What Creators Can Learn from Lin-Manuel Miranda and How to Create Your Own Work, Part 2
Welcome to Episode 35 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This week, CA got some big news and a step forward for getting production back in CA. E-Kan and Rían talk about the latest progress in CA’s $750 million film/tv tax credit as well as what just went down the FilmLA contract renewal. FilmLA is the non-profit that helps LA filmmakers get permits for their productions, at least that’s the idea. But with productions leaving CA in droves, LA filmmakers want some major change and showed it by making their voices heard at a town hall in Downtown LA. You’ll hear what went down.
The guys also continue their conversation on making your own work, obstacles and roadblocks they’ve faced, and some practical tricks and methods to trick your brain and get sh#* done.
E-Kan also saw a talk with Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr. and shares incredible lessons on leadership and collaboration from the Broadway gods themselves. And that gets them to Rían’s worst audition story for a musical and what could’ve been… if Rían just knew how to dance. You’ll also hear why Christopher Nolan said “You don’t need to be typing to be writing”, and E-Kan says “Write what makes you angry.”
If you find yourself hitting stumbling blocks, this episode might help you.
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/l-a-renews-film-office-contract-five-more-years-1236297718/
https://deadline.com/2025/06/california-passes-750m-film-tax-credit-funding-1236444493/
Lin-Manuel Miranda and Leslie Odom Jr conversation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzHVG7r0G0c
E-Kan directed a short- No Laughing Matter: Tears of A Clown link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=sleaN1b0og8&t=1s&sttick=0
Hidden Gems:
The War of Art by Stephen Pressfield - https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Through-Creative-Battles/dp/9395741538/ref=asc_df_9395741538?mcid=5fad61ab3eb73b24b49e34f8e10be519&hvocijid=10747138887357338460-9395741538-&hvexpln=73&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=721245378154&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10747138887357338460&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003384&hvtargid=pla-2281435178778&psc=1
B&H Bild Expo- https://www.bildexpo.com/
Time stamps
(0:00) Intro
(3:50) CA Film TV Tax Credits
(5:10) FilmLA Tax Renewal
(08:40) Creating your own work
(09:45) Rían’s worst audition story was for a musical
(12:20) E-Kan enters a singing contest
(15:00) Rían was almost a pop star
(17:00) Why Lin-Manuel Miranda’s the best
(21:00) Roadblocks that Rían faces
(23:00) Practical ways to get started creating
(26:40) Trick your brain
(29:00) Get a deadline
(38:00) Lesson E-Kan learned and why consistency is key
(40:25) Hidden Gems
--------
43:10
--------
43:10
Disney Sues Midjourney, AI Tools We're Scared to Use, and What it’s like to Work on a Tom Cruise Set | Ep 34
Welcome to Episode 34 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This week, the guys talk about why Disney and Universal is suing AI powerhouse Midjourney. It's time to root for Disney this time, and E-Kan and Rían talk about why it's a big deal for creators and the future of AI regulations. They dig into what Midjourney does exactly and the tricky debate about whose at fault if a copyrighted image is created - the user or the tool? Is Midjourney like using other tools like Photoshop?
E-Kan also opens up about AI tools he's scared to use and why we need to look into the terms of service for these sites. Can we trust anyone? So far, it's unclear. They discuss the importance of AI regulations and the power of unions which gets them onto Tyler Perry and his tricky relationship with unions in the past.
And a side tangent- what does it mean when we say someone's intense? Is E-Kan intense?
We then get into a conversation about Tom Cruise, how he's saving the movies, and what makes him, according to us, possibly the best movie star we have today. The dedication he has to working on camera and what actors need to learn from him. E-Kan then shares a story about how he did background on a Tom Cruise film back in the day which thrills Rían. This is a fun one, folks.
New episodes every Monday, wherever you find your podcasts, including video on YouTube and Substack. Follow us on social media at @actorsguidepodcast!
Disney vs Midjourney Dain Walker post - https://www.instagram.com/p/DK0pmxdTupE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
https://www.wired.com/story/midjourney-generates-videos-of-disney-characters-amid-massive-copyright-lawsuit/
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/11/business/media/disney-universal-midjourney-ai.html
https://blavity.com/entertainment/heres-why-tyler-perry-could-get-in-trouble-with-labor-unions-again-with-new-play-madeas-farewell
Hidden Gems:
The Artist's Way (Julia Cameron) https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Way-25th-Anniversary/dp/0143129252
Magnesium L-Threonate (I'm not a doctor, shocker, please do your research)
Time stamps
(2:17) Disney sues Midjourney
(5:37) Who’s at fault?
