Hollywood Dream Maker: Acting class with Master Teacher Billy Gallo

Happy 1 year anniversary of the Hollywood Dream Maker podcast! I had a vision for this podcast and I couldn’t be happier with how this past year has been.  In this solo episode, I show my gratitude for everyone who has helped me build the Hollywood Dream Maker podcast. When COVID-19 temporarily shut down the Manhattan Actor Studio, I knew I wanted to continue to share my wealth of knowledge a...

Are you interested in becoming a Hollywood producer? If so, this week’s guest will inspire you to get to work and start building your craft. Patrick Newall began his career in the indie arena upon his move to L.A. over two decades ago. His first film was one which he not only produced, but also wrote and co-starred opposite Oscar-winner Olympia Dukakis and Tony Award winner Philip Bosco — “Brookly...

Modeling may seem like it just requires being a pretty face and posing, but there is an immense amount of hard work that goes into perfecting your craft. Diana Gallo is the owner of the Manhattan Model Studio, co-owner of the Manhattan Actor Studio, entrepreneur, yoga teacher, amazing mother, my best friend, and most importantly, my wife. Diana began modeling early in her career and soon realized...

Is producing something you’re interested in? Hollywood dreams don’t only come in the form of acting - producing and directing films is another incredible art form. Whether you’re interested in acting or producing, this episode will inspire you to pursue one or the other.  Alexia Melocchi is an accomplished entertainment industry professional and an international consultant with more than twen...

How do you think Hollywood has changed over the years? While the industry has continuously shifted with trends and technology, there are some faces that are consistent throughout it all.  Robert Costanzo is a producer and actor, with more acting credits than anyone I know - 284 film and television credits. Some of his film credits include, With Friends Like These, The Lightship, Total Recall,...

Two is better than one is certainly the case for this episode. I am joined by Joe Pistone and Leo Rossi, two legends in Hollywood that have the podcast “Deep Cover” together to tell their inspiring and entertaining stories.  Joe Pistone is the most highly decorated FBI undercover agent in history. Pistone convinced the FBI that using undercover agents in lieu of informants was a crucial tool...

Are you afraid to pursue your Hollywood dream because you’re afraid of rejection? If so, this is the episode you need to listen to in order to reignite the spark inside of you to follow your dreams.  Louis Lombardi is an all-around guy, actor, director, and producer. You may know him from his recurring roles on “The Sopranos”, where he played NY federal agent Skip Lipari. Among other televisi...

Many years ago, I jumped a fence and snuck onto Warner Brothers Studio and ended up meeting my guest today. Years later, he and I met again while working together as guest stars on Murder She Wrote and today he joins me to talk about his amazing career. Everyone, meet the great Rudy Ramos! Rudy Ramos’ acting career has covered five decades, starting with the hit TV Western the High Chaparral in 19...

Do you have a vision?  Everything that I have ever achieved in my life has always begun with a vision. As a young actor, I would sit and watch my favorite shows and I would envision myself on the sets. When I came out to Hollywood, the first part I landed was for that TV show that I had been on my couch watching and I have no doubt that it was the vision I had planted the seed for that guided...

Do you have a dream to be working in Hollywood but don’t know where to start? Like in all careers, networking and building relationships are so important in Hollywood and people are cast not only for how well they play the part but also for who they are as a person. In this episode, I am joined by my friend and fellow Hollywood dream maker, Richard “RB” Botto.  Richard “RB” Botto is the found...

Have you ever met someone and instantly knew they would always be in your life? In Hollywood, it can be hard to find genuine friends when it seems like everyone only cares about relationships for the benefit of their career. When I met my guest today, Tony Luke Jr, on the set of 10th & Wolf, I knew we would always be friends.  Tony Luke Jr. is a man of many crafts. As an actor, producer,...

This week, I’m super excited to introduce my guest: Geoffrey Horne. He studied acting and directing with Lee Strasberg, became a member of the Actor’s Studio where he was influenced by incredible actors, appeared in the first Actor’s Studio production with Geraldine Page and Jane Fonda. He guest-starred on The Green Hornet alongside Bruce Lee, and performed in various plays both on- and off-Broadw...

