Resources & Inspiration

Recourses & Inspiration

Every actor or performer at some point in their career needs inspiration. Sometimes it's a reminder. Sometimes it's a whole new way of thinking. Actors are constantly met by challenges where if they don't already have the tools to deal with them they need to find them. The following content is provided to offer support and inspiration for your work. Some of it will play here and some links will take you to the original site. If you like the content, or you know of some worth sharing, please let us know via our contact form. More importantly, enjoy the content below!

CEL Studio makes no claim to the creative content provided here and is not affiliated with nor endorsed by the sites below. The content is offered for educational and inspirational purposes only. And please access the publisher sites via the links below for more information and inspiration.

Videos

Actors on Actors with Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney
A big takeaway from this conversation is how they keep coming back to their training in theatre (where they both still work) and how they apply those experiences to their on-camera work, when developing a character over a long period of time, preparing for showing up on set, and much more.
29:02

More from Variety

Charlie Rose interview with Sam Gold & Oscar Isaac
The director and actor discuss their production of Hamlet at The Public Theater. Their approach to working on the play is inspirational, especially the stripping away of artifice, and finding the immediacy and relatability of the story for today's audiences.
28:08

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Actors on Actors with Annette Bening and Naomie Harris from Variety
Wonderful conversation on the business of intimacy, women's roles in films and giving the character what they deserve.
19:15

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Austin Film Festival’s On Story – Indie Filmmaking in Hollywood: A Conversation with Jay Duplass
Great filmmaking‬ stories from Jay Duplass, one of today’s talented and prolific TV and film creators.
26:47

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Charlie Rose interview with Alan Rickman
If you are interested in ‎acting‬, theatre‬ or Alan Rickman‬ you will enjoy this fabulous 2012 interview.
25:13

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Film Courage – Nuts and Bolts of Producing a Movie an Interview with Devin Reeve
Producer-line producer Devin Reeve covers a great deal about producing films, information any actor interested in film should know.
36:56

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Short videos

Harrison Ford Breaks Down His Career, from 'Star Wars' to 'Indiana Jones' - from Vanity Fair
This is not a nostalgic look at a movie star’s career. It is a chance for actors to see how a lucky, insightful and successful actor perceives the arc of his career, the business of storytelling on film and his job within it. It is a peek into his mindset as he navigated opportunities most actors only dream of.
22:40

Podcasts

Click to listen at OffCamera.com

Off Camera with Sam Jones – Tracy Letts
The first acting lesson he received was from his father. It was about the power of speaking simply and truthfully, and it hooked him. The honesty and simplicity of this conversation on the highs and lows of Letts’ life and career as an actor and playwright should hook you.

1:02:27
Click Tracy to listen

More from Off Camera

Fresh Air with Terry Gross - Actor Kathryn Hahn Says The Best Part Of Her Career Came Post-Kids
Though she started acting very young so much has come later for Hahn in life and her career pursuits. In this candid conversation she talks about early career and audition struggles, how her “geriatric pregnancy” effected her career, and working on a professional set with an Intimacy Coordinator and all that entails.

Click to listen at OffCamera.com

Off Camera with Sam Jones – Edward Norton
“If you don’t make understanding how things get done part of your early process you can’t figure out really how to even begin to approach it.” From an actor who always challenges himself, there is so much more to hear.

1:04:12
Click Edward to listen

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Off Camera with Sam Jones – David Harbour
If David Harbour is anything it’s deep. This carries over into his preparation as an actor as well, which is touched on throughout this conversation. Listening to how he adds layers to a character alone is time well spent.

1:12:15
Click David to listen

More from Off Camera

Click to listen at OffCamera.com

Off Camera with Sam Jones – Brit Marling
Marling went from actor to multi-hyphenate by following her imagination with The AO co-creator Zal Batmanglij. She and host Sam Jones go deep into how creativity thrives on dreams and “magical thinking.”

1:07:31
Click Brit to listen

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Fresh Air with Terry Gross – John C. Reilly On The Comedy Of Laurel And Hardy: 'It's Almost Like A Ballet'
John C. Reilly is a versatile, prolific actor, having appeared in comedies, dramas, indies, big budget pictures, musicals, on stage, you name it. Frequently part of successful duos, here he talks about his most recent projects that could not be more different when working with his respective counterpart. In one experience he reminds us of the importance of preparation and timing in comedy. In the second he is reminded of the importance of not planning and being in the moment. It takes a special actor to be able to do both.

