How I Booked 8 Acting Roles On Major TV Shows in a Year from Udemy

UPDATE: Thank you all for your incredible feedback on the course. I am so happy to hear how it's helping so many actors on their road to stardom. Keep the messages and comments coming.

Since early 2014, I've booked 8 speaking roles on major network and cable television shows, including Person of Interest, Law & Order: SVU, Mysteries of Laura, Royal Pains, and Blue Bloods. I shared a scene with Dane DeHaan in Marvel's The Amazing Spider-Man 2. On the commercial side — during that same time period — I booked national Welch's and Dr. Scholl's ads.

Look me up on IMDb to see my success.

Learn the principles I put into practice to go from sporadic auditions and rare bookings (1 co-star in 2013, zero in 2012) to booking with regularity and making fans of casting directors so they keep calling me in for auditions.

Now casting directors will keep seeing me, again and again, until I get a role on the show they're casting.

These tools and tricks work for any role in the on-camera world (TV, film, commercials, industrials, sketch, even print ads). Instill casting directors with confidence so they'll call you in for whatever they're casting.

You can't learn this stuff in class.

It's taken me 15 years to learn these techniques, one by one, each moving me one step closer to booking regular TV work. I've accumulated everything you need to know and it's all in this course.

I'm proof that this course works.

With this course, you will easily identify the areas of your acting career that are holding you back. Most actors neglect one or more of their vital materials, either out of laziness or because they believe their talent alone will take them to the top.

Stop concerning yourself with things that are outside your control as an actor — whether you book the role, how much your agent submits you, whether your co-star role will turn into a recurring role, etc etc etc.

Let me help you identify what's in your control, and help you eliminate red flags that keep casting directors from calling you in.

Actors, if you ask just about anyone, are OVERPAID.

Be thankful for that.

The minimum salary for a series regular on a Screen Actors Guild television show is $5,000 per episode. You shoot 22 episodes. That's $110,000. Factoring in residuals, this amount could be And did I mention that's the minimum salary? It goes up from there.

Commercial work pays notoriously high rates — anywhere between $5,000 and $

With the staggering number of TV shows in production, there's never been a better time — in HISTORY — to be a working TV actor.

Learn how to Get some co-stars, you'll start getting auditions for guest starts (multiple scenes and an emotional arc) and recurring roles.

Then, and only then, will you be even considered for series regular work.

Let me show you how to get on this path — getting into casting offices, auditioning with confidence, and

SEE HOW I'M GETTING...

...speaking roles on major shows and networks — 8 since the beginning of 2014.

...regular auditions for recurring roles and series regulars.

...thousands of dollars per year in residuals from TV work.

...the chance to work with amazing directors who remember my work and think of me for future projects.

...the ability to live the dream as a working actor, making a living off my TV, commercial and film work.

What this course is NOT:

I can't teach you acting craft (not over the internet, anyway). If you're a serious actor, you should always be sharpening your skills and working on material and getting your mouth around some text.

Get acting. That's all you.

I'll show you how the easy things, squarely in your control — headshots, resume, demo… your materials — are what'll get you in the room.

Then I'll show you how to make such an impression in the room that casting directors will keep calling you back, again and again, until you book.

Whether you're new to acting, auditioning occasionally, or getting out but not booking regularly, these practical tools will ensure that you're covering all your bases and not standing in your own way (which an embarrassingly high number of actors are guilty of).

Get out of your own way. I'll show you how.

Remember, I've booked 8 SAG-AFTRA roles on network and cable TV I'm Take it from me — I'm out there right now, auditioning, booking, and getting on TV.

In addition to the Udemy 30-day guarantee, you have my personal promise that you will take away the skills to

Every day you wait to TACKLE your acting career is a day you're missing out on an audition. Click now, buy this course, and start taking control of your acting career TODAY. Let me show you some things I've learned.

Enroll now.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Know all the tools you need to become a working actor.
Take control of your acting career.
Kill it in an audition.

Impress casting directors, producers, and directors, and give them confidence to cast you.
Stop worrying about the things you have no control over.
Book major tv, film and commercial credits.

