"A YES OR NO CAN TAKE JUST 7 SECONDS."
According to many industry experts, casting directors and agents take less than seven seconds to determine if an actor should be considered for a role.
If your marketing materials and acting technique haven't convinced them within that time frame, most will simply move onto the next actor.
Not getting invited to at least 1-2 auditions (or self-tape requests) per week, or not hearing back when reaching out to agents, means something is probably off with those two all-important factors:
If your marketing materials and acting technique haven't convinced them within that time frame, most will simply move onto the next actor.
Not getting invited to at least 1-2 auditions (or self-tape requests) per week, or not hearing back when reaching out to agents, means something is probably off with those two all-important factors:
- Factor 1: Technique
- Factor 2: Marketing
FACTOR #1 TECHNIQUE
IS YOUR ACTING "GOOD ENOUGH?"
Here's the hard part about improving acting technique:
It's hard to judge your own performance to know how casting directors or agents see you.
Ever wondered... "Is the self-tape I recorded good enough to submit?"
Many actors spend hours recording and re-recording self-tapes, never knowing if their performance is strong enough to earn a callback.
That's where The 4 Levels of Acting comes into play.
The 4 Levels of Acting is a framework I teach that allows you to quickly judge your own performance before submitting so you know whether your self-tape is actually good enough.
Here's how it works:
Casting directors only hire Level 3 and Level 4 actors for network-level productions.
It's hard to judge your own performance to know how casting directors or agents see you.
Ever wondered... "Is the self-tape I recorded good enough to submit?"
Many actors spend hours recording and re-recording self-tapes, never knowing if their performance is strong enough to earn a callback.
That's where The 4 Levels of Acting comes into play.
The 4 Levels of Acting is a framework I teach that allows you to quickly judge your own performance before submitting so you know whether your self-tape is actually good enough.
Here's how it works:
- Level 1: This is where we all start. At Level 1, there are technical issues with the performance such as not pronouncing words clearly, indication (also called over-acting), lack of memorization, and more.
- Level 2: This is where your performance is natural and realistic. However, your choices are often not clear enough, which can cause the viewer to get lost or distracted while watching.
- Level 3: At this level your performance is on point. Every choice is clear and the audience is easily able to follow the scene without getting lost or losing interest. Level 3 actors can often book legit co-star roles on network-television.
- Level 4: This is the highest level of performance. This is where the audience watching deeply experiences emotion, and where the casting director feels "goosebumps" while they watch.
Casting directors only hire Level 3 and Level 4 actors for network-level productions.
FACTOR #2: MARKETING
CAN THEY "TRUST" YOU?
Everything is built on trust in this industry.
Casting directors only hire actors they trust will deliver.
So how do you build that trust? By making the best possible impression when presenting yourself to the industry.
This is all about marketing.
Sure, a long resume filled with great credits can instantly build trust, but what if you're not there yet?
Well luckily, you can sidestep a short resume by how you position the other materials you have.
For most actors, this can be done in just a few weeks. Here are just a few ways to build trust fast:
When your marketing is on point and your acting is consistently at Level 3 and 4, major breakthroughs can't help but start to happen – no matter who you are.
And these breakthroughs can happen even if you don't have connections or credits yet.
I'd like to introduce you to the...
Casting directors only hire actors they trust will deliver.
So how do you build that trust? By making the best possible impression when presenting yourself to the industry.
This is all about marketing.
Sure, a long resume filled with great credits can instantly build trust, but what if you're not there yet?
Well luckily, you can sidestep a short resume by how you position the other materials you have.
For most actors, this can be done in just a few weeks. Here are just a few ways to build trust fast:
- Get crystal clear on the characters you play best, and show it in your marketing materials
- Making sure your headshots, clips, and resume are up to industry standards
- Using a professional self-tape setup with proper sound, background, and lighting
- Create clips that show you can consistently deliver Level 4 performances
- Making sure your online acting profiles are filled out fully and properly so you look like a "busy, working actor"
When your marketing is on point and your acting is consistently at Level 3 and 4, major breakthroughs can't help but start to happen – no matter who you are.
And these breakthroughs can happen even if you don't have connections or credits yet.
I'd like to introduce you to the...
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1-1 CONSULTING PROGRAM
Ready to land more auditions, book bigger roles, and take your acting career to the next level?
In my 6-month coaching program, I work closely with actors like you to help master not only your technique, but also the business and marketing strategies you'll need in place to get noticed.
