Podcast Summary: Smosh Mouth Episode #92 - Reviewing Our IMDb Pages
Release Date: May 5, 2025
Hosts: Shayne Topp, Amanda Leehancanto
Guest: Angela Giratana
Introduction: Announcements and Setting the Stage
The episode kicks off with Amanda excitedly announcing her pregnancy, which had been previously shared on their favorite subreddits. Shayne and Angela express their enthusiasm, setting a personal and engaging tone for the discussion.
Notable Quote:
Amanda Leehancanto [00:00]: “So we've already announced that I'm pregnant on the last episode.”
Diving into IMDb: Understanding the Platform
Shayne introduces the primary topic: reviewing their IMDb pages. The hosts discuss IMDb as a comprehensive database of acting credits, likening it to LinkedIn for actors but emphasizing that users have limited control over the information listed.
Notable Quotes:
Shayne Topp [00:40]: “Today we are diving into our IMDb's, which, if you're not familiar with IMDb, it's just a list of all of our acting credits.”
Angela Giratana [01:05]: “It's kind of like Wikipedia where people go and they can do stuff.”
IMDb Inaccuracies and Personal Reflections
The conversation shifts to the inaccuracies found on their IMDb pages. Shayne humorously points out incorrect details like his height, leading to a playful debate about their real measurements. Amanda highlights missing early credits, revealing how IMDb might not capture all aspects of their acting journeys.
Notable Quotes:
Shayne Topp [06:00]: “They wrote it in all 3 meters.”
Amanda Leehancanto [05:34]: “There you go.”
The Evolution of the Acting Industry
Angela shares insights on how the acting industry has transformed with the advent of social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. The hosts reflect on the shift from traditional auditioning to creating and sharing content online, making acting more accessible but also more saturated.
Notable Quotes:
Angela Giratana [03:17]: “It's kind of like that. Actors have a website... Now it's kind of like your socials, your social media kind of has replaced it.”
Shayne Topp [03:47]: “Now, like, kids are just making their own content and like making their own sketches and short films. Like, you can just...”
Early Acting Careers: First Jobs and Audition Experiences
The hosts delve into their first acting roles, sharing anecdotes about their initial projects and the challenges they faced. Amanda recounts her experiences with student films and the pressures of early acting opportunities, while Shayne discusses his swift entry into acting in Arizona and subsequent move to Los Angeles.
Notable Quotes:
Amanda Leehancanto [10:15]: “What was everyone's first job they ever did? Like, first official project, like, is vulnerable.”
Shayne Topp [24:02]: “Back in Arizona. I got an agent because I did Arizona.”
Angela Giratana [26:03]: “I was like a... I was like a....”
Navigating Auditions: Successes and Embarrassments
The discussion turns to their audition experiences, highlighting both successful bookings and memorable flops. They share stories about unconventional auditions, such as Shayne’s humorous approach to a Tostitos commercial and Amanda’s struggling performance for a role in "Barry." These anecdotes underscore the unpredictable nature of auditions and the importance of resilience.
Notable Quotes:
Shayne Topp [56:13]: “I had a commercial audition for Subway and I... Stuffed my mouth with tortillas.”
Amanda Leehancanto [48:35]: “It was... So bad, I couldn't. I had memorized lines so well that I. I wasn't there.”
48-Hour Film Festivals: Creative Collaborations During the Pandemic
Angela reminisces about participating in 48-hour film festivals with friends during the pandemic, creating short films under tight deadlines. She highlights projects like "Chloe Mary Lydia" and "The Haunting of Dolly Parton," illustrating the creative camaraderie and the challenges of rapid filmmaking.
Notable Quotes:
Angela Giratana [35:25]: “We were like, we have to. But me and all my friends wanted to write something... It was our addiction.”
Amanda Leehancanto [36:07]: “And then we got to shoot it because just the camera girl and our sound guy just went to everyone's house.”
Digital Footprint vs. Traditional Resumes
The hosts debate the relevance of traditional acting resumes in the digital age. They argue that social media profiles and online content have taken precedence over printed resumes and headshots, reflecting the industry's shift towards digital presence.
Notable Quotes:
Amanda Leehancanto [04:10]: “Resumes aren't really a big thing. Like there are so many things that aren't big anymore...”
Angela Giratana [06:48]: “It's worth your time to maintain and update your IMDb and other profiles.”
Embarrassing Moments and Embracing Vulnerability
Shayne, Amanda, and Angela discuss their most embarrassing moments in acting, emphasizing how these experiences have shaped their confidence and authenticity. They laugh over past auditions and mishaps, reinforcing the idea that embracing imperfections is essential in the creative journey.
Notable Quotes:
Shayne Topp [43:15]: “I've done everything to embarrass myself.”
Angela Giratana [43:24]: “There is a mountain of those.”
Conclusion: Embracing the Journey and Future Reflections
As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on their acting journeys, acknowledging both the highs and lows. They express pride in their growth and the importance of continual learning and adaptation in the ever-evolving entertainment landscape.
Notable Quotes:
Amanda Leehancanto [44:41]: “I will say I'm going back on these credits, and I'm pretty proud of myself.”
Shayne Topp [69:35]: “Or don't leave it buried.”
Final Thoughts
Episode #92 of Smosh Mouth offers an insightful and humorous exploration of the hosts' IMDb pages, revealing the complexities of maintaining an accurate digital persona in the acting industry. Through personal stories and candid reflections, Shayne, Amanda, and Angela provide listeners with a relatable look into the trials and triumphs of their creative careers.