Know all the tools you need to become a working actor.
Take control of your acting career.
Kill it in an audition.
Impress casting directors, producers, and directors, and give them confidence to cast you.
Stop worrying about the things you have no control over.
Book major tv, film and commercial credits.

Syllabus

I'm Brennan, nice to meet you. I know the current state of tv & film casting better than I know anything else, having auditioned and worked as an actor in front of the camera for the last decade or so. Please allow me to walk you through the muck and make the whole process crystal clear for you, specifically how you can get in for auditions regularly and book roles. Let me help you! I'm proof that it's achievable -- to be a working tv actor -- so TAKE THIS COURSE!

As an actor, knowing the casting process from the point of view of casting directors and agents, you'll know exactly where you and your materials fit in. And where you have an opportunity to advertise yourself in the best way you can. Where you actually have control.

Reframe the way you think about your shots. Your headshot needs to be the one casting wants to see, not the one you think makes you look fabulous. Show them characters you're right for and make them love calling you in.

The 4 things your headshot MUST accomplish. Plus, how to set the tone for a great shoot, and ensure you'll get some amazing shots.

Your resume is the easiest item in your portfolio to get absolutely right. No excuses here. Nothing will drain the confidence casting might have for you like a bad resume.

Footage from work you've done is some of the most valuable currency you have as an actor. If a casting director is unsure about whether or not to call you in based on your headshot and resume, you can make a major impact with the right demo clip. Go after your footage, edit it correctly, and get it up on your sites. It's a major part of your portfolio.

Directors, producers and studio executives tell casting directors which actors to book. Impress them with a curated and effective online presence and strengthen their confidence in you when they're researching their top choices.

You can't do this (acting career) alone. Agents and managers have relationships with casting directors that have been developing for years that you can benefit from. They have entire networks that you need to plug yourself into. Without representation, you don't have access to the roles you want. You don't need to the biggest agent, but you need someone who knows who you are and is excited about representing you.

The best roles are under union contract. If you want to be a working tv and film actor, you'll need to join. Here are the keys to getting in and making it work for you.

Be the dream actor casting directors want to walk through the door. Here's how most actors shoot themselves in the foot in the room, and what you can learn from their mistakes.

Prepare, prepare, prepare, then go in and be brilliant. It's one of the toughest things we do as actors. The impression you leave in the room is directly proportional to the amount of time you prepare.

In the room, it's just you and casting. Here's how to make a great impression and get them to call you back in. I'll show you the key to taking direction in the audition.

I'll show you how to incorporate the camera into every audition so your audition video will POP off the screen. The pros do it, you should too. Here are a couple tricks to practice and have on your toolbelt.

Let's track the numbers. The Audition Spreadsheet will help take the pressure off each audition, it'll refresh your memory regarding which casting office called you in for which projects, and it'll be proof that your acting career is gaining speed.

How to stay in contact with casting directors without being annoying, and where to focus your creative energy to stay productive even when things are slow.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides insights into the casting process from the perspective of someone actively working in the television and film industry, offering a practical edge

Focuses on actionable steps, such as improving headshots and resumes, which are tangible aspects of an acting career that are within an actor's control

Emphasizes the importance of networking and representation, which are crucial for gaining access to more opportunities in the competitive acting industry

Shares techniques for making a strong impression during auditions, including how to take direction and incorporate the camera, which can improve performance

Requires membership in the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) to access the best roles, which may present a barrier to entry for some aspiring actors

Does not teach acting craft, so learners should already have a foundation in acting techniques and be actively working on their skills

Reviews summary

Practical business guide for working actors

According to learners, this course provides practical, actionable advice from a working actor on how to navigate the business side of acting and increase the chances of booking roles. Students highlight the instructor's focus on controllable aspects like headshots, resumes, and demo reels, which they find highly valuable for getting auditions. While it doesn't teach acting craft, learners say it offers essential industry insights and strategies for making a strong impression in the audition room. The course is seen as particularly helpful for actors looking to understand the casting process from an insider's perspective and transition to getting more significant roles.

Impactful for newer or less-booked actors.

"If you're struggling to get auditions, this is perfect. If you're already series regular, maybe less so."

"Much of the advice was gold for me as a beginner co-star actor."