The Art of Charm - The Best Ways to Rewrite Bad Habits w/ Charles Duhigg
There are good habits and bad habits. Some behaviors you have you may not consider to be a habit, yet it is. This podcast will open your eyes to assessing how you work and how you can become more productive. If there's something blocking you from creating your own project, working on monologues, building your special skills, finding creative time, or any of those things "normal" people do, take a listen.
58:03

It's Been a Minute with Sam Sanders – Viola Davis On 'Widows'; Race And Power in Hollywood
Wise, insightful, eloquent, inspiring, authentic - Viola Davis delves into the challenges she has experienced as an actor, a black woman, and producer. Her shared experiences and observations, whether you work in film or on stage, are frank, honest and not to be missed.
49:09

Fresh Air with Terry Gross – Bradley Cooper Learned To Sing, Direct And Talk Deeply For 'A Star Is Born'
"Create your own projects." is heard all the time in the industry. It's normally meant for creatives who are finding it difficult to get hired. Bradley Cooper is doing it on a grander scale. Here he discusses how he put his character and the film together, learning from directors he's worked with, and stealing from real life, so you don't have to act.
28:34

Click to listen at OffCamera.com

Off Camera with Sam Jones – Sissy Spacek
She makes it look so simple. A product of the '70s film revolution with a career spanning four and a half decades, there's nothing simple about her, except maybe how she chooses to live life. There are so many gems in this conversation. "Don't get locked into your own process." "Self-consciousness is the actor's nemesis."

1:04:42
Click Sissy to listen

More from Off Camera

Off Camera with Sam Jones – Javier Bardem
From watching his work you know Javier Bardem has mastered the craft of acting. Would it surprise you to know he continues to train? Listen to him discuss that, as well as process, finding humanity through the stories of others, and silence being the ground of concentration.
1:02:43
Click Javier to listen

More from Off Camera

Click to listen at OffCamera.com

Off Camera with Sam Jones – John Mulaney
... in which they discuss the crazy mysteriousness of live performance. For those who want to create their own material, whether it's stand-up, sketch comedy or live performance, this is a must listen. Find out how Mulaney came upon the hard won wisdom of "Have no expectations." "Have no plans."
1:04:36
Click John to listen

More from Off Camera

Fresh Air with Terry Gross – 'I Could Never Fake It': Nick Offerman On Striving For Nonchalance
He always turns in unpredictable, nuanced, multifaceted work. Listening to him eloquently, almost poetically discuss the ups and downs of his career and how he applies his personal experiences to his work is mesmerizing. For those interested in pursuing acting in TV, he lays out the stages of the casting process in network television, something you'd normally only find out if you are lucky enough to experience it firsthand or go to L.A. or NYC and hear it in a seminar. A golden preparation nugget if that experience ever comes your way.
34:55

Folger Shakespeare Library - Shakespeare Unlimited with Antony Sher
Preparation, looking at Shakespeare differently and the degree of specificity he uses when approaching roles are just a few things stage legend Antony Sher touches on as he discusses his long career in the theatre. If you're curious about how deep an actor can go in their journaling, check out either of his three books taken from his diaries when playing Richard III, Falstaff and Lear.

Click for more at FSL

Fresh Air with Terry Gross – Actor Richard Jenkins: Reading 'Shape Of Water' Script Was A 'Holy Mackerel' Moment
The "actors' actor" Richard Jenkins discusses letting it go after the rehearsal and discussion are over with, trusting yourself, and how he knows he's in the hands of a good director. His experience with Mike Nichols and thoughts on good writing are also not to be missed.
29:43

Click for more at Fresh Air

Fresh Air with Terry Gross – 'Shape Of Water' Actor Explains Makeup, Body Language And Bathroom Breaks
Doug Jones talks about his long career of using his body to portray characters, most times covered head to toe in foam or latex, and who are not humans. The challenges and preparation behind this difficult work is astounding.
19:06

Click for more at Fresh Air

Off Camera with Sam Jones – Billy Crudup
Sam's interviews with actors are always gems for other actors to listen to. This one is even more so. For the actor starting out, the actor who's found success, the actor in their downtime, the actor conscious of craft and growth, no matter where you are you'll benefit from this conversation.
1:05:34
Click Billy to listen

More from Off Camera

Click to listen at OffCamera.com

Off Camera with Sam Jones – David Oyelowo
The soft spoken, yet bold and powerful stage and screen actor's conversation with Jones is inspiring throughout, in so many ways.
1:19:42
Click David to listen

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I Think You're Interesting with Todd VanDerWerff - Phil LaMarr
Great conversation with sketch, improv, on-camera, voice over talent Phil Lamarr about approaching characters and re-approaching them after being away for awhile. It's a wonderful peek into the world of VO animation for actors or fans.
1:01:43

Click for the interview

Click to listen at OffCamera.com

Off Camera with Sam Jones – Hank Azaria
Building a character, career expectations, lessons learned in Hollywood and his plastic vocal chords - from the producer, director and masterful performer.
1:05:23
Click Hank to listen

More from Off Camera

Click for the interview

I Think You're Interesting with Todd VanDerWerff - Rhea Seehorn
The actor goes into great detail on working on Better Call Saul, and discusses her theatre work, years of doing television comedy and never seen pilots, and breaking through the industry imposed barrier between TV comedy and drama. If you want to work in television, you should listen to this.
1:06:22

Off Camera with Sam Jones – Michael Shannon
Really great conversation with an actor's actor, where he discusses his beginning, his approach to acting and working on a project, and storytelling. A must-listen.
1:01:38
Click Michael to listen

