Testimonials

Testimonials & Kind Words

It's always a joy to hear from the actors I've helped. Their kind words are appreciated!

Below are some of the productions they've appeared in, plus a few notes they've sent me.

"I just booked my first speaking role in Law & Order: SVU and my manager is FINALLY listening to me. Thank you!!"
- Mya Carter

"I landed my first TV role, booked a paid lead role in an independent film, and was featured in Backstage Magazine. I'm now SAG-Eligible. I love Martin and what he offers!"
- Phae Amara

"After just a few weeks of working with Martin, an agent offered to represent me. A week after that I received a direct invitation for a casting call of a Netflix series!"
- Aser Garcia Rada

"Gratefully now, and thanks to Martin, I signed with my top choice agency and my acting future is so much clearer!"
- Zariah Cain

"Since working with Martin, I've performed at the Apollo theatre with rapper Drake, I've become eligible and joined SAG-AFTRA (a long-term goal of mine), and I've even worked as a CORE background actor in numerous TV shows including The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Law & Order SVU."
- Ronald Barshop

"Yesterday a casting director reached out to me with an invite to audition for the lead in a commercial. Absolutely thrilling, this is my first paid, professional speaking role in a union production. I'm about to become SAG-Eligible!"
- Dennis M.

"I am getting more requests than ever for auditions and self tapes. Before I worked with you, I got none. Just this morning, I got another request for an audition."
- Andrew Ogelsby

"In less than a month of working with Martin, I was offered the role of King Agnarr in Disney's 'Frozen' on Broadway. And two weeks later I got signed by a highly regarded film & television agency in New York!"
- Tyrone L. Robinson

"I've never been to an acting class that teaches these types of marketing philosophies. I used to struggle to get called in but I'm averaging 2 auditions a week now! Unbelievable!"
- Jordyn C.

"Because of you I have landed my two FIRST EVER roles in the last week. Both are leading roles in two short films."
- Richard P.

"Martin not only answered my message but also wrote a whole post on the topic to help others in the same situation. It's clear that Martin's passion lies in helping actors, and I am truly grateful for all the valuable content he provides."
- Denzel Ndongosi

"I'm getting bigger roles and a working a lot more! I went to college for acting and can honestly say I've learned more from Martin in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost!"
- Dwayne D.

"Martin is a must-work-with coach!!! Super!!! if you want to know how to navigate through the world of acting, the do's and don'ts, how to make a great impression with casting directors and have a leg up in auditions, he is the guy to talk to."
- Jack R.

"When you finally find someone who is willing to go the extra mile to support you it is such a relief. That's what I've found with Martin."
- Dontai B.

"I was getting around one audition every month or two, and after just a few weeks of applying Martin's material, that number jumped to 2 or more each WEEK! It's still increasing – and I haven't even updated my headshot yet."
- Adormeisay Frazier

"I used your sample letter as a basis for an email to the director (see below) that I sent over a week ago.. Guess what I just received?! My footage!!!"
- Brett B.

"I used my brand as discussed and just landed a new agent!"
- Benel E.

"I must tell you that so much of what you have taught has improved my circumstances in the acting career, specifically the numbers game approach, which yielded me TWO, (count 'em 2!) paying gigs!"
- Lacey Bingham

"I got a manager! And I'm now auditioning more than ever."
- Francesco P.

"My biggest accomplishment was finally getting representation. Thanks Martin!"
- Ibrahim S.

"In the last year I’ve booked an extra gig, a stunts gig, and one supporting role!"
- Seth T.

"I just booked an OCP role on a commercial!"
- Joshua B.

"I booked a supporting role in a Lifetime movie 12 Days of Christmas Eve starring Kelsey Grammer. Being on Lifetime was a life-long goal of mine."
- Lucinda C.

"What I am most proud of is signing with a L.A.-based talent agency (The Wayne Agency) and booking day player role on Paramount+ TV show filming in Baltimore in October 2022."
- Kevin O.

"I submitted to talent agents and got signed! I share your website and eNewsletter with everyone in my acting classes. Thanks for all the tips and help!"
- Deborah Marcus

I hope you enjoyed reading those notes as much as I did!

