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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

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Stop manifesting wrong! 🚀 In this powerful conversation, Lydia Nicole and Monique Nicole dive into how intentional manifestation, faith, and focused action can transform your career and personal life. From breaking down limiting beliefs to building habit-stacking accelerators, this video is packed with actionable insights to help you manifest success in the creative industry.

Learn how to live intentionally, create a manifestation storyboard, and align with your purpose using spiritual principles. Lydia shares personal stories of overcoming challenges, finding joy, and stepping into her calling as an actor and coach. Plus, Monique reveals the life-changing strategies and wisdom she's gained from coaching purpose-driven women in her Manifestation Circle.

Whether you're an actor in Los Angeles, a creative looking for clarity, or someone seeking alignment in your journey, this video has something for you. Don’t miss out on these tips for boosting your manifestation IQ and creating a fulfilling career in the arts.

Have questions or thoughts? Leave a comment below and join the conversation. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share this video to inspire others. Let’s manifest greatness together! ✨ #ManifestationSecrets #ActingCareer #PurposeDrivenLiving #CreativeSuccess #CommonSenseMamita

#creativevisualization #manifestationtechniques #intentionalliving #personaldevelopment #spiritualmanifestation

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
00:37 - What is Manifestation
01:17 - Excitement about Manifestation
03:13 - Understanding Manifestation
09:06 - Joel 2:25 Explained
12:24 - Walking Out Scripture
16:51 - Ministering to the Broken
20:46 - Joining the Manifestation Circle
23:59 - Manifestation Party Overview
27:46 - Seven Categories of Manifestation
31:30 - Habit Stacking & Storyboarding
37:40 - Power of Community in Manifestation
42:10 - First Step: Unblocking and Unclearing
44:30 - Unpacking Beliefs for Manifestation
49:12 - Practicing God's Presence
53:14 - Faith: Substance of Hope
56:03 - Shifting Your Mindset
01:00:09 - Importance of Supportive People
01:05:10 - Moving Forward in Manifestation
01:08:20 - Your Role vs. God's Role
01:13:30 - Understanding Scarcity
01:14:01 - Combating Scarcity Mindset
01:18:30 - Changing Your Questions
01:20:10 - Clearing Energy Between Desires
01:26:34 - Trusting God’s Timing
01:29:14 - Trusting God Over Man
01:33:39 - Connecting with Monique
01:36:43 - Outro

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Dream big and take your acting career to the next level with actionable strategies and inspiring insights! In today’s episode, Lydia Nicole speaks with Sonya Denyse, an incredible visionary guide and dream strategist, about how actors and creatives can transform their dreams into daily success. From finding clarity and courage to overcoming challenges in Hollywood, this conversation is packed with practical advice and heartwarming anecdotes to motivate and empower you.

Discover how discipline and dreaming intersect to create a purposeful career, learn about the importance of mindset, and gain tips on navigating industry hurdles, including toxic teams, impostor syndrome, and finding your unique voice. Sonia shares real-life stories that illustrate how reimagining your path can lead to breakthroughs, whether that’s pivoting creatively or embracing new tools like AI in entertainment.

If you’re an aspiring actor, seasoned artist, or someone seeking career success in the creative world, this video will reignite your passion and provide the tools to dream bigger, achieve more, and create lasting impact. Remember, your unique gifts are needed in the world—let’s help you share them!

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more acting tips, career advice, and Hollywood insights. Let’s grow together and turn your dreams into unstoppable realities! #ActingCareer #CommonSenseMamita #DreamBig #creativitytools #artisticgrowth #goalsetting #artisticgrowth

