One Broke Actress Podcast: “Making Your Own Work + Using New Tech to Your Advantage, and Surviving the Pivot with Brendan Bradley”
Release Date: April 10, 2025
Host: Sam Valentine
Guest: Brendan Bradley
Introduction and Podcast Updates
In this episode of the One Broke Actress Podcast, host Sam Valentine welcomes back Brendan Bradley, a familiar voice from episode 208 where they discussed post-strike insights with strike captains. Sam begins by sharing personal updates, including her upcoming play in Los Angeles and her pivot towards diversifying her content platforms. With over 302 episodes already available, Sam hints at revisiting archival episodes while also expanding her presence on YouTube to cater to broader actor needs.
Notable Quote:
Sam Valentine (00:00): “I am pivoting where I'm putting my money, time, energy, et cetera. There is not going to be as many consistent public podcasts for a bit of time.”
Embracing Vertical Shorts and New Media Formats
Brendan Bradley dives into the burgeoning trend of vertical shorts, emphasizing their strategic advantage in today’s digital landscape. He advocates for actors to leverage vertical formats using high-resolution DSLR cameras, allowing content to be versatile for both horizontal and vertical viewing.
Notable Quote:
Brendan Bradley (05:12): “If you're already inclined this way, I would shoot a bunch of content super wide in 6k, then format it at 4k bumped in so you could sell it horizontal like a typical web series, typical movie, and then slice out that 6K in that vertical format a little bit wide and just see what happens.”
From Spec Commercials to Feature Films
Brendan recounts his journey from creating spec commercials during a challenging period in Hollywood to producing his first feature film under a new media agreement. He highlights the importance of retaining creative control and the financial viability of self-produced projects, which allowed him to recoup his investment by selling the film in 14 countries.
Notable Quote:
Brendan Bradley (07:17): “My first feature was under the new media agreement and we released it primarily digitally before we then sold it in 14 countries and made the budget back. What? What? It can be done.”
Navigating Personal and Professional Challenges
The conversation takes a poignant turn as Brendan shares his personal ordeal during the Eaton fires in Altadena, detailing how his home was destroyed while he was temporarily housed with friends. Despite the devastation, Brendan reflects on the silver linings, such as gratitude for not owning property and the strength drawn from community support.
Notable Quotes:
Brendan Bradley (10:49): “February 27th, my partner and I are safely in temporary housing in Hollywood. ... it's all open. But a bedroom is sealed. ... we have a bathroom and a kitchen sealed.”
Sam Valentine (13:18): “Only you could make this so nice. That is incredible. You literally. Your whole home burned down.”
Overcoming Fear in Creating Original Content
Sam expresses her fears about transitioning from acting to producing her own projects, specifically citing the challenges of budgeting, securing funding, and managing the overwhelming logistics. Brendan offers practical advice, encouraging her to assess her commitment level based on the response her project receives and to embrace the collaborative nature of filmmaking.
Notable Quote:
Brendan Bradley (14:12): “Filmmaking, capital F, is not the end commercial product of a film. ... Filmmaking is a collaborative art form. It's one of the most collaborative art forms because of all the different departments and all the different stages.”
Strategic Financial Planning for Creative Projects
Brendan emphasizes the importance of financial discipline when investing in creative endeavors. He advises setting up separate bank accounts to manage savings and project funds effectively, ensuring that investments are made strategically without jeopardizing personal finances.
Notable Quote:
Brendan Bradley (28:08): “The greatest gift is I cannot be more of an advocate for giving yourself different bank accounts. ... You have to save. ... You have to choose how to most strategically spend that money.”
The Power of Community and Collaboration
The episode culminates with a heartfelt discussion on the significance of community support in the acting and filmmaking industries. Brendan underscores the value of mutual assistance among peers, whether it's through sharing resources, offering feedback, or collaborating on projects. This collective effort not only fosters creativity but also builds a resilient network capable of overcoming industry challenges.
Notable Quote:
Brendan Bradley (32:17): “Being in that community with each other means it just takes one person to say, I need help, and the community descends and helps. ... The audience is tired. They want relationship, they want connection, they want quirk, they want something new.”
Conclusion
Sam and Brendan wrap up their insightful conversation by reiterating the importance of adaptability, financial savvy, and community in navigating the often tumultuous waters of the acting industry. Brendan’s experiences serve as a testament to the power of taking initiative and leveraging new technologies to create meaningful, sustainable work. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their creative impulses, seek out collaborative opportunities, and remain resilient in the face of unexpected challenges.
If you’re inspired by Brendan’s journey and eager to create your own projects, consider exploring the various strategies discussed in this episode. For more behind-the-scenes content and updates, follow Sam Valentine on Instagram and subscribe to her bonus podcasts and YouTube channel.