Lydia Nicole's Acting Smarter Now Podcast
Immerse yourself in the rich, dynamic world of 'Acting Smarter Now" with Lydia Nicole,
your vibrant guide to mastering the business and craft of acting. With Lydia, a
seasoned industry veteran of 40 years, you'll experience a journey of practical
wisdom, brimming with empowerment, and street-wise common sense.
Join Lydia Nicole as she transforms the mindset of actors and creatives, infusing confidence and cultivating fun while executing their craft. As a multifaceted creative—actor, stand-up comedian, radio programmer, music marketer, and more—Lydia offers a treasure trove of wisdom from both her victories and her blunders, allowing listeners to navigate their paths with more ease and insight.
Lydia brings the Hollywood scene right into your ears, conducting vibrant interviews with industry creatives, from budding actors to veteran producers. She effortlessly peels back the curtain on the glamorous yet challenging Hollywood landscape, providing a pragmatic roadmap for your creative journey while staying authentic to your artistic vision.
'Acting Smarter Now" goes beyond art; it is about life, resilience, and spirituality in an industry that never stops spinning. So, whether you're an aspiring comedian, an emerging filmmaker, or an established actor seeking refreshing perspectives, this podcast is your friendly companion, mid-week energizer, and dose of industry smarts.
Hop on board for the ride of a lifetime with Lydia. Engage with
her on social media, stay updated with her latest episodes, and make your
artistic and business journey smarter, confident, and joyful!
Lydia Nicole's Acting Smarter Now Podcast
How to Fund & Make Your Short Film Successfully
Discover how to fund and make your short film successfully with insider tips, real-world advice, and inspiring stories from creative professionals who’ve done it! 🎥 In this video, I sit down with the incredible Melvin Taylor II, actor, writer, and creator of the award-winning short film "Baldi," to explore his journey of turning a powerful personal story into a film that resonates. From working a day job to budgeting time and money effectively, Melvin shares how he crowdfunded his project, submitted it to over 60 film festivals, and won multiple awards, including Best Cast at the Diversity Showcase.
Whether you're a filmmaker navigating the challenges of production or an actor dreaming of launching your career, this video is packed with actionable insights on time management, networking, and creating a professional team to bring your vision to life. Learn the importance of planning ahead, leveraging crowdfunding platforms, and preparing your film for festival success.
Get ready to step up your game with tips on balancing creative pursuits with financial stability, crafting compelling stories, and connecting with industry professionals. Don’t miss this empowering conversation designed to inspire, motivate, and equip you to take your career to new heights. Remember to like, subscribe, and share this video with fellow creatives! Let’s keep the hustle alive and turn dreams into reality. #actingcareer #CommonSenseMamita #shortfilm #filmmakingtips #Hollywoodinsights #actingclasses #careeradvice #LydiaNicole
#filmmakingtips #timemanagementforactors #actingcareeradvice #actingcareertips #crowdfundingstrategies
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
01:03 - Writing a Short Film for Yourself
15:31 - Baldi - The Film Concept
16:22 - Scriptwriting Process
18:25 - Producing the Film
24:30 - Budgeting Strategies
26:41 - Crowdfunding Techniques
30:55 - Navigating Film Festivals
33:32 - Festival Submission Requirements
36:00 - Importance of On-Set Photography
38:16 - Building Film Social Media Presence
40:38 - Selecting Film Festivals for Submission
43:40 - Baldi's Film Festival Submissions
46:14 - Intentionality in Festival Submissions
48:45 - Future Festival Submission Criteria
53:20 - Effective Networking Tips
58:35 - Image Awards Campaign Strategies
1:03:11 - Promoting Your Project
1:11:40 - Film Festival Strategy Insights
1:12:24 - Attending Cannes Film Festival
1:20:02 - Short Film Production Advice
1:28:32 - Reasons for Moving to New York
1:31:37 - Relocating to New York City
1:34:50 - Landing a Job at CBS
1:37:52 - Career Beginnings at WHCR
1:40:10 - Starting a YouTube Channel
1:47:26 - Entering Production Work
1:52:54 - Securing Your Next Job
1:55:07 - On-Set Etiquette Essentials
1:58:04 - Financial Management in Film
2:01:14 - Acting Smarter in Your Career
2:04:57 - Coaching for Auditions
2:12:27 - Goal Setting in Your Career
2:14:00 - Future Accomplishments in 3 Years
Get the Acting Smarter Digital Planner and Course bundle for free until Oct 15, 2025