As an actress I wish I would have showed up to as many of my screenings as possible & a lot sooner, but it wasn’t until I became a writer that initially got the ball rolling for me and now as a Producer I find it a necessary expense and just know I need to always have a budget for the in person speaking events
So, I checked off a bucket list item I didn’t even know was on there: signing up as an actress for the Marbella International Film Festival. As a writer? That’s my jam—words on paper, stories I control, no risk of a camera catching my bedhead vibes. But as an actress? Never done it. Never stepped into someone else’s film, because, let’s be real, my scripts are my safe little bubble where I’m the director, the star, and the plot twist.
With a mix of curiosity and a pinch of nerves, I filled out the application. Name, experience (basically none), a photo that hopefully didn’t scream “I just rolled out of bed.” And then… the next day, a “You’re in!” lands in my inbox. Me? Invited? I was bracing for a polite rejection like, “Try again next year as an extra in a coffee shop scene.” It feels like winning a lottery I accidentally entered.
Now the real question: am I good enough to shine in a story that’s not mine? To breathe life into someone else’s words without holding the pen? It’s terrifying but exhilarating. In a world of AI scripts and green screens, there’s something raw and magical about human vulnerability on film. Here’s the kicker: what if your flaws are the exact spark a story needs?
Writing is architecture; acting is an emotional rollercoaster. Sometimes you need that ride to see what really holds. Am I ready? Nope. Am I diving in? yeah. Because if you never step out of your bubble, you miss the best plot twist: rediscovering yourself in a stranger’s script.
Who else is heading to Marbella, ready to jump into the deep end? Share your stories, fears, or audition-fail jokes—let’s lift each other up. Maybe we’ll all end up in a short film called Writers Turned Actors: A Comedy of Errors. Your tip might just save my scene.
I liked "All The President's Men" and how he was able to break down such a complex story and tell it in an almost anecdotal and easy to understand way.
I just started reading Elizabeth Gilbert's "Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear". I sheepishly acknowledge i'm a bit late to the party as it was published in 2015. She talks about the courage it takes t to bring the creative treasure within you to the surface and that it is scary scary scary.
Hello my friends, my name is Zaid and I am 15 years old. I am from Jordan and I have a lot of experience in the field of acting. I aspire to become a great actor and to participate in great works. I am waiting impatiently for the opportunity, but unfortunately I have two problems. The first is my age and the second is that I cannot pay the travel costs. However, I will continue to struggle for my dream.Is there anyone who can help me in any way?
I am wondering what productions you all have been a part of and which has been your favorite role? This can be anything, professional or amateur, television, film or theater. Love to hear you responses!
My Most Tragic On-Set Movie Experience: And In Life
I posted in the Filmmaker's lounge that as of Friday, I was able to get a worldwide distribution deal for a friend's movie "Transient", from when I was in Cannes this past May. It got me thinking. I haven't been at this game for very long (only five years) and there have been a lot of "firsts" for me since the opening bell.
I want to share a recent experience from set that turned into a serious health scare—and one I didn’t see coming.
I'm currently working on a confidential Disney project (can’t say much yet!), and I’m booked for several days. As expected, my sleep and meal schedules shifted to match production's timeline. I eat when production eats, rest when they say rest. That’s just the nature of set life.
But here’s the problem: I'm prediabetic and on medication that must be taken with food—and on a schedule. I’d adjusted my routine to match production’s without fully thinking through the implications. By the second day, I was suddenly very ill and had to leave early. I couldn’t figure out what went wrong. I was eating well, taking my meds... everything should’ve been fine.
Turns out, the disruption to my schedule—especially meal timing—had thrown my system out of balance. I didn’t want to make a fuss, but production brought over the medics, and they found my blood pressure was through the roof.
Here’s what I learned: when I return to set this week, I’m bringing my own food, despite the amazing catering. I’ll quietly eat and take my medication according to my usual routine, even if that means sneaking in bites between takes. My health has to come first.
This is something we don’t talk about enough—how invisible health routines can clash with production life. If you're diabetic, prediabetic, or managing any condition that relies on strict timing, talk to your doctor about how to maintain your regimen on set. Don’t wait until your body tells you something’s wrong.
Your health matters—even when the cameras are rolling.
Three goodbyes
Hey everyone, recently I've been binge-watching 'Better Call Saul,' and I'm currently on Season 5 episode 3. Kim Wexler just had a really great monologue I wanted to share. I've been considering putting it in a demo at some point. Here's the script, feel free to take a look, and I definitely recommend watching Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad if you ever have some down time!
"Listen to me. You do not get to make up your own rules. Put on your big boy pants and face reality. No one is mistreating you here.
Hey everyone! I've been on quite the hot streak lately. Four bookings in the last month! Not too shabby!
When you’re not working, how do you stay connected to your craft without burning out?
In this Actors on Actors with Kate Winslet and Zoe Saldana, Zoe says she manifested working with Jacques Audiard. He was on her list of directors she wanted to work with. I would love to work with Clint Eastwood. He is an actors' director having been an actor himself. What about you? Who is on your dream list of directors?
Tomorrow. Be there or be square.
Should Actors Work With More Than 1 Agent?
Hi all! I wrote an article on what I’ve learned as an actor that works primarily on camera. I’m seeing many beginner actors make the same mistakes I did when I started.
Hi everyone,
I’m currently looking to connect with professionals in the film and television industry as I explore new job opportunities. With experience in scriptwriting, assistant directing, and script reading—as well as a background in filmmaking from the German University in Cairo—I’m passionate about storytelling and eager to bring my skills to new creative projects.
I would love to connect with industry professionals, recruiters, and fellow creatives who might offer advice, guidance, or point me toward opportunities in production, development, or writing roles.
If you have any leads, suggestions, or just want to connect and share experiences, I’d be grateful to hear from you!
Thank you in advance, and I look forward to connecting with more amazing people here on Stage 32.