If you want to read more, I've included the full-length testimonials and emails I've received from people where the above snippets were pulled from. Feel free to read them below:

I’ve been working as an actor for almost 2 decades and had been wanting to perform on Broadway for almost seven years. I did a career consultation with a well-known business of acting coach a few years ago but it didn't help, so I was skeptical. How would Martin's material be any different? In less than a month of working with Martin, I was offered the role of King Agnarr in Disney's 'Frozen' on Broadway. And two weeks later I got signed by a highly regarded film & television agency in New York!

- Tyrone L. Robinson

"I can write emails to casting directors or to find an agent, but in many cases I will receive no reply. Did they read it? Were they interested but too busy to respond? Are they fed up of unknown actors filling their inboxes? Should it only be an agent who contacts them? And how do I even get an agent? Will they think my material is even worth considering?

The most fascinating thing about Martin's working method is that he makes the ungraspable tangible. Through a very studied and refined methodology, following a defined strategy, he manages to make many of these things depend again on specific actions that we can develop.

Martin's method has started to work for me in a fascinating way: After writing a single first cover letter to a casting director following Martin's guidance, a few days later I got one of the most promising answers ever. A few weeks later, an agent offered to represent me, and a week after that I received a direct invitation for a casting call of a Netflix series!

- Aser Garcia Rada

I had no idea where to start! I just got out of college and was lucky enough to get a manager, but still felt confused and stuck. My manager wasn't submitting me and I wasn't getting booked for anything professional – just workshops and readings. After just two weeks of working with you, my mindset was totally different. I now know what you mean by 'taking on a leadership role in your acting career' and I understand how the industry works. I just booked my first speaking role in Law & Order: SVU and my manager is FINALLY listening to me!

- Mya C.

Wanted to thank you so much for your classes and all your personal help with my new acting career. Because of you I have landed two roles in the last week. Both leading roles in two short films. Wish me luck and pray, I'll need both. haha. God Bless and if you ever need anything here in the Dallas area just ask.

- Richard P.

I just wanted to express how impressed I am with Martin's work. The content he provides is a treasure trove of information, and I always make sure to read it, even if I have to stack it up for a few days. What sets Martin apart is the level of care and genuine concern he has for his readers. When I reached out to him about my concerns with my lack of experience compared to my peers, he not only answered my message but also wrote a whole post on the topic to help others in the same situation. It's clear that Martin's passion lies in helping actors, and I am truly grateful for all the valuable content he provides. Thank you, Martin, for all the work you do, and I look forward to learning more from you in the future.

- Denzel Ndongosi

I'd like to take a second to convey to you how happy I am to have run across you and City Headshots. When I made the decision to finally "make my move" into acting, I had no idea what to do or how to do it. I've often said that it kind of feels like being dropped in the middle of a dark forest alone and being told "ok, go act somewhere". I've been working in TV and film production for about 15 years and have worked in the music business since the 80's and I knew enough that a good start would be getting a decent head shot. Luckily, I found City Headshots.

When I arrived for my shoot, I was met by Sam who not only did a fantastic job, and delivered head shots that were better than I could have hoped for but more importantly, she made me feel like I belonged there. But not only an all pro experience as far as the photos go but I became acquainted with all of the resources you offer. All the mailings you send out, even if it's just an introduction to a new course, it's always chock full of valuable information on its own. But really one of the greatest things about your mailings and resources (and Sam) is the much needed encouragement to move forward, and to realize the connective tissue we all share as performers.

So now I see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel. I now have a Backstage profile that I'm super happy with while still looking at ways to polish it a bit, and yesterday a casting director reached out to me with an invite to audition for the lead in a commercial. I'm about to become SAG-Eligible! So my next step is to make sure I have everything I need to make a great remote audition at home when the time comes, that will grab the attention of the people who see it (I know you have had posts on this subject, just have to find that and some examples of how a great remote audition looks and what a cast director is looking for [and of course what to avoid] ... and of course get back to working on the "Land An Agent" course. Thanks for everything!!

- Dennis M.

A few months ago I stayed up into the wee hours in France to join your agent webinar. I asked when a credit is a credit and you said that I didn’t need to wait for the release. After months of wasted time and anguish, I eventuality noticed that Spotlight in the UK accepts film contracts or just a director’s confirmation as a credit. Your comment in the webinar was so helpful. So although my films haven’t been released, Spotlight still accepted them as bona fide credits once they got proof! You may know it’s impossible to move on in the UK industry without a Spotlight listing and agents won’t even look at my application without it. Thank you so much!