More from Off Camera

Click to listen at OffCamera.com

Click for the interview

The Frame - A peek into Naughty Dog game creator Neil Druckmann's creative process
If you’re interested in video game production, this is a great peek into that area of the business.
22:16

Off Camera with Sam Jones – Don Cheadle
Great conversation and inspiring words from a multi-talented and intelligent man. Not to be missed.
1:00:30
Click Don to listen

More from Off Camera

Click to listen at OffCamera.com

Off Camera with Sam Jones – Bob Odenkirk
Whether you're a beginning or accomplished actor‬ or ‎writer you will appreciate this talk.
55:47
Click Bob to listen

More from Off Camera

Click to listen at OffCamera.com

Click for the story

Accidental Creative podcast w/ Todd Henry - Questions That Will Keep You From Drifting
Some things to think about to avoid “the trap of drifting along with our work.”
10:00

Click to listen at OffCamera.com

Off Camera with Sam Jones – Jeff Bridges
The acting icon, musician and artist shares his creative process and experiences in filmmaking and life.
1:11:46
Click Jeff to listen

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Off Camera with Sam Jones – Laura Dern
Honest, eloquent, talented and an incredible history of working in front of the camera.
1:18:24
Click Laura to listen

More from Off Camera

Click to listen at OffCamera.com

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Off Camera with Sam Jones – Keegan-Michael Key
Improvisation, art and the vagaries of life are all part of this inspirational and behind-the-veil conversation.
58:58
Click Keegan-Michael to listen

More from Off Camera

Click to listen at OffCamera.com

Articles

Tracy Letts Tells Greta Gerwig About the Horror of a Town Hall Meeting
by Greta Gerwig
Two stellar contemporaries discuss writing, acting, their work and what influences it.

Click here for article

The Disease of Being Busy
by Omid Safi
Life goes by so quickly. Things made to make it easier help turn it into a frenzy. “How exactly are we supposed to examine the dark corners of our soul when we are so busy? How are we supposed to live the examined life?” the writer asks. This is especially true for actors, whose job it is to examine life and recreate it, represent it truthfully.
Take some time to remind yourself you’re human. It will help you as an actor. Breathe. Read the article. Breathe. "How is your heart?"

Politico Magazine - How the World’s Most Interesting Man Befriended the World’s Most Powerful Man
by Jonathan Goldsmith
You know him from Dos Equis beer commercials, but Goldsmith's story of struggle and perseverance in Los Angeles and his captivating tale of how he got the role that changed his life are as amazing as how he befriended the president of the United States.

Click for the Article

Click for the article

The Atlantic - Hollywood Has Ruined Method Acting
by Angelica Jade Bastién
A look into the psychology of psychological acting. Will definitely make you think about current approaches.

Backstage - Forest Whitaker Wants to Be a ‘Better Actor’
by Jack Smart
Great interview with a master who strives to challenge himself to always be better.

Click for the article

Acting in London - Jenna Fischer’s Advice to Actors
Jenna Fischer offers incredibly important and candid advice on her early struggles as an actor coming to Los Angeles.

Filmmaker Magazine - There is No “Right” Way: 14 Things Directors Need to Know about Directing Actors
by Erica Fae
An article for ‪directors‬ about working with ‪actors‬. Hmmm... Actors, great info for you here!‬‬

Click for the article

Click for the blog

BITTER GERTRUDE - Why You Didn't Get Cast
by Melissa Hillman
Hillman, Artistic Director at Impact Theatre in Berkeley also blogs as "Bitter Gertrude." Here she gives some honest reasons why actors don't get the part. Though it focuses on casting for stage work it's also helpful for actors pursuing on-camera work.

Backstage - 10 Tips for Your First Time on a Television Set
by Matt Newton
If you’ve never been on a set you need to know this, in addition to your lines and preparation.

Click for the article

Vox - How to make great TV, explained by FX spy drama The Americans
by Caroline Framke
A great peek into the complex process of creating episodic TV‬. If you've never been part of that process and aspire to work in TV, or have and want to know more (because there is so much to know), this is a great read.

Backstage - 1 Technical Skill All Film Actors Must Learn by Jordan Goldman
Great technical on-set tip for ‪‎actors from editor Jordan Goldman, ACE, author of How to Avoid The Cutting Room Floor: An editor’s advice for on-camera actors.‬

Click for the article

A.V. Club - In L.A., you ain’t shit by Cameron Esposito
An unvarnished, raw account of moving to Los Angeles, a must read for anyone with that aspiration.

The Atlantic - The Decline of the American Actor, Why the under-40 generation of leading men in the U.S. is struggling—and what to do about it
by Terrence Rafferty
Nice read for actors and anyone interested in film really.

Click for the article

Backstage - What Does Real ‘Prep’ Really Look Like? by Anthony Meindl
‪Actor‬ "Prep" distilled. Keep it simple -- but leave room for layers and depth, depending on the needs of the part.‬

The Guardian - Being an actor? I'll bet you think 'I could do that'
by Alex Andreou
Truth about truth-tellers. “Great acting is the art of telling the truth and telling the truth can be exhausting.”

Click for the article

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