CHAPTERS:
00:31—What is a Dream Strategist
01:13 - Discovering Your Dream
05:28 - Anchoring in the Industry
07:15 - Expanding Your Community
08:34 - Being Centered in Authenticity
11:00 - Being of Service in the Industry
14:58 - Dreaming and Actors' Industry Reimagination
17:42 - The Discipline of Dreaming
20:20 - Importance of a Doula in Creative Work
24:45 - Identifying Toxic Team Members
27:33 - Employee vs. Entrepreneur Mindset
28:38 - Building Your Unique Creative Team
30:56 - Toxic Work Environments in the Arts
34:34 - Chaos and Creativity in the Process
36:40 - Negotiating with Your Lower Self
40:39 - Embracing Your Differences
44:48 - Dealing with Feelings of Being Different
49:22 - Importance of Owning Your Genius
53:01 - Harlem: A Hub for Dreams
54:06 - Childhood Artistic Abilities
1:00:46 - Deciding to Work Behind the Scenes
1:06:32 - The Concept of Fasting
1:08:13 - Experiences in the Church
1:11:50 - Understanding Your Relationship with Jesus
1:18:30 - Using AI as an Actor
1:22:30 - Transitioning to Theatre
1:23:44 - AI Tools for Actors
1:26:09 - Necessity of Social Media for Actors
1:32:05 - The Rise of Live Streaming
1:35:06 - Connecting Dreaming with Goal Setting
1:39:35 - Vision for the Next 3 Years
1:41:58 - The Importance of Connection for Creatives
1:46:38 - Sonya's Poem

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Are you ready to break through the noise and make your mark in Hollywood? In this episode of "Acting Smarter," I sit down with the incredible actress and producer Yareli Arizmendi to uncover her inspiring journey—from creating impactful projects like "A Day Without a Mexican" to using creativity as a tool for change. Together, we dive into the challenges and triumphs of navigating the entertainment industry, exploring the essential acting tips and insights you need to craft your own unstoppable career.

Learn how to embrace your unique voice, create meaningful content, and turn Hollywood's hurdles into stepping stones. Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your acting career, this conversation is packed with actionable advice, empowering stories, and Hollywood secrets you won't want to miss. 🌟

Don't wait for opportunity—create it! Subscribe for more career success stories, Hollywood insights, and tools to help you thrive in the creative industry. Like, share, and comment to join the conversation. Let's take your undiscovered talent to unstoppable heights together! 💥 #actingcareer #CommonSenseMamita #HollywoodInsights #ActingTips #CareerSuccess

#womeninfilm #creatingcontentinhollywood #latinorepresentation #latinorepresentationfilm #politicalthemesinfilm

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
01:26 - Most Rebellious Thing You've Done
03:42 - Realizing Your Voice Matters
07:04 - Who is Yareli?
14:00 - Mother's Influence on Your Journey
18:45 - Discovering Your Passion for Acting
21:01 - Learning English as a Second Language
24:53 - High School Experience in Kansas
27:50 - College Life in San Diego
37:06 - College Education: Nutrition, Economics, Political Science
38:56 - Political Science and Theater Studies
46:03 - Connection with Like Water for Chocolate
55:09 - Auditioning for Like Water for Chocolate
57:10 - Film's Impact on Your Career
59:30 - Moving to LA and Academic Career Start
1:02:48 - Working in LA: First Steps
1:05:48 - Learning the Business of Acting
1:09:43 - Getting Your Union Card
1:14:00 - Embrace by the Latino Community
1:16:05 - A Day Without a Mexican Overview
1:23:20 - Working with Your Husband in Film
1:28:26 - Hollywood's DEI Rollback Discussion
1:29:48 - Sustaining Yourself Financially as an Artist
1:32:16 - Securing Film Funding Strategies
1:38:11 - Importance of Dignity in Art
1:43:00 - Overcoming Doubt and Finding Inspiration
1:47:24 - Protecting Your Creative Work
1:48:31 - Power of Social Media for Artists
1:52:21 - Making Money as an Artist
1:56:05 - Embracing Entrepreneurship in Art
1:59:49 - Artistic Goals for the Next 3 Years

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Today, I am excited to interview Leigh Ashcoff, a somatic healer who specializes in childhood trauma. I learned so much from Leigh. It also taught me how to transfer that trauma to my acting roles so I could produce a great performance.