- Tony D.

First off I wanted to say thanks for all the great info in your 5-day Kickstart Your Acting Career course! You actually did my first set of headshots about 8 years ago or so and had some great success those first couple of years. Things have been off and on for a while because of some health issues and of course the pandemic, but your 5 day course definitely reminded me of some things I needed to hear. Great tips regarding submission notes and the fact that casting directors and filmmakers are not going to care if you make mistakes - I feel like that is something that has always held me back. Looking forward to getting back out there more consistently!

- Tara P.

I want you to know that your company and your advice have made a significant difference in my career. The head shots from Jenelle and the three reels have definitely moved the dial for me. I am getting more requests than ever for auditions and self tapes. Before I worked with you, I got none. I would submit to a minimum of five jobs a day and never heard back from anyone. Just this morning, I have another request for an audition. The quality of the assets that your company produced have helped me grab the attention I needed. I have booked student films, and work as an extra in a commercial and in a feature film. Additionally, I recently booked a play. They are small roles for now…. But I know those credits will help lead me to bigger opportunities.

- Andrew Ogelsby

Martin is great. He really goes into depth with business strategies and shows you that you have to treat your career like a business. I've never been to an acting class that teaches these types of marketing philosophies. I used to struggle to get called in but I'm averaging 2 auditions a week now! Unbelievable!

- Jordyn C.

Martin's content is amazing! Since I've started following his material my entire mindset about acting has changed. With the combination of acting techniques and marketing strategies I've learned (along with some helpful psychology tricks), my career has been on an upswing. I'm getting bigger roles and a working a lot more! I went to college for acting and can honestly say I've learned more from Martin in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the cost!

- Dwayne D

I was very skeptical with learning this info, beginning my career and all, but now I know it was well worth it. Martin helped me realize the ways I can take hold of an acting career and how to break out into the business. Anyone who is looking for a way to help their career or where to start should sign up for his stuff. Also, the prices for everything else (headshots, reels, etc) are very reasonable with good quality service and amazing people working there.

- Elijah G.

Martin is a must-work-with coach!!! Super!!! if you want to know how to navigate through the world of acting, the do's and don'ts, how to make a great impression with casting directors and have a leg up in auditions, he is the guy to talk to. He has a lot of marketing information to teach you and offers amazing photography and video services through his company City Headshots. I don't know anyone else that can match what Martin offers.

- Jack R.

Wow, wow, wow, wow! Being an actor is expensive and very trying as we are in the business of no. When you finally find someone who is willing to go the extra mile to support you it is such a relief. That's what I've found with Martin.

- Dontai B.

Before I met Martin, I was just a 13-year-old girl trying to find my way through the sea of other actors with no clear acting goal. I didn’t understand how to get the doors to start opening for me and what was required to get an interview with casting directors and agencies. Gratefully now, and thanks to Martin, I signed with my top choice agency and my acting future is so much clearer!

- Zariah Cain

Martin’s material helped me immensely. I was getting around one audition every month or two, and after just a few weeks of applying Martin's material, that number jumped to 2 or more each WEEK! It's still increasing – and I haven't even updated my headshot yet.

Originally I did not know what was keeping me stuck. The whole idea of learning to “market” myself felt awkward and overwhelming because I did not want to do things the wrong way and possibly annoy people or get my headshot posted on the 'Wall of Shame.' I’m happy to say that my acting career is picking up now, and I am auditioning much more regularly for roles I’m excited about. Thank you, Martin!

- Adormeisay Frazier

Since studying and following Martin's programs, I landed my first TV role, booked a paid lead role in an independent film, and was featured in Backstage Magazine. I'm now SAG-Eligible. I love Martin and what he offers! Being featured on Backstage has been amazing. A lot of casting directors saw the article and reached out to me for self-tapes (since the article came out I've had 5 self-tapes and 2 requests to do an in-person audition). 60,000 people receive the magazine monthly and the online version has over 2.2 million readers! The article has only been out for 4 days but so far a bunch of people have reached out for me to audition for projects that I didn't even submit for... This is incredible, thanks so much for everything!

- Phae A.

Martin, I read your email regarding helping new actors avoid scammers. You helped me dodge a bullet when a casting agency asked me to pay all those fees that you mentioned. I heard the pitch about not paying upfront fees, researched the company, and discovered they were scamming people. Thanks for your advice!!

