James StranahanDec 20, 20213 minHow to Get the Attention of HollywoodQuick, 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...
James StranahanDec 20, 20213 minHow to Choose the Right Performing Arts SchoolBack 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...
James StranahanDec 20, 20213 minHollywood: 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...
James StranahanDec 20, 20213 minWhy I Love Making MoviesI’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...
James StranahanDec 20, 20213 minDefending 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...
James StranahanDec 17, 20213 minWill 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...
James StranahanDec 17, 20213 minAre 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...
James StranahanDec 17, 20213 minFear: The Only Thing That Can Keep You From A Brilliant PerformanceIn a very real sense, acting is one of the most masochistic professions out there. Really, think about it. You are the center of...
James StranahanDec 17, 20213 minThe Key to Doing a Killer AccentSometimes, 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,...
James StranahanDec 15, 20213 minThe Metaverse Is Cool, But It Will Never Eliminate the Need For a Great StoryBy now, you’ve probably heard of the metaverse, the technology that is poised to make the Internet a three-dimensional experience....
James StranahanDec 15, 20213 minThe Generations in Movie MakingThe 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...
James StranahanDec 15, 20213 minWhat 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....
James StranahanDec 15, 20213 minSuggestions for Avoiding Problems During a Film ProductionIt 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...
James StranahanDec 15, 20213 minDo 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...
James StranahanDec 15, 20213 minCommunity Theaters: Where You’ll Find True Commitment and EntertainmentProfessional actors, as you would expect, place a lot of value on getting to Hollywood or Broadway. It’s where the money is, after all,...
James StranahanDec 15, 20213 minIt’s All About the FacesA 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,...
James StranahanDec 15, 20213 minHow to Handle the Inevitable Rejections Hollywood Will Throw At YouI once heard about a guy who applied to over 30 colleges, including all of the Ivies. Can you imagine filling out all of those...
James StranahanDec 15, 20213 minActing 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...
James StranahanDec 15, 20214 minSo, You Want to Be a Musician? Some Advice for Young ArtistsMusic 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...
James StranahanDec 15, 20213 minHow to Protect Your Energy in the Audition RoomI’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....