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What does it really take to build a creative career that lasts—not just survives, but thrives?
In this powerful episode of Acting Smarter Now, Lydia Nicole sits down with legendary artist, author, and educator Dr. Synthia St. James to break it all down.

From painting the iconic cover of Waiting to Exhale to creating the historic Kwanzaa postage stamp, Dr. St. James shares how she transformed raw talent into a globally recognized brand. This is not a “wait to be discovered” story—this is a masterclass in self-determination, strategy, and creative ownership.

Inside this conversation, you’ll learn:
• How to balance day jobs without dimming your creative fire
• Why PR, licensing, and visibility matter more than you think
• How to stop asking for permission and start building power
• What it really means to design your own creative lane

Whether you’re an actor, painter, writer, or multi-hyphenate creative navigating Los Angeles, Hollywood, or your own corner of the world, this episode delivers real-world wisdom you can apply now.

This is your reminder: your art is valuable, your vision matters, and your career deserves intention.

Like, subscribe, and share this episode with a creative who needs a mindset shift.
Let’s stop waiting to be discovered and start becoming undeniable.

#ActingSmarterNow #CreativeCareer #MasterTheBusinessOfArt
#ActingCareer #CareerAdvice #HollywoodInsights
#ArtTips #CreativeEntrepreneurship #ArtCareerAdvice #BuildYourOwnPath
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
01:15 - Passion for Art
06:40 - Artistic Inspiration
09:38 - First Art Sale
11:21 - Parental Support for Artists
19:26 - Return to Los Angeles
22:08 - Importance of a Day Job
26:35 - Transition to Acting
28:20 - Inner City Cultural Center
30:15 - Finding an Agent
34:00 - First Job Experience
36:35 - First Art Exhibit
42:40 - Shift to Abstract Art
49:07 - Teaching Business to Artists
51:45 - Licensing Art Decisions
57:41 - Benefits of Licensing
1:02:30 - Kwanzaa Stamp Creation
1:07:15 - Artist Responsibilities
1:19:41 - Birthday Trips Reflection
1:20:28 - Starting Self-Care
1:22:15 - Regular Self-Care Trips
1:25:54 - Setting Goals as a Youth
1:30:08 - Incorporating Affirmations
1:32:34 - Exercises for Artists
1:35:48 - Tips for Emerging Artists
1:39:59 - Promoting Your Art
1:44:35 - Embracing Technology
1:51:29 - Legacy Aspirations
🎬 Welcome to Lydia Nicole’s World! 🎤

Get ready to dive into the bold, hilarious, and downright inspiring universe of Lydia Nicole—a creative dynamo who’s worn all the hats: actor, stand-up comedian, writer, producer, music marketer, and even radio programmer. Basically, if Hollywood had a Swiss Army knife, it would be Lydia!

🔥 What’s in it for you?
✨ Candid conversations with industry pros—actors, producers, and creatives who’ve been there, done that, and have stories to prove it!
✨ Insider secrets to Hollywood’s glitz and grind, sprinkled with Lydia’s signature wit and wisdom.
✨ The Acting Smarter Now series—think of it as your go-to guide for acting, resilience, spirituality, and surviving the wild world of showbiz with your soul intact.

But wait, there’s more! Lydia’s channel is packed with acting tips, industry hacks, and real-life lessons that’ll have you laughing, learning, and leveling up in your career. Whether you're dreaming of your big break, plotting your next project, or just here for some juicy Hollywood tea, this channel is your backstage pass to a smarter, funnier, and more fulfil

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Unlock the secrets to mastering dramaturgy and transforming your acting career! In this episode of Acting Smarter Now, Lydia Nicole dives deep into valuable insights every actor needs to know, featuring an exclusive interview with Che'Rae Adams, the artistic director of PlayPen Theater and a skilled dramaturge. Discover how techniques like the Michael Chekhov movement-based approach can accelerate character development, avoid emotional burnout, and build authenticity in your performances. Che'Rae shares her journey from actor to director, tips for writing solo shows, and the importance of collaboration in the creative process.