- Anthony M.

Recently I went to one of your competitors for scene production. What drew me in was their claim to market to CD’s and talent managers in their network. From a business standpoint it makes sense to go with the additional marketing they provide. However from experience with your company I felt the production is better in the sense that it’s more personal and easier to communicate, connect with collaborators. I.e. editor, cast mate, and crew. I felt like another item on the conveyer belt rather than the guy who was paying for this product. It was indeed a much friendlier experience working with you and your team,.

- Quang M.

I really appreciate you helping me and showing me what websites to get information from, and giving me great examples on acting. It is really helping me understand more about acting and what i need to do to become actor.

- Kennedy S.

I was in a short, indie film just over a year ago. Well, ever since then, I've been trying to obtain my footage. First I was told that it was still in post production, and then I was told that it was being submitted to film fests so it could not be released to us. After that, emails, texts, and phone calls to them from me, my agent, and even the actress in the scenes with me (who also wants her footage) ALL went unanswered. We were totally being ghosted.

A couple of weeks ago, I stumbled across your sample letter to use in asking for our footage. So I figured, I've got nothing to lose since I was pretty much at the point of resigning myself to the fact that I would NEVER see that footage. What caught my eye in your sample was rule 22 from the Sundance film festival guidelines, which says that they wont be penalized for us having and using the footage in our reels.

So, I used your sample letter as a basis for an email to the director (see below) that I sent over a week ago.. Guess what I just received?! My footage!!!

I just wanted to tell you thanks, and to let you know that your generous information and resources do, indeed, work. :)

- Brett B.

Martin has helped me immensely. As someone now retired, I initially believed there wouldn't be many opportunities for an actor of my age, but Martin helped open my eyes to my potential. Since working with Martin, I've performed at the Apollo theatre with rapper Drake, I've become eligible and joined SAG-AFTRA (a long-term goal of mine), and I've even worked as a CORE background actor in numerous TV shows including The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Law & Order SVU.

Martin helped improve my submissions, helped create and design my online casting profiles, gave me feedback on my photos, and even helped re-edit my reel to make it more compelling. All that said, I think the most important thing has been the massive amount of confidence I've gained in myself since working with him. I'm now ready to start looking for bigger roles and am excited to see what we accomplish together in 2023!

- Ronald Barshop

Martin, I just wanted to give you an update. I used my brand as we discussed and just landed a new agent. So thank you!

- Benel E.

I would say that my biggest accomplishments this year would be lining up consecutive contracts that keep me booked for a year straight and applying to grad school. Those were hard things. I’ve really loved your articles this year about auditioning. The whole mindset you put forth for your actors when they enter an audition room is truly revolutionary!

I ended up booking things either from networking (and sending repeated emails with my casting information to directors with whom I have some sort of connection) or from attending the group auditions for SETC and UPTA. I don't typically have good luck when it comes to just blind submissions. I gotta work my network.

One article of yours that I think about a lot is the one about camera acting as opposed to theatre acting. I loved the whole example you do from The Santa Clause movie where one character is indicating during his line but for a purpose (i.e. to make another character feel bad). I really liked it and it made TV acting make so much more sense to me!

- Becca M.

I must tell you that so much of what you have taught has improved my circumstances in the acting career, specifically the numbers game approach, which yielded me TWO, (count 'em 2!) paying gigs! Even more exciting is the fact that despite having an agent, I booked these jobs myself! One was on Casting Networks and the other was through Actor's Access...that job took me to Arizona for an industrial training video. Anyway, these great things are only because a lot of stuff you talk about really works in practice!

The one thing that worked in reverse was the branding advice. I thought that my brand would be LAWYER type but turns out I am equally or better suited to CRIMINAL types. My LAWYER headshot came out lousy while my STREET and COMMERCIAL headshots came out great. And when I was cast as a bank robber for the AZ job, my spirit got really happy playing the role on set and I realized that the criminal types would be easier and more fun in the long run.

BTW, I got that AZ job done in just TWO, (count ,em 2!) takes! Both takes were viable options for the client, and then I realized that what I really desire in the industry is to have a reputation for getting work done VERY WELL and QUICKLY. The company was so happy that they paid me for TWO (count 'em 2!) days instead of just the one day I worked. That rewarding feeling of competence is what I now focus on manifesting in the future. Thanks for all your advice and I look forward to all your emails.