32 years ago, as a young actor, I was cast in a horror film that remains a cult classic today. In this bonus episode, I’m excited to introduce you to some dear friends that feel more like family: the cast of Night of the Demons (1988). I interview Hal Havins, Allison Barron, Alvin Alexis, Cathy Podewell, Lance Fenton, and Donnie Jeffcoat about their journeys to becoming actors, what makes an actor...

The career of an actor is a rollercoaster: the path has many high points and low points that will carry you through. The further along the track you go, the clearer the past becomes, and the sooner you’ll realize that some of those low points actually helped you become the actor and person you are today.  In this episode, I wanted to share with you the cautionary tale of Pretty Woman , and my...

As a working actor, you’ll meet a lot of people on the job. Other actors, directors, producers, showrunners, you name it. Each new project with new people brings a new type of environment on set – and every once in awhile the environment becomes toxic.  That’s something that Lucas Till has experience working through. He’s worked on jobs from the 2016 reboot of MacGyver , a number of films and...

The world has changed exponentially this past year. With protests bringing the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement to the forefront of mainstream media, as well as the unprecedented global pandemic we’re all currently living through, it has been difficult to see a spark in our creative lives.  In today’s episode of Hollywood Dream Maker, I’m joined by ‘Doom Patrol’ star and talented Voice Over Arti...

Hustling toward becoming a working actor is hard work. So how do you make it sustainable?  You may have the dreams, you may have the skills, but you truly need the mindset and access to your inner compass to make sure your hard work is sustainable.  In this episode, I’m excited to share my conversation with Michelle Sorro. She is a heart-centered entrepreneur and transformational trainer...

How do you know if you should pursue acting?  Ask yourself this question: Are you having fun?  If the answer is anything other than an enthusiastic yes, run in the other direction. But if the answer is yes, then you’ve found your calling.  In this episode, I talk with the one and only David Proval, who starred in the movie Nunzio , which was shot on my block growing up. Because of D...

If you want to be an actor, your passion for the craft must be bulletproof.  When you’re first starting out, it doesn’t matter how good or bad you are as long as you have the passion, perseverance, and willingness to work hard. You can learn the skills, but the passion must have a stronghold on your heart.  In this episode, I talk with Ilia Volok. He’s a lifetime member of the Actor’s St...

What makes you stand out from the crowd?  Once you step into the audition room, that’s not the time to start playing it small. That’s the time to start taking risks, to be bold, and to leave a piece of your soul. That’s what’s going to make you stand out from the crowd: refusing to play it small and playing full-out.  On this episode, I talk with Kanica Suy, a life and career coach with...

If you want to be an actor, you have to make your dream happen.  On this episode, I talk with Brian Goodman, who is an incredibly talented actor, writer, producer, and director. You name it, he’s done it. You might recognize him from The Fast and the Furious , Catch Me If You Can , or several other movies. He also has written and directed What Doesn’t Kill You , starring Mark Ruffalo and Etha...

What do you do in the audition room?  Too many people freeze up, get in their heads, and forget to leave a piece of their soul in that room. Auditioning for a role is one of the toughest parts of working as an actor, but if you walk in fully prepared, confident, and equipped with the right strategies, you’ll be well on your way to scoring a new role.  On this episode, I’m talking all abo...

Still haven’t quite conquered that pesky stage fright?  You’re in the right place at the right time. On this episode, I talk with Joseph McClendon III, who is one of the most sought-after ultimate performance specialists in the industry. He’s worked with Academy Award-Winning actors, is a bestselling author, holds a doctorate in Neuropsychology, and shares the stage with Tony Robbins. He’s pr...

Ready to turn your life around?  If you have a passion for acting, it could be your opportunity to turn over a new leaf. Emilio Rivera is a prime example of how you can turn your life around, create positivity in your life, and make your dreams come true.  You might know Emilio from his role as Marcus “El Padrino” Alvarez from Sons of Anarchy . He’s been on hundreds of TV shows and movie...

Today I’m joined by veteran Stunt Man, Andy Dylan! Having had years of experience in the industry as both a Stunt Coordinator and Professional Stunt Man, Andy is one of the most trusted guests on giving advice to aspiring performers.  In this episode, we discuss the journey Andy has been on throughout his career, how the stunt industry has changed over the years, and what skill sets are impor...