Whether you're preparing for a one-person show or navigating the complexities of Hollywood, this video is packed with actionable advice to help you elevate your craft. Learn how to create impactful scenes, refine your storytelling, and develop meaningful industry relationships. Plus, hear how theater can change perspectives, shape communities, and fuel your creative legacy.

Don't miss out on these essential acting tips and career strategies! Hit that like button, subscribe to the channel, and share this video with fellow creatives. Let’s turn your passion into unstoppable success. #actingcareer #CommonSenseMamita #actingclasses #Hollywoodinsights #dramaturgy #MichaelChekhovtechnique #creativejourney #careeradvice #actorslife

#actortraining #dramaturgytips #soloshows #soloperformance #playwritingtips

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
01:01 - Michael Chekhov Technique
03:39 - Transition from Acting to Directing
05:26 - Internship at the Mark Taper Forum
08:20 - Internship at the Seattle Rep
10:57 - The Road
12:35 - Writer Guidance in Theatre
15:27 - Concept Sentence vs Logline
16:38 - Writing Your Own Project
21:00 - Writing Process Tips
23:24 - Che'Rae’s 6-Week Class
27:18 - Timing for Writing Your Story
32:59 - Processing Trauma Before Performance
35:55 - Rewriting Techniques
39:05 - Workshopping Plays
43:35 - Rehearsal Strategies
48:40 - Learning from Designers
50:20 - Actionable Feedback for Directors
53:20 - Teaching Boundaries in Theatre
56:32 - Actor-Director Communication
1:04:00 - Rehearsal Time Management
1:05:14 - Importance of Internships
1:10:38 - Building Relationships in Theatre
1:22:57 - Setting Artistic Goals
1:28:54 - Community Involvement in Theatre
1:35:03 - Fundraising and Grant Writing
1:36:46 - New Play Development Insights
1:39:53 - Love for Theatre
1:40:44 - Legacy in Theatre
1:43:10 - Appreciation in Theatre
1:44:05 - Supporting PlayPenn

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As the new year approaches, it's time to focus on your **acting** **career**! I'm sharing essential insights on **how to set goals** and cultivate the **success** mindset you need to thrive. This episode is all about **personal development** to prepare for an incredible year ahead.
Stop wasting time on ineffective resolutions—discover the actor’s guide to setting real, powerful goals 🎯. Whether you’re a new actor or a seasoned pro, this video breaks down how to set clear, intentional targets to supercharge your acting career. Learn what separates goals from tasks and resolutions, how to turn ambition into action, and the secrets to staying motivated when the industry feels overwhelming.

Lydia Nicole brings her years of experience as an actor and producer to share inspiring personal stories—including how goal-setting helped her land roles with legends like Robert Redford and produce award-nominated films. You’ll hear actionable tips on creating a vision for your career, aligning your goals with purpose, and avoiding common pitfalls that hold actors back.

If you’re tired of drifting and ready for structure, clarity, and momentum, this video is your roadmap to success. Gain insights into the importance of creative maintenance and learn why setting goals regularly is essential for staying ahead in Hollywood. Don’t let another year pass by without progress—your career deserves direction, and your dreams deserve to be realized.

Watch now to transform your acting journey, subscribe for more empowering content, and share this video with fellow creatives who need a boost! #actingcareer #CommonSenseMamita #actingtips #Hollywoodinsights
CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
00:50 - What are Goals
02:25 - What Goals Are Not
06:01 - Why People Get Goals Wrong
07:39 - Setting Goals from a Young Age
12:12 - Setting Goals for Your Career
13:14 - How to Set Goals
18:09 - Don’t Let Your Feelings Stop You
20:02 - How to Win Awards
27:05 - Benefits of Goal Setting
28:47 - Why Actors Must Set Goals Regularly
33:18 - Goal Setting Workshop for Actors
36:20 - Sign Up for the Actor Goal Setting Workshop
37:38 - Ongoing Goal Setting After the Workshop

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