How to Get the Attention of Hollywood
Quick, what’s the movie? “Is anyone there? Anyone? Anyone?” If you don’t know, then the state of American culture is falling fast. If you...
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James Stranahan
- Dec 20, 2021
- 3 min
How to Choose the Right Performing Arts School
Back in high school, I went through the hell that is senior year. You’d think it would have been junior year, but senior year wasn’t any...
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James Stranahan
- Dec 20, 2021
- 3 min
Hollywood: Is There Ever a Time to Throw In the Towel?
I recently swung by the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles to take in a student production, A Piece of My Heart. I’m a...
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James Stranahan
- Dec 20, 2021
- 3 min
Why I Love Making Movies
I’m a pretty fortunate man, when it comes right down to it: I have found a job that I love to do, and I get to do it. I’m in love with...
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James Stranahan
- Dec 20, 2021
- 3 min
Defending the Movies!
I got into a friendly debate a few months ago with a guy who believed that making movies was a frivolous job. I was flying back to...
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James Stranahan
- Dec 17, 2021
- 3 min
Will the Old-Fashioned Movie Theater Ever Disappear?
I drove past a movie theater a few days ago, which still hadn’t reopened since it was first shut down last year because of COVID. As I...
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James Stranahan
- Dec 17, 2021
- 3 min
Are You Really Ready For Your First “Yes”?
If I told you that in Hollywood, there are two types of actors, you might think I’m referring to those who get rejected for parts and...
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James Stranahan
- Dec 17, 2021
- 3 min
Fear: The Only Thing That Can Keep You From A Brilliant Performance
In a very real sense, acting is one of the most masochistic professions out there. Really, think about it. You are the center of...
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James Stranahan
- Dec 17, 2021
- 3 min
The Key to Doing a Killer Accent
Sometimes, when I’m just bone-tired and need a break, I like to sack out with my cat, Moose, and watch The Walking Dead on Netflix. Okay,...
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James Stranahan
- Dec 15, 2021
- 3 min
The Metaverse Is Cool, But It Will Never Eliminate the Need For a Great Story
By now, you’ve probably heard of the metaverse, the technology that is poised to make the Internet a three-dimensional experience....
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James Stranahan
- Dec 15, 2021
- 3 min
The Generations in Movie Making
The first movie, so far as anyone can tell, was from 1888, a short, black-and-white film of less than 3 seconds. Made by French inventor...
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James Stranahan
- Dec 15, 2021
- 3 min
What Really Makes an Actor Good?
I remember attending a small-town play a while back and having the good fortune to watch one of the best actors I’ve ever encountered....
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James Stranahan
- Dec 15, 2021
- 3 min
Suggestions for Avoiding Problems During a Film Production
It would be nice if I could tell you that every film production I’ve managed has gone off without a hitch, but it’d be a lie. I do my...
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James Stranahan
- Dec 15, 2021
- 3 min
Do You Want to Be a Film Producer? Here’s Some Inside Advice.
If you’re considering a career as a movie producer, you’re about to have an incredibly difficult job. No doubt about it - shepherding a...
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James Stranahan
- Dec 15, 2021
- 3 min
Community Theaters: Where You’ll Find True Commitment and Entertainment
Professional actors, as you would expect, place a lot of value on getting to Hollywood or Broadway. It’s where the money is, after all,...
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James Stranahan
- Dec 15, 2021
- 3 min
It’s All About the Faces
A few months back, I went over to a friend’s house for his six-year-old daughter’s birthday party. As you would expect, there was cake,...
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James Stranahan
- Dec 15, 2021
- 3 min
How to Handle the Inevitable Rejections Hollywood Will Throw At You
I once heard about a guy who applied to over 30 colleges, including all of the Ivies. Can you imagine filling out all of those...
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James Stranahan
- Dec 15, 2021
- 3 min
Acting on Stage vs. In Front of the Camera: What’s the Difference?
As an actor, I find both performing on stage and acting in movies to be exhilarating. I am at heart an entertainer, so I love to bring...
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James Stranahan
- Dec 15, 2021
- 4 min
So, You Want to Be a Musician? Some Advice for Young Artists
Music comes out of my very soul. I’d honestly be lost if I couldn’t play the piano or the drums. As a musician, I have an innate desire...
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James Stranahan
- Dec 15, 2021
- 3 min
How to Protect Your Energy in the Audition Room
I’ve been to more auditions during my time in LA than I care to remember, and each one has had the potential to give me a heart attack....
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