One Broke Actress Podcast: "You Booked the Job but It Didn’t Change Your Life" Featuring Brian Unger
Release Date: May 22, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of the One Broke Actress Podcast, host Sam Valentine delves deep into the real-life experiences of actors navigating the tumultuous landscape of Hollywood. This particular episode, titled "You Booked the Job but It Didn’t Change Your Life: Brian Unger on the Real Working Actor Experience," features a candid conversation with acclaimed actor Brian Unger. Recorded as part of the "It Hits Different" series, this episode offers listeners an unfiltered look into the challenges and triumphs of sustaining an acting career.
Brian Unger’s Journey to Los Angeles
Brian Unger begins by sharing his initial foray into the entertainment industry. He humorously recounts his metaphorical "falling off a turnip wagon," transitioning from being a homecoming king to chasing his dreams in LA.
Brian Unger [00:45]: "I moved to Los Angeles with a pilot deal in hand. And I thought my future was certain, my trajectory, without question. I was just gonna be fine."
Despite securing a pilot with William Morris and the support of Doug Herzog, Unger's optimism was swiftly challenged when the pilot was not picked up, leaving him unemployed just eight months later.
Handling Unemployment and Auditions
Unger emphasizes the fleeting nature of success in acting, highlighting the importance of not relying on a single achievement.
Brian Unger [07:42]: "These are moments of success. And the emphasis is moment. And your objective is to string these moments together."
He discusses the psychological shift from expecting consistent success to adopting a more resilient mindset, preparing himself for the inevitable ups and downs of the industry.
Balancing an Analytical Approach
Transitioning from his comedic roots at The Daily Show to the scripted world of acting, Unger admits to initially struggling with auditions. He attributes his success to an overly analytical approach, meticulously dissecting his performances to identify patterns of success and areas needing improvement.
Brian Unger [14:44]: "I think everybody's process is different, but mine is a little too analytical, probably for most."
Unger shares how his dual role as a producer allowed him to observe auditions from the other side, refining his own technique by understanding what casting directors look for in actors.
Speech and Voice Training
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the critical role of speech and voice training in an actor's toolkit. Unger underscores the necessity of mastering vocal techniques to convincingly portray diverse characters.
Brian Unger [48:18]: "Find a good speech dialogue person who can help you sound a certain way."
He recounts his experience working in public radio, which honed his ability to modulate his voice and adopt various accents, essential skills for any aspiring actor.
Personal Audition Stories
Unger opens up about his most challenging auditions, providing listeners with invaluable lessons learned from his experiences. One standout story involves a disastrously unprepared callback for Ally McBeal.
Brian Unger [53:29]: "I started reading with this person. I flip the page to go to the next one, and the pages are out of order... I shit the bed for the next seven pages, walked out of there almost like in a state of tears because I felt like I had failed so miserably."
This anecdote serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preparation and maintaining composure under pressure.
Insights and Advice for Aspiring Actors
Throughout the conversation, Unger imparts practical advice for actors facing the uncertainties of auditions and casting processes:
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Stay Persistent: Despite setbacks, continuity and resilience are key to navigating the long-term journey of an acting career.
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Maintain Calmness: Developing techniques to stay calm can significantly improve audition performances. Unger suggests finding moments of serenity outside of auditions to build this skill.
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Embrace Authenticity: Being genuine and authentic in auditions helps in creating a meaningful connection with casting directors.
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Continuous Learning: Investing time in speech training and understanding regional accents can differentiate an actor in a competitive field.
Brian Unger [37:38]: "If you can practice calmness being. Being super present... that's great."
Understanding the Audition Environment
Unger provides an insider's perspective on the audition room dynamics, discussing how both actors and casting professionals navigate the often high-pressure environment.
Brian Unger [15:22]: "Nervousness is the first kind of killer."
He contrasts the expectations of single-camera versus multi-camera auditions, explaining how each format demands different approaches and techniques.
Overcoming Negative Experiences
Addressing the fear and stigma associated with bad auditions, Unger reassures listeners that casting directors often do not hold past failures against actors.
Brian Unger [60:22]: "These moments, as bad as they are, they don't remember them. You're just a face at that moment."
This perspective encourages actors to view setbacks as fleeting moments rather than defining episodes in their careers.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As the episode wraps up, Unger promotes his new show, Me, Myself and I, airing on CBS. He reflects on his journey with humility, emphasizing the importance of one-on-one connections and personal growth.
Brian Unger [62:55]: "This is how I prefer these kinds of things. One on one and lots of dogs."
Sam Valentine concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to support the podcast through subscriptions, ratings, and shares, highlighting the community aspect of One Broke Actress.
Key Takeaways
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Resilience is Crucial: The acting industry's unpredictable nature requires a steadfast and adaptable mindset.
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Preparation Matters: Comprehensive preparation, both technically and mentally, can make the difference between success and failure in auditions.
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Authenticity Connects: Genuine performances resonate more with casting professionals than rehearsed or mechanical ones.
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Speech Training is Essential: Mastery over one's voice and speech patterns is fundamental for versatile acting roles.
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Embrace Moments: Viewing each audition as a separate moment helps in maintaining perspective and reducing undue stress.
Notable Quotes
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Brian Unger [07:42]: "These are moments of success. And the emphasis is moment. And your objective is to string these moments together."
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Brian Unger [14:44]: "I think everybody's process is different, but mine is a little too analytical, probably for most."
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Brian Unger [48:18]: "Find a good speech dialogue person who can help you sound a certain way."
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Brian Unger [60:22]: "These moments, as bad as they are, they don't remember them. You're just a face at that moment."
Final Note
Brian Unger's insights provide a realistic and encouraging perspective for actors navigating the competitive world of auditions and casting. By sharing his vulnerabilities and strategies, he offers a roadmap for aspiring actors to persist and thrive despite challenges.
Stay Connected
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Brian Unger’s Show: Me, Myself and I premieres on CBS Fall [reference to dates in transcript].
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Follow Sam Valentine: Stay updated with One Broke Actress on Instagram and other social platforms.
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Support the Podcast: Subscribe, rate, review, and share to help spread the word and build a supportive community.
This summary encapsulates the essence of the podcast episode, highlighting Brian Unger's journey, challenges, and the valuable lessons he imparts to listeners aspiring to succeed in the acting industry.