Slate It Till You Make It
Slate It Till You Make It
Catherine Donnelly
Demystifying the commercial acting world by sharing valuable tips, exclusive industry insights, and captivating stories.
Achieving Consistency: A Deep Dive into Commercial Technique with Eddie Blackwell
In this episode of 'Slate It It Till You Make It," host Catherine Donnelly is back with talented actor Eddie Blackwell as they take a deep dive into commercial audition technique! Eddie shares his process for script analysis, creating compelling "moment before" and "moment after" scenes, and setting the right mindset before entering the audition room. Discover tips for excelling in spokesperson auditions, the importance of improv skills, and how to navigate challenges during auditions. Eddie offers valuable advice for aspiring actors on improving their techniques and boosting their booking rates. Learn about the importance of putting in time and reps, embracing teamwork, and using vulnerability in performances. Eddie emphasizes the fun in the journey and staying motivated, reminding us that success is just around the corner. Tune in for expert advice and inspiration from Eddie Blackwell to elevate your commercial audition game!
May 21, 2024
42 min
The Power of Presence: A Deep Dive into Breathwork as a Tool with Sean Spann
In this episode of 'Slate It Till You Make It,' host Catherine Donnelly interviews Sean Spann, an actor, teacher, private coach and VO dubbing artist born and raised outside St. Louis, MO. An LA resident for almost 17 years, he's worked as an actor in television, film, commercials, and stage. TV/Film credits include The Little Things, Little America, Shameless, General Hospital, and Jane the Virgin. He's recently been seen in commercials or ad campaigns for Volkswagen, Disney, and Delta Airlines. He's dubbed central characters in Max's 'On The Spectrum' and Amazon's 'The Corruption Game', and in 2023, played Brutus in 'Julius Caesar' in his 7th season at the New Swan Shakespeare Festival. He's instructed Voice, Speech, Movement, Shakespeare on both the college and conservatory level, and privately coaches actors for auditions, voice, and accent modification. Sean earned a BFA in Acting from the University of Evansville, and an MFA in Acting from UC Irvine.
May 14, 2024
45 min
Mastering the Multi-Hyphenate Life: Wisdom and Insights from Sean Spann
In this episode of 'Slate It Till You Make It,' host Catherine Donnelly interviews Sean Spann, an actor, teacher, private coach and VO dubbing artist born and raised outside St. Louis, MO. An LA resident for almost 17 years, he's worked as an actor in television, film, commercials, and stage. TV/Film credits include The Little Things, Little America, Shameless, General Hospital, and Jane the Virgin. He's recently been seen in commercials or ad campaigns for Volkswagen, Disney, and Delta Airlines. He's dubbed central characters in Max's 'On The Spectrum' and Amazon's 'The Corruption Game', and in 2023, played Brutus in 'Julius Caesar' in his 7th season at the New Swan Shakespeare Festival. He's instructed Voice, Speech, Movement, Shakespeare on both the college and conservatory level, and privately coaches actors for auditions, voice, and accent modification. Sean earned a BFA in Acting from the University of Evansville, and an MFA in Acting from UC Irvine.
May 7, 2024
1 hr 9 min
Lean Into Your Power: Amy Argyle on Feminine Strength, Dreaming Big and Gratitude as a Gateway - PART 2
In this episode of "Slate It Till You Make It," host Catherine Donnelly interviews actress Amy Argyle. Amy has been a dynamic presence in the entertainment industry since beginning her career in Dallas in 2001. Now based in Los Angeles, Amy has appeared in over 150 commercials, numerous TV shows including a recent appearance on ABC and Hulu's "9-1-1," and both studio and indie films. Her notable voice work includes roles in the drama podcasts "Batman Unburied" Seasons 1 and 2, "DUST," and an upcoming project with Amazon. A two-time film festival award winner, one of her acclaimed films is set to be featured at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival in The American Pavilion. Besides her screen achievements, Amy has been active in theater, with her latest stage work being an award-nominated play she produced and starred in during the 2019 Hollywood Fringe Festival. This play was translated into English from Spanish after Amy was inspired by a performance she saw in Mexico City. Offstage, Amy is deeply committed to personal growth and healing. She shares her journey of overcoming childhood traumas and transforming her life through a deeper connection with spirituality and mindset changes. Recently certified as a Trauma Informed Therapeutic Breathwork Guide, Amy conducts private and group sessions in Los Angeles, aiding others in their paths to authenticity. Amy is also the founder of Argyle Apothecary, a line of homemade organic skincare products, enhancing her diverse professional portfolio.