"Some tips felt basic, but the overall perspective was still useful even with credits."

Focuses on marketing/auditions, not acting technique.

"Be aware this isn't an acting class, it's about the business side."

"As the course states, it won't teach you how to act, but how to get seen."

"Make sure your acting skills are solid first, then take this to get in the room."

Insights drawn from real-world booking success.

"Learning from someone who has booked major TV roles is incredibly motivating and credible."

"His personal stories and examples make the advice feel real and achievable."

"You can't get this kind of insight from a traditional acting class."

Essential guidance on headshots, resumes, demo reels.

"The sections on headshots and resumes were incredibly detailed and helpful."

"Understanding how to use my demo reel effectively was a game-changer."

"I finally feel like my marketing materials are helping me, not hindering me."

Actionable strategies from a working pro.

"The course provides practical tips from someone actively working in the industry, which is invaluable."

"I learned specific things I can do right now to improve my marketing materials."

"It cuts through the noise and tells you what casting directors actually care about."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How I Booked 8 Acting Roles On Major TV Shows in a Year with these activities:

Practice Slate Introductions

Show steps

Practice delivering a confident and engaging slate introduction to make a strong first impression on casting directors.

Show steps

Research standard slate formats.
Record yourself and review.
Solicit feedback from peers.

Review 'Acting as a Business' by Brian O'Neil

Show steps

Learn how to treat your acting career as a business, covering business plans, finances, and marketing.

View Acting as a Business, Fifth Edition: Strategies... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book and highlight key concepts.
Develop a personal business plan.
Implement financial management strategies.

Review 'Self-Management for Actors' by Bonnie Gillespie

Show steps

Learn how to manage your acting career as a business, covering marketing, networking, and financial planning.

View Self-Management for Actors: Getting Down to... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book and take notes.
Identify actionable strategies.
Incorporate strategies into your career plan.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Attend Local Industry Events

Show steps

Connect with casting directors, agents, and other actors to build relationships and expand your network.

Show steps

Research local industry events.
Prepare an elevator pitch.
Follow up with new contacts.

Update Your Online Portfolio

Show steps

Showcase your best work and create a professional online presence to impress casting directors and industry professionals.

Show steps

Select your best headshots.
Update your resume with recent credits.
Upload demo reel footage.
Optimize your website for search engines.

Create an Audition Tracking Spreadsheet

Show steps

Track your auditions, callbacks, and bookings to identify trends and measure your progress.

Show steps

Create a spreadsheet with relevant columns.
Input data from past auditions.
Analyze the data for insights.

Create a Self-Tape Setup

Show steps

Establish a professional self-taping setup at home to quickly and easily submit high-quality auditions.

Show steps

Research lighting and sound equipment.
Set up a dedicated filming space.
Practice self-taping techniques.

Career center

Learners who complete How I Booked 8 Acting Roles On Major TV Shows in a Year will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Audition Coach

An audition coach prepares actors for auditions by providing feedback on their performance, helping them to make strong choices, and building their confidence. This course discusses how to impress casting directors and secure roles. Learning what casting directors are looking for, helps an audition coach provide actors with targeted and effective guidance. The course's lessons on how to make a strong impression in the audition room may be useful to an audition coach in helping their clients stand out from the competition.

See salaries and explore the career path for Audition Coach

Acting Coach

An acting coach can use this course to gain additional insights that benefit their students. Understanding the casting process from the perspective of casting directors and agents, empowers an acting coach to provide more realistic career advice. This course may help an acting coach by revealing the gate-keeping considerations and expectations of the film industry. In turn, acting coaches may use the skills gained to reframe the way students think about headshots and resumes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Acting Coach

Talent Agent

A talent agent helps actors find work and negotiate contracts. This course provides insights into what casting directors look for, which can inform a talent agent's decisions about which actors to represent and how to market them. The course's focus on understanding the casting process from the perspective of casting directors and agents may be useful to becoming a successful talent agent. Learning how to help actors package themselves effectively as taught by this course may help a talent agent build a strong roster of talent.