(10:33) Tyler Perry and Unions
(15:10) We’re scared to use certain AI tools
(20:08) Tom Cruise is saving movies
(22:40) How well Tom Cruise understands the lens
(25:47) The intensity of Tom Cruise
(30:48) When E-Kan worked on a Tom Cruise movie
(40:09) Hidden Gems
--------
43:39
--------
43:39
Layoffs rip through Hollywood and How to Create Your Own Work, Part 1 | Ep 33
Welcome to Episode 33 of the Actor's Guide to the End of the World! This week the guys discuss the massive layoffs happening throughout Hollywood, including WB Discovery, Paramount, Disney, and many more. Looks like the actors and crew aren't the only ones looking for work. E-Kan and Rían find a little comfort in this turbulent time in the industry and talk about the only real thing to do right now - make your own stuff!
This is just skimming the surface and part two will come, but E-Kan talks about his experience directing, producing, writing, and starring in award-winning web series and short films (links below). They talk about their experiences collaborating with others, gems like don’t let great be the enemy of good, how creating your own work will make you a better actor, and how to prioritize starting a production from the ground up with limited resources.
If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to creating your own projects, this is the episode for you.
https://deadline.com/feature/hollywood-media-layoffs-list-1236007845/
Web series "Born Losers"
https://bornloserstv.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@bornloserstv2995
Short Film - "No Laughing Matter: Tears of a Clown" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sleaN1b0og8&t=141s
"How to Book with Lesly Kahn" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzSg6Q03W4o&t=22s
Hidden Gems:
Ci Siamo (NYC) https://www.cisiamo.com/menus/
Time stamps
(0:00) Intro
(2:50) Layoffs at the studios
(7:15) The only thing you can do as an actor
(11:25) Don't let Great be the Enemy of Good
(13:25) Making your own stuff
(15:50) How do you start?
(17:50) The freedom in making your own work
(19:37) Minimizing expectations and the real purpose
(29:00) Where it all started
(29:50) The importance of finding the right partner
(32:50) Hidden Gems
--------
37:39
--------
37:39
Working with Tom Hanks and Debunking Self-tape Myths on the Internet | Ep 32
Welcome to Episode 32 to the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World podcast!
Still coming down from last week’s epic episode with last week’s guest Kirsten Sheridan, E-Kan and Rían recap major takeaways and lessons learned. Be sure to check out her summer workshop happening this month in LA, info below.
They get onto a little blast from the past when E-Kan worked with a screen acting legend and all because he was an intern at the casting office. Listen in to hear how E-Kan’s ass got his first studio credit. Rían also shares his first movie experience with Joel Schumacher and how he also worked at a casting office. You’ll hear what he learned about auditioning from watching and reading with so many actors as well as why “sexy indifference” is so appealing.
Rían also brings up wisdom from incredible actor Michael Kostroff that changed how he looks at auditions and how it helped to remember “you’re not going to get the fucking job.”
And then they discuss a controversial post about "self-tapes truths" from a former casting director that has caused a stir online. No ring light? Don’t act, just be yourself? No "bold choices"?? The guys get into it and what actors need to remember, especially newer ones. You’re going to want to hear this one.
New episodes every Monday, wherever you find your podcasts, including video on Youtube and Substack!
Follow @actorsguidepodcast on all social media including IG and TikTok.
