What does it really take for an independent film to break through?

In this episode of Beyond the Take, Marc Chouen sits down with filmmaker, producer, and Executive Director of the SoHo International Film Festival, Sibyl Santiago, for a deep dive into how the indie film world actually works.

Sibyl shares her journey from child actor to producer to festival leader, the challenges she faced as an Asian American actress, and how she built a career by creating her own opportunities. She breaks down what festivals are really looking for, how filmmakers should approach submissions, and why community-driven festivals matter more than ever.

They also talk about:

• How filmmakers can stand out in a crowded festival landscape

• What programmers look for when watching thousands of submissions

• Why prestige doesn’t always equal opportunity

• How streaming is reshaping indie distribution

• Building sustainable careers outside the studio system

Whether you’re an actor, filmmaker, producer, or just trying to break into the industry, this episode is packed with real-world insight you won’t hear in film school.

🎬 If you’re serious about independent film, festivals, and long-term career growth — this one’s for you.

What does it actually take to start acting and how do you know if you should keep going when things get hard?

In this episode of Beyond The Take, Marc Chouen flips the format and sits down with someone new to the acting world, asking the kinds of honest questions most people are too afraid to ask out loud.

Marc opens up about:

• Recently losing his agent and what that really means for an actor’s career

• How rejection works and how not to let it destroy your confidence

• Why voice acting and on-camera acting are harder than they look

• Making personal connections with material that doesn’t feel natural

• How auditions, self-tapes, and streaming have changed the industry

• What early actors misunderstand about opportunity and competition

• Treating acting like a business without losing your creativity

• The thin line between persistence and walking away and how to know the difference

Marc also shares personal experiences from his own career, including moments where he nearly quit acting entirely before landing pivotal roles, and why fearlessness, preparation, and the right support system matter more than talent alone.

This episode isn’t about selling a dream. It’s about clarity.

If you’re thinking about acting, just starting out, or questioning whether to keep going, this conversation will help you understand what you’re really stepping into.

What does it really take to build a lasting career in the entertainment industry without shortcuts, hype, or excuses?

In this episode of Beyond The Take, Marc Chouen sits down with actor, producer, and longtime mentor Jaime Zevallos, whose 27-year journey through film, television, theater, and independent cinema offers a rare look at how careers are actually built.

Jaime opens up about:

• Starting as a graffiti artist and finding his way into acting

• Learning the business side of entertainment through PA work, film school, and self-education

• Making tough choices early on just to survive and when to take real risks

• Why today’s artists have no choice but to create their own opportunities

• The realities of social media, visibility, and false narratives of “success”

• Union benefits, health insurance, and why longevity matters more than clout

• Producing independently, self-financing projects, and planning a Cannes submission

• The difference between chasing money and staying creatively fulfilled

• How mentorship, community, and persistence separate those who last from those who burn out

This is not a highlight reel or a success story wrapped in platitudes. It’s a grounded, honest conversation about adaptation, perseverance, and betting on yourself in an industry that keeps changing the rules.

If you’re an actor, filmmaker, producer, or creative trying to figure out how to stay in the game, this episode is for you.

What does it really take to build a lasting acting career especially after being part of a global phenomenon?

In the Season premiere of Beyond The Take, Marc Chouen sits down with actor Sherman Augustus for a deep, honest conversation about craft, career choices, and the realities of today’s entertainment industry — timed perfectly with the Stranger Things series finale.

Sherman opens up about:

• His experience joining Stranger Things and preparing a military character with authenticity

• The secretive audition process and bringing yourself into iconic roles

• How auditioning, unions, and casting have changed over the years

• Navigating career decisions without fear — even when it means passing on roles

• Staying emotionally truthful and present under pressure

• Improvisation, instinct, and handling last-minute changes on set

• Lessons learned from veterans, directors, and decades in the business

• Why professionalism and preparation still matter more than ever

This episode goes beyond the headlines to explore what longevity really looks like in Hollywood — and how actors can adapt without losing themselves.

Whether you’re an actor, a fan of Stranger Things, or someone fascinated by how the industry actually works, this conversation delivers insight, honesty, and perspective you don’t often hear.

How do you direct horror with kids, compete in festivals, and survive Hollywood’s streaming shake-up all at once?

In this Halloween-episode of Beyond The Take, Marc Chouen sits down with indie horror filmmaker David B Jacobs to talk about the craft, the chaos, and the culture of modern filmmaking.

They dive into:

Directing horror — even with child actors

Creating real fear without exploiting performers

Horror festivals, winning awards & building credibility

The death of physical media & streaming’s industry fallout

Strikes, residuals & why Hollywood slowed down

Why horror always reflects society…even when it doesn’t mean to

Advice from Mark Duplass on breaking into indie film

NYC vs LA vs Atlanta: where filmmaking is heading

Classic horror influences & why the genre is evolving again

David also shares an update on his film Wild Animals, and the two discuss the emotional and personal side of living and working in this industry.

Whether you’re an actor, filmmaker, horror lover, or industry fan, this episode digs into fear, filmmaking, and the future of Hollywood.

In this episode of Beyond The Take, Marc Chouen sits down with Michael J Puddy to tackle industry myths and uncover the realities shaping the entertainment business in 2025. From actors making political statements to the impact of streaming, they pull no punches in exploring where the industry is headed.

They cover:

• Should actors speak out at award shows?

• How streaming transformed careers in film & television

• Why relationships are just as important as talent in Hollywood

• The ripple effects of media mergers and show cancellations

• Concerns about the cancellation of late-night comedy shows

• The influence of right-wing media companies on Hollywood

• The potential impact of Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on foreign films

• Why Los Angeles still remains the industry’s central hub

This episode blends insider experience with outsider curiosity to separate myths from reality and reveal what’s really happening in Hollywood today.

What happens when you leave a career in aviation to chase your dream in Hollywood?

In this episode of Beyond The Take, Marc Chouen sits down with actress, producer, and businesswoman Marcia Lopez to explore her incredible journey from Uruguay to the U.S., where she transitioned from pilot and flight attendant to performer and storyteller.

Marcia opens up about:

• Her path from aviation to acting and producing

• The role of AI in storytelling and why it will never replace the human soul

• The challenges of building authentic connections in a transactional industry

• Her passion for horror films and psychology as tools for understanding humanity

• The evolving film industry landscape, from tax credits abroad to the impact of self-tapes and social media

• Why authenticity, collaboration, and the right advocates can make or break a career

This is a conversation about creativity, resilience, and staying true to yourself in an ever-changing industry.

What if the best acting doesn’t look like acting at all?

In this episode of Beyond The Take, Marc Chouen sits down with veteran actor, coach, and author Jeff Seymour to explore his groundbreaking “Real Life Actor Approach.” With over 40 years of experience, Jeff challenges traditional acting methods, focusing instead on authentic human behavior, presence, and communication.

Together, Marc and Jeff dig into:

• Why practical experience beats theory in acting

• How Jeff developed his “Real Life” method

• The state of today’s acting industry and its biggest flaws

• What actors really need to succeed on stage and screen

Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just starting out, Jeff’s insights will change the way you think about the craft.