Whether you're trying to find and sign with a great agent/manager, get accepted at your dream acting program, or looking to book your first union speaking role to become SAG-Eligible, I'm here to help.
HOW MY COACHING PROGRAM WORKS
I offer online sessions via Zoom and can also meet in-person in Northern NJ for sessions:
- 6 Month Comprehensive Coaching Program: We’ll work together over a series of coaching sessions that go beyond just acting technique. We’ll dive into audition strategy, marketing material creation, and career development, giving you exactly what you need to book more roles and take control of your career.
- Marketing Material Creation: We'll also work together in-between sessions via email and phone as I help you build your marketing materials, including writing your bio, designing your resume, putting together webpages to showcase your materials, and more. And yes, my team and I will take care of much of this on my end (including writing your bio and formatting your resume) so you can stay focused on auditioning.
- Supplemental Learning Content: You'll get special access to a select group of my online courses handpicked to help you achieve whatever goal we set together. These courses have hours of training you can watch at your leisure that provide context and background on what we'll be working on together in our sessions.
- Monthly Group Workshops: All 1-1 coaching clients have the option to attend a monthly group workshop I host – this is ongoing for no extra cost even after your coaching program has concluded, so you can ask follow-up questions, get personalized support from me, and even meet and learn from other actors who are going through the same challenges you might be.
ABOUT ME (MARTIN BENTSEN)
For over a decade, I’ve worked as a private acting coach to help actors land more auditions, book bigger roles, and grow careers they feel proud of. My coaching isn’t just about offering advice—I focus on helping actors take real steps forward, whether it’s getting an agent, becoming SAG-eligible, or getting into their dream acting program.
I also started City Headshots (back in 2009), where my team and I have worked with over 15,000 actors to capture professional headshots and develop career strategies. Our clients have landed jobs on shows like HBO, Netflix, and NBC, and others have booked major roles that gave their careers a real boost.
I also started City Headshots (back in 2009), where my team and I have worked with over 15,000 actors to capture professional headshots and develop career strategies. Our clients have landed jobs on shows like HBO, Netflix, and NBC, and others have booked major roles that gave their careers a real boost.
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What excites me most is seeing actors break through roadblocks they didn’t think they could overcome. I believe in being honest with my clients and giving straightforward feedback. My goal is NOT to keep people coming back for years... instead I want them to feel empowered to take charge of their careers on their own. In fact, I'd rather you have amazing success and refer your friends than keep you dependent on my coaching forever, which is why my entire system is built on teaching you the WHY and HOW behind what we'll be working on together – so you can go and continue to apply what you've learned on your own for years to come.
I know how frustrating it can be to feel stuck in this industry, and my job is to provide clear guidance, actionable steps, and the support needed to move forward. Along with running my business, I also host The Actor’s Career Compass podcast, where I share tips and strategies to help actors find their footing. I send out regular advice to over 25,000 actors through my email list, and I'm grateful for all the actors I've had the opportunity to connect with over the years. |
If you’re looking for a coach who will help you cut through the noise and finally make progress, I’d love to be part of your journey. You’ve already got what it takes—sometimes it just takes the right plan and a little push to unlock your next breakthrough.
SUCCESS STORIES FROM ACTORS LIKE YOU
"I'm getting bigger roles and 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 just booked my first speaking role in Law & Order: SVU and my manager is FINALLY listening to me. Thank you!!"
- Mya Carter
"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
"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 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.
"I signed with a L.A.-based talent agency (The Wayne Agency) and booked a day player role on Paramount+ TV show filming in Baltimore in October 2022!"
- Kevin O.
GET STARTED WITH A FREE CONSULTATION
Ready to take control of your career and start creating your own luck?
Start by filling out this application, and if I feel we'd be a good fit to work together I'll reach out to you to schedule a free call and see how we can best work together. We'll discuss your career goals and whether my coaching program would be a good fit.
Just keep in mind: My approach is a bit different from many other acting coaches. I’m friendly and fun to work with, but I also believe in giving honest, direct feedback. I will NOT sugarcoat or avoid discussing the tough areas, whether it’s your acting technique, your audition preparation, or the business side of your career. My goal is to help you make real progress—not to keep you dependent on my coaching long-term. Success stories mean more to me than long-term dependency (and that’s reflected in my premium rates).
Important: We are not an agency or management office. This call is intended for serious actors ready to invest time, energy, and money into their careers. My 1-1 coaching is a premium program for those committed to making real progress. If you’re just looking for acting work or shortcuts, this call may not be the best fit.