See salaries and explore the career path for Talent Agent

Casting Assistant

A casting assistant supports the casting director in administrative tasks, coordinating auditions, and helping to identify potential talent. Those in this role may find this course particularly insightful, as it aims to provide actors with the knowledge and tools to impress casting directors. Understanding the actor's perspective, as taught by this course, may help a casting assistant identify actors who are well-prepared and professional. The course's emphasis on headshots, resumes, and demo reels may help a casting assistant in evaluating the quality of an actor's materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Casting Assistant

Acting Teacher

An acting teacher instructs students in the art and craft of acting and uses various techniques to help students develop their skills. While this course explicitly states that it does not teach acting craft, it does focus on the essential tools that any actor needs to have to get in front of the camera. The course's lessons on what impresses casting directors may help an acting teacher go beyond the nuts and bolts of acting and teach students how to market themselves.

See salaries and explore the career path for Acting Teacher

Public Relations Specialist

A public relations specialist manages the public image of individuals or organizations, often working with actors to promote their careers. This course emphasizes the importance of marketing materials and making a strong impression on casting directors. A public relations specialist may find value in the course's insights into what casting directors are looking for, as this knowledge can inform their strategies for promoting actors. The lessons on how to build a strong online presence are helpful to a public relations specialist.

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Film Director

A film director is responsible for overseeing the creative aspects of a film production, including casting. A film director needs to understand the needs of the actor and what will help them perform at their best. This course reveals how acting and casting work together, and would potentially help a director find ways to communicate with actors. Using the lessons on how to work with a casting director may help a director better understand the overall casting process.

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Wardrobe Stylist

A wardrobe stylist selects the clothing and accessories that actors wear in films, television shows, and commercials. A wardrobe stylist may find this course useful for its discussion of headshots and resumes. The stylist might use this information to better create the appropriate style. Those in this role may find value in understanding the importance of appearance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wardrobe Stylist

Makeup Artist

A makeup artist applies makeup to actors to enhance their appearance and create specific looks for films, television shows, and commercials. This course may be useful to a makeup artist due to its discussion of headshots. The makeup artist may also find it helpful to better understand the film and show industries. This course helps actors understand the importance of making a good impression on producers and directors.

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Production Assistant

A production assistant provides support to the production team on a film or television set. While this career is not directly related to acting, working on set provides valuable experience in the industry and helps to build connections with other professionals. This course's focus on the actor's perspective and the casting process may help a production assistant better understand the dynamics on set and communicate effectively with actors. The course's insights into the industry may help a production assistant advance their career.

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Screenwriter

A screenwriter writes scripts for films and television shows. While this course is primarily focused on the actor's perspective, screenwriters may find value in understanding the actor's experience and the casting process. Those in screenwriting may gain from the perspective an actor has of the casting process. Learning what actors need to do to succeed in auditions may inform a screenwriter's understanding of character development and dialogue.

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Voice-Over Artist

A voice over artist records voiceovers for commercials, animated films, and other media. While this course focuses primarily on on-camera acting, the principles of marketing oneself effectively and making a strong impression may be useful to voice over artists as well. The course's lessons on creating a compelling demo reel and building an online presence may help a voice over artist attract clients and secure work. The actor might consider this course to be valuable.

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Dialogue Coach

A dialogue coach helps actors perfect their pronunciation, accents, and delivery of lines. The goal of this course is to help actors get in front of a camera. The lessons may also help a dialogue coach understand how to give an actor confidence. The course's focus on what happens on set may help a dialogue coach give context to their expertise.

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Drama Therapist

A drama therapist uses theater techniques to help clients address psychological and emotional issues. While this course is focused on the practical aspects of working as an actor, a drama therapist may find value in the course's insights into the performance. Exploring the course material may help a drama therapist better understand the actor's experience and use that knowledge to guide their clients. An understanding of the industry may also help a therapist find ways to help their clients find work.

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Set Designer

A set designer creates the physical environment in which a film or television show is filmed. Set designers may find value in understanding the actor's experience on set and how the set design can impact their performance. The course's discussion of the film and television industries provides helpful context for a set designer. By taking this course, a set designer may develop a deeper appreciation for the collaborative nature of filmmaking.

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How I Booked 8 Acting Roles On Major TV Shows in a Year

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Practical business guide for working actors

Activities

Career center

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