- Lacey Bingham

Mr. Martin, I'm actually really grateful every time I receive an email from you because you don't just help me on what step to take next in my desire for acting, but you also help me in my life as a whole. Thank you!!

- Apronti E.

I got a manager! And I'm now auditioning more than ever. Thanks for being so helpful, motivating me and giving me a new perspective and new ideas.

- Francesco P.

You helped me a lot this year. I learned things about the acting business I hadn't known before, which I'm starting to put to use. My main goal right now is getting representation for a movie filming in a month or so, it's been in production for at least seven years. Thanks for helping me!

- Gabriel G.

I appreciate how tapped in you are with what actors are thinking and going through. You write so well and concisely and its very positive and supportive. I appreciate you.

- Rynier G.

My biggest accomplishment was finally getting representation. Thanks Martin!

- Ibrahim S.

In the last year I’ve booked an extra gig, a stunts gig, and one supporting role. Your emails regarding the importance of reels and avoiding the fear of not being ready helped me to scrounge enough footage for a reel, which has drastically helped my audition numbers. The footage isn’t that good but it’s much better than nothing.

I started getting your emails after booking a headshot shoot this year (which has also helped a lot), and they’ve really helped me get over the fear of the industry unknowns. I still wonder about a couple of things, but a huge margin has been cleared and I hope to understand even more through your content. When I’m in a place to do so I’d also like to learn more from your courses as well.

- Seth T.

Your actor side hustle course was a big stepping stone for me. It led to my pursuing communication coaching more aggressively, which eventually led to my training grad students at MIT with active listening and other communication and productivity skills. I'm now developing an online course. This business model is more appealing to me than solely 1 on 1 coaching because it's more scalable and semi-passive income.

- Patrick C.

I booked an OCP role on a commercial! Your comment about the notion that experience and degrees don't matter, insomuch as they're looking for the right person for the role, was very helpful. I only minored in theatre for my undergrad and as such, it's always intimidating going up against the MFAs, so it helped put it into perspective for me that it doesn't necessarily matter that I lack those degrees by my name.

- Joshua B.

I booked a supporting role in a Lifetime movie 12 Days of Christmas Eve starring Kelsey Grammer. Being on Lifetime was a life-long goal of mine. I was also lead in an indy film! My session with you last year helping with my audition sides is still helping me!!

- Lucinda C.

What I am most proud of is signing with a L.A.-based talent agency (The Wayne Agency) and booking day player role on Paramount+ TV show filming in Baltimore in October 2022. Your content is always read by me.

You have provided advice as to headshots and what to be thinking about subtext-wise and what to do with my eyes. Also, I have used your advice in writing compelling sumission notes to casting directors when responding to auditions. I literally write that I have a relevant experience and feel I can bring the emotionality to the character... I have received a few responses for auditions which has generated 1 call back for a Hallmark TV movie - THANKS TO YOU!

I'm based in the Baltimore MD area and being in NYC is not something I have been asked to do yet, however, when I do go up there, I do plan to at least utilize your headshots services. In summary, your content is excellent and I appreciate it greatly. I recommend your company to performers looking to gain an edge. I believe 1 or 2 have engaged with you.

- Kevin O.

I got professional headshots, finalized my reel and clips and launched my website. I then submitted to talent agents and got signed! I share your website and eNewsletter with everyone in my acting classes. Thanks for all the tips and help!

- Deborah Marcus

The thing I'm most proud to accomplish is just getting myself out there in the first place and taking classes. In the beginning of next year i hope to have a reel and start submitting. Your videos really helped set me on the path of which i should take and explained the industry in a more simpler way. Because of you, I now have a map on how to further my career. Thank you!

- Melody W.

This year I was able to get headshots from City Headshots, be apart of the background cast for a TV mini series on Apple TV+, participate in acting classes & seminars (a few were hosted by you), book speaking roles on two small, but promising projects, connect with other actors, and build a small reel.

You've helped me better build my brand and focus on the individual steps I need to take to make it as a working actor. I believe I saved a lot of money and time following your advice with building my foundation one step at a time. I have realistic goals thanks to your content and I am confident that I'll be successful.

- Royl K.

Finally, below are a few video testimonials: