (15:10) Waiting is the worst (19:00) The Best Jim Carrey Story (23:52) The Question is the Problem (26:29) The small audition that led to working opposite Brad Pitt (27:44) The Uber Driver's daughter inspired E-Kan (30:03) Not expecting your art to pay for your life (30:47) This Silicon Valley hack would make actors unstoppable (36:50) E-Kan's father was embarrassed he was an actor (39:01) Desi Lydic didn't put her life on hold for Daily Show (41:43) Rían used to hate the phrase "Living Beyond Your Wildest Dreams

What It Actually Takes for Actors to Not Give Up

Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 88! This is another thematic episode- we all been there, it's just easier to quit than to keep pushing on. But this one is our favorite, most inspirational bits from actors and former guests from the other side - and why it's worth it.  We start with the five words Denzel Washington told a struggling Delroy Lindo — advice that stuck for 48 years and this year he was nominated for an Oscar. Then former guest Mel Rodriguez takes us through the power of "delusional belief" (his words), the wild, almost-too-crazy-to-be-true life changing story where everything changed for him, and the personal fitness transformation that came after.  We also get into what it really means to "own the room" in the digital age of acting— including some wisdom passed down through Jacob Elordi (yes our favorite Jacob), Robert Redford's blunt advice on the secret to having a long acting career, and why you don't want to emulate Michael Phelps if you want to learn to swim. And we close on the power of damaging limiting beliefs, a gem from Colman Domingo - how Rían and E-Kan battled doubt, and how "5,000 Yellowstones and not enough of Asians on TV" turned into E-Kan "making my own." If you need a reminder that the no's don't get the last word — this one's for you. All full episode links below.  Did you know we're in Season 2 of the show? And we have new ways to support the podcast! Support the Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ActorsGuidePod [https://www.patreon.com/cw/ActorsGuidePod] New episodes every week! Follow @actorsguidepodcast wherever you find your podcasts. Please like, follow, review, and rate if you can. @ekansoong @ríansheehykelly Denzel's advice to Delroy Lindo - Episode #67)- Video - https://studio.youtube.com/video/qjqA9_jIYnw/edit [https://studio.youtube.com/video/qjqA9_jIYnw/edit] Audio - https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/denzel-told-him-dont-quit-48-years-ago-now-hes-oscar/id1776516950?i=1000749164995 Mel Rodriguez's Episode #78 - Video- https://youtu.be/4zxSzGYkjfI [https://youtu.be/4zxSzGYkjfI] Audio - https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/will-forte-bob-odenkirk-and-why-he-almost-left/id1776516950?i=1000764213545   Audition Mindset - Episode #77 - Video- https://youtu.be/UUVrDszSXPw Audio - https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/how-to-own-your-audition-when-the-room-gives-you-nothing/id1776516950?i=1000763018694 Limiting Beliefs - Episode #73 -Video - https://youtu.be/UfozV6YTktI https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/these-beliefs-held-my-acting-career-back-for-years/id1776516950?i=1000757217259   Time Stamps:  (00:00) Intro (01:18) Denzel Washington's Advice to Delroy Lindo (03:46) Mel Rodriguez on the moment that his career changed (05:05) Take the bitter with the sweet (06:40) You need to have Delusional Belief (08:35) How Mel Rodriguez lost 175 pounds (13:45) Be the Air Conditioner, Not the Thermostat (16:25) Assume everyone's on your side (18:05) Don't emulate Michael Phelps if you want to learn to swim (21:03) Irreverent Reverence and Jacob Elordi (22:50) Robert Redford's secret to an acting career (23:30) Be one of the crazy ones (25:12) These beliefs held me back for years (26:12) Try to enjoy every bit of it (27:40) What's the story you're telling yourself?

Ben Affleck Said AI Is Just a Tool. Then He Sold His AI Company to Netflix.

Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 87! This is another change of pace - Rían is busy in rehearsals for getting on stage, and    E-Kan is producing a series but have no fear, new recordings will be coming soon. Until then, this is a super mashup - unreleased segments and previous bits we feel are relevant to this week's topic - AI in Hollywood, but specifically with the many voices from celebrities and AI experts - who can we trust?  Guillermo del Toro and Tilda Swinton loudly proclaimed at Cannes, AI has no place in cinema, while Ethan Hawke says it's devoid of the very soul that is in art and creativity.  Our recent guest Heather-Ashley Boyer, LA Sag-Aftra board member and AI Safety expert tells us about dangers Hollywood isn't even aware of yet. Then of course, we have the many celebrity voices, also with financial stake in the technology, the loudest of which is Ben Affleck, who just sold his AI company to Netflix for $600 million.  So where will you stand?  All full episode links below.  Did you know we're in Season 2 of the show? And we have new ways to support the podcast! Support the Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ActorsGuidePod [https://www.patreon.com/cw/ActorsGuidePod] New episodes every week! Follow @actorsguidepodcast wherever you find your podcasts. Please like, follow, review, and rate if you can. @ekansoong @ríansheehykelly LINKS: Ethan Hawke on AI- https://www.instagram.com/reels/DT8tKRNFEBx/ [https://www.instagram.com/reels/DT8tKRNFEBx/] Heather-Ashley Boyer full conversation (Episode 83)- YouTube -https://youtu.be/hgbDY6cuG-o?si=1QVA-kivkrpyR6E6 Audio - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-the-picket-lines-to-the-united-nations-actor/id1776516950?i=1000771101672 AI Simulation Disaster Forbes article- https://fortune.com/2026/05/28/ai-model-simulation-claude-chatgpt-grok-gemini/ Claude's latest model pulled- https://www.wired.com/story/anthropic-says-us-government-ordered-it-to-shut-down-mythos-models/ [https://www.wired.com/story/anthropic-says-us-government-ordered-it-to-shut-down-mythos-models/]    Ben Affleck AI thoughts (2024)- https://www.cnbc.com/video/2024/11/13/ai-doesnat-stand-a-chance-against-actors-or-shakespeare-ben-affleck-says.html Full Ben Affleck AI, Episode 10- youtube.com/watch?v=GYmTk39YFUU&feature=youtu.be Audio-https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/affleck-ai-and-the-secret-to-juggling-your-side-hustle/id1776516950?i=1000682170883 Affleck sells AI company - https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/ben-affleck-ai-netflix-1236521806/ Full conversation - Episode 77 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUVrDszSXPw&feature=youtu.be [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUVrDszSXPw&feature=youtu.be] audio - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-own-your-audition-when-the-room-gives-you-nothing/id1776516950?i=1000763018694 Time Stamps: (00:00) Intro (01:44) Is AI just a novelty? (04:08) Ethan Hawke on AI (04:50) "The Oppenheimer of AI" (09:17) Government pulls latest AI model for security risk (09:34) Reese Witherspoon's take on AI is trash (12:46) Ben Affleck says AI is a tool (17:25) Ben Affleck sells his AI company to Netflix for $600M (20:10) His AI company might gut the Hollywood workforce (23:40) Who's going to protect Hollywood workers?

Hollywood's Obsession Pay Problem? This Indie Film Already Solved It

Welcome to the Actor's Guide to the End of the World Podcast, Episode 86! This is not a typical episode, but incredibly timely. Last week, E-Kan and Rían dove into the viral story of the art director of "Obsession", a massive success that has taken over Hollywood. Sally Choi blows the whistle on low film crew rates and opens a very important conversation on the financial stability of the indie film industry. She made $300 a day, "Obsession" makes over $250 million. Is this fair? (Links to all the episodes below.) So we wanted to bring back some previous segments that are more relevant to this conversation than ever.  First, the Oscar-nominated Colman Domingo led "Sing Sing" that paid everyone, cast and crew the same and gave them shares of equity. And "Obsession" is also about how YouTube filmmakers can gain acceptance and credibility outside the studio system. We discuss YouTube giant Markiplier who self-distributed his own feature "Iron Lung" in theaters to massive success. On the studio scale, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck struck a Netflix deal for their feature "The Rip" and offered performance bonuses to the crew if they had success on the streamer. Will this be a sign of the times? E-Kan was skeptical, but you're going to have to hear it for yourself. Did you know we're in Season 2 of the show? And we have new ways to support the podcast! Support the Podcast: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ActorsGuidePod [https://www.patreon.com/cw/ActorsGuidePod] New episodes every week! Follow @actorsguidepodcast wherever you find your podcasts. Please like, follow, review, and rate if you can. @ekansoong @ríansheehykelly LINKS: Obsession’s Hollywood Pay Problem (Episode 85) - Sing Sing’s new pay model (Episode 21) - Markiplier’s Self Distributes - (Episode 70)-youtube.com/watch?v=ssD0nQCEb_c&feature=youtu.be Affleck Damon Netflix Deal (Episode 64) -   Time Stamps:  (00:00) Intro (01:18) "Sing Sing" reinvents the indie film model (06:09) YouTuber Markiplier self-distributes massive film release (17:09) Affleck and Damon get performance bonus for crew (21:28) Update on Affleck Damon deal