Apr 30, 2024
45 min
The Power of Starting Over: Amy Argyle on Vulnerability, Financial Rebuilding and Healing - PART 1
In this episode of "Slate It Till You Make It," host Catherine Donnelly interviews actress Amy Argyle. Amy has been a dynamic presence in the entertainment industry since beginning her career in Dallas in 2001. Now based in Los Angeles, Amy has appeared in over 150 commercials, numerous TV shows including a recent appearance on ABC and Hulu's "9-1-1," and both studio and indie films. Her notable voice work includes roles in the drama podcasts "Batman Unburied" Seasons 1 and 2, "DUST," and an upcoming project with Amazon. A two-time film festival award winner, one of her acclaimed films is set to be featured at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival in The American Pavilion. Besides her screen achievements, Amy has been active in theater, with her latest stage work being an award-nominated play she produced and starred in during the 2019 Hollywood Fringe Festival. This play was translated into English from Spanish after Amy was inspired by a performance she saw in Mexico City. Offstage, Amy is deeply committed to personal growth and healing. She shares her journey of overcoming childhood traumas and transforming her life through a deeper connection with spirituality and mindset changes. Recently certified as a Trauma Informed Therapeutic Breathwork Guide, Amy conducts private and group sessions in Los Angeles, aiding others in their paths to authenticity. Amy is also the founder of Argyle Apothecary, a line of homemade organic skincare products, enhancing her diverse professional portfolio.
Apr 23, 2024
49 min
Dream Big, Book Bigger: Eddie Blackwell’s Journey from Post-Production to Full-Time Acting
In this episode of 'Slate It It Till You Make It," host Catherine Donnelly interviews distinguished guest, Eddie Blackwell. An accomplished African American actor hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Eddie made the bold move to Los Angeles where he initially carved a niche for himself in television post-production. His work spanned across various daytime talk shows and HGTV programming. However, seeking a path that resonated more deeply with his passion, Eddie transitioned to acting. Over the past eight years, Eddie's remarkable talents have been showcased in an array of commercials for notable brands such as Healthcare.gov, Valspar, TD Insurance, State Farm, and Trust & Will. His dynamic presence has also graced the small screen with co-starring roles in popular TV series including "Lucifer," "S.W.A.T.," "Danger Force," "Bel-Air," and most recently, "9-1-1." To connect with Eddie and keep up with his latest projects, follow him on Instagram at @ReadyEddieBlackwell, and on Twitter at @ReadyEddieBwell. Join us as we dive into his journey through the entertainment industry, the lessons learned, and the insights gained along the way.
Apr 16, 2024
1 hr
Cracking the Commercial Code with Nicole Ghastin: Motherhood, Conspiracies, and Keeping It Real
In this episode of "Slate It Till You Make It," host Catherine Donnelly sits down with the multitalented Nicole Ghastin, whose journey from Northern Michigan to Hollywood is nothing short of cinematic. Nicole shares tales from her early days, including her memorable role in *Coyote Ugly* and appearances on *Brooklyn 99* and *General Hospital*. Beyond the screen, Nicole opens up about her life’s unexpected turns, from finding love at an audition to balancing motherhood with a thriving acting career. Through stories of working with acclaimed directors and alongside stars like Jason Bateman and Simone Biles, Nicole offers a raw, inspiring look at making it in showbiz while staying true to oneself. Join us for a deep dive into Nicole Ghastin's remarkable journey, filled with insights, laughter, and a touch of Hollywood magic.
Apr 9, 2024
1 hr 18 min
From Fears to Fierce: Pooja Shah on Crafting an Abundant Life
In this episode of "Slate It Till You Make It," Catherine Donnelly interviews Pooja Shah, a first-generation Indian-American, full-time actress, wife, and mother. Her credits include How to Get Away with Murder, New Girl, The L Word: Gen Q, and 9-1-1 opposite Angela Bassett. You can see her on the highly-anticipated Peacock series, Apples Never Fall, which premiered March 14, starring Annette Benning. About a decade ago, Pooja pivoted from a promising career in marriage and family therapy to taking a chance as a commercial actor. She’s gone on to represent every friggin’ brand you can think of. Name it, she’s probably been in a commercial for it.
Mar 26, 2024
1 hr 11 min
From 9 to 5 to Center Stage: The Journey of Quitting, Starting Over and Creating New Life Metrics with Comedian Stephen Cha
In this special episode of "Slate It Till You Make It," the tables turn as our host Catherine Donnelly gets interviewed by standup comedian Stephen Cha! Cha is a Korean-American who grew up in the San Fernando Valley. He is the oldest son of two Korean immigrant entrepreneurs with one younger sister. He graduated from the University of Southern California with a B.S. in Business Administration. He worked in finance for 8 years until he finally left to try his hand at stand-up because he’s overly confident and nothing fucking matters. He’s performed at clubs across Los Angeles including The Comedy Store and The Ice House. We begin by unraveling valuable advice for newcomers stepping into the dynamic commercial industry, exploring essential strategies for building a sustainable career path. From essential advice for newcomers to navigating auditions and agent relationships, join us as we explore the multifaceted journey of building a successful career in the entertainment industry.
Mar 19, 2024
37 min
Best of the Best Episode: Uplifting Commercial Acting Advice
In this episode, Catherine curates the most valuable insights gleaned from the initial ten interviews, meticulously tailored to cater to emerging actors.
Mar 12, 2024
28 min
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