Kirsten Sheridan’s website- www.kirstensheridan.net
Summer workshop - www.bowstreet.ie/kirsten-sheridan-workshop
Aaron Paul “Breaking Bad” audition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-6vWahav9E
Amy Adam’s “June Bug” audition
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxxVcAc4gZc
Emma stone’s audition “Easy A”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6f0UgVxpe9E
Hidden gems: Museum of Moving Image (Astoria, NY) Jim Henson and Mission Impossible https://movingimage.org/whats-on/screenings-and-series/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22307333704&gbraid=0AAAAAogSa6Wx8yyXir9YTjwyjqeZFYzj5&gclid=Cj0KCQjwjJrCBhCXARIsAI5x66XlXeI3vGlrWaJ2gD1A1MEz2nVXJz1fo9cnMikUedk5lfQr6S7bsjgaAmNzEALw_wcB
Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari https://www.amazon.com/Nexus-Brief-History-Information-Networks/dp/059373422X
Time stamps
(0:00) Intro
(2:45) Kirsten Sheridan recap
(7:05) Working with legend Tom Hanks
(12:50) Rían first film experience with Joel Shumacher
(17:00) Lessons learned from interning at a casting office
(18:00) Audition workshop from "The Wire" actor Michael Kostroff
(23:30) "Self-Tape Truths" debunked
(35:24) Learn from the best auditions online
(37:00) Hidden gems
--------
39:30
--------
39:30
Our first guest! Oscar-nominated writer-director Kirsten Sheridan talks growing up on film sets, Cillian Murphy, and Hulu’s Say Nothing | Ep 31
Welcome to Episode 31 to the Actor’s Guide to the End of the World podcast! This episode came out a little late this week but it’s worth the wait. We have our very first guest- Oscar nominated writer director Kirsten Sheridan stops by the show. That's right. We might just quit after this episode. We discuss so many things, from being nominated for writing “In America”, the indie hit based on her life story immigrating to the U.S., watching her legendary director father direct Daniel Day Lewis, and directing her first feature starring a 25-year old Cillian Murphy.
The incredible actors she has worked with include Samantha Morton, Paddy Considine, Djimon Hounsou, and of course Robin Williams. She has so much wisdom to share.
Kirsten talks about the biggest lesson she learned from her father and the one piece of advice she always gives actors. Also what on Earth is Danny Devito’s Troll Foot? And what’s a 99?
Also Kirsten's latest show "Say Nothing" on Hulu is earning rave reviews. The gripping true story spans four decades during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and we discuss the impact it's having on audiences. She and Rían also reminisce as they happened to have gone to the same high school as one another. As if that wasn't enough, she started a filmmaking community/school in Ireland and is bringing that experience to LA this summer (info below). We talk about how she likes to work with actors and how she helps them achieve their best work, as well what she looks for in self tapes.
Kirsten is clearly a director an actor would dream to work with but also to have as a guest. Please enjoy this episode.
Kirsten Sheridan’s website- www.kirstensheridan.net
Summer workshop - www.bowstreet.ie/kirsten-sheridan-workshop
IG: @bowstreetacademy
Time stamps
(0:00) Intro
(1:24) Kirsten Sheridan
(3:11) Seeing the flaws of your old work
(5:09) Cillian Murphy is an incredible actor
(9:27) Pitfalls learning lessons as a young director
(09:54) The big lesson Kirsten learned from her legendary director father
(11:12) The worst thing a director can do
(15:24) Growing up on film sets
(18:20) How writing helped her find her voice
(18:54) Starting a film acting school
(21:11) In America
(23:03) Imposter syndrome
(24:26) Behind the scenes of In America
(30:27) Building a community in LA
(34:43) Hulu hit “Say Nothing”
(41:11) Ireland’s tumultuous history
(44:33) How to survive in the new industry of entertainment
(49:26) Danny Devito and Troll Foot
(50:24) Teaching classes and building community
(56:07) Viciously protecting your craft like Cillian Murphy
(57:51) Directing Robin Williams
(1:00:35) How do you keep up with all the content?
(1:03:09) The one piece of advice I always give actors
(1:04:44) Finding the actors’ essence
(1:08:44) What's next for Kirsten
(1:10:49) Hidden gems
Two actors, E-Kan Soong and Rían Sheehy Kelly talk acting and Hollywood in a way people understand. Dive into the most interesting headlines you need to know from the ever changing Hollywood industry as they share hilarious stories and insights from on set and off, and find joy along the ride. Frank, informative, and entertaining conversations for those in and out of the industry.
All the world’s a stage, and this stage is on fire... but you know E-Kan and Rian are going to have a laugh either way.
Watch and listen to new episodes every Monday wherever you find your podcasts!
Follow @actorsguidepodcast on all social media, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Substack for all the best moments from the show.
Follow E-Kan @ekansoong and Rían @riansheehykelly on Instagram
Listen to The Actor’s Guide to the End of the World, Sara & Cariad's Weirdos Book Club and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
Ireland