Watch the Counterparts Show July 18th 2023 at 7pm Central to learn about the SAG-AFTRA and the WGA Strike and how you can help. Even if you're not in the entertainment industry, you can help! Please tune in!

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The 2023 SAG-AFTRA Strike: A Fight for Equity and Modernization.

The entertainment industry has always been a realm of glitz and glamour, where our favorite stars come to life on screens big and small. However, behind the scenes, the reality for many actors, voice actors, and media professionals is not always as glamorous as it appears. In 2023, the SAG-AFTRA strike emerged as a resounding call for change, demanding fair compensation, improved working conditions, and industry-wide reforms.

At the heart of the strike was the need for equitable compensation in the face of a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The rise of streaming platforms and digital content consumption has transformed the way we engage with entertainment. Yet, as the industry has shifted, traditional compensation models have struggled to keep pace. SAG-AFTRA members recognized the disparity and fought to ensure their valuable work in the digital realm was adequately recognized and compensated.

Residuals became a major point of contention during the strike. With the growing dominance of streaming services and video-on-demand platforms, the distribution of revenue generated from these platforms needed to be reevaluated. SAG-AFTRA pushed for improved residuals, aiming to secure fair compensation for their work in the ever-expanding digital arena.

Another critical aspect of the strike was the focus on health and safety. The grueling hours and demanding schedules endured by industry professionals took a toll on their well-being. The strike highlighted the importance of work-life balance and the need for better rest periods, aiming to create safer and more sustainable working conditions for all.

The 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike was more than just a fight for individual gains. It served as a catalyst for industry-wide reforms. The demands raised by SAG-AFTRA members shed light on the need for modernization, ensuring that the entertainment industry adapts to the evolving dynamics of content creation and consumption. It sparked conversations about fair treatment, diversity and inclusion, and the equitable distribution of opportunities.

Ultimately, the strike served as a powerful reminder that the entertainment industry thrives because of the hard work and dedication of its professionals. It highlighted the collective strength of SAG-AFTRA members and their unwavering determination to bring about meaningful change. By standing together, they sent a clear message: the industry must evolve, adapt, and prioritize the fair treatment and compensation of its talented workforce.

As negotiations continue and the entertainment industry charts its future, it is crucial for all stakeholders to listen, engage, and work toward a more equitable and sustainable industry. The 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike will be remembered as a pivotal moment that challenged the status quo and paved the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all those involved in the world of entertainment.

Advice for Filmmaker - Counterparts Show

As a filmmaker, you have the ability to bring stories to life and inspire audiences through your work. Whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned professional, there are some tips and tricks that can help you take your filmmaking to the next level. In this blog, I'll discuss some of the most important pieces of advice for filmmakers of all levels and then we'll listen to William Wayne's advice for filmmakers. 

1. Know your story

Before you start filming, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the story you want to tell. This means knowing the characters, the setting, and the overall theme of the film. Take the time to develop a solid script or treatment that you can use as a guide during the production process.

2. Plan your shots

Once you have a clear idea of the story you want to tell, it’s time to start planning your shots. This means thinking about the angles, the lighting, and the movement of the camera. By planning your shots in advance, you can ensure that you capture the story in the way you envision it.

3. Be prepared

Filmmaking is a complex and demanding process, so it’s important to be prepared for every eventuality. This means having backup equipment, extra batteries, and all the supplies you need on set. It also means being ready for unexpected challenges, such as weather changes or technical difficulties.

4. Experiment with Different Techniques

Filmmaking is an art form, and there is always room for experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try new techniques or approaches to tell your story. Whether it’s using unconventional camera angles, trying out new lighting setups, or incorporating special effects, experimenting can lead to creative and innovative results.

4.  Collaborate with others

Filmmaking is a collaborative process, and working with others can help you achieve better results. This could be working with a talented cast, a skilled crew, or collaborating with other filmmakers to create something truly unique. Surrounding yourself with people who have different skills and perspectives can help you bring your vision to life.

5.  Embrace technology

Technology is constantly evolving in the world of filmmaking, and it’s important to keep up with the latest developments. From new cameras and editing software to virtual reality and augmented reality, there are many tools that can help you bring your stories to life in new and innovative ways.

6.  Stay inspired

Finally, it’s important to stay inspired as a filmmaker. This means watching films, reading books, and exposing yourself to new ideas and perspectives. By staying inspired, you can keep your creativity flowing and continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in filmmaking.

In conclusion, filmmaking is a challenging and rewarding art form that requires dedication, creativity, and a commitment to storytelling. By following these tips and tricks, you can take your filmmaking to the next level and bring your vision to life.  www.johnhenrysoto.com

Listen to William Wayne's advice to filmmakers!  www.lostangelas.com

Just keep Creating with Filmmaker William Wayne

William Wayne is a filmmaker who, like many of us in the industry, struggled to make it in the competitive world of filmmaking, but now he can celebrate his success with his film, Lost Angelas. Now streaming on Amazon Prime.  Visit www.lostangelas.com to learn more about his film.

Despite facing numerous obstacles and rejections, William's perseverance and talent have made him one of the inspiring stories to follow in the world of filmmaking.

William's journey began with a passion for film while enjoying them with his parents.  He started working in front of the camera and then decided to jump into the writer's chair and pen his story. He first made short films but then dove into his feature, Lost Angelas.  Acceptance is always a constant issue in this business, as film festivals repeatedly turned down his film.  But William was not deterred, as he continued to work on his craft by accepting the advice he was given from the festivals and getting the film to where it was accepted.  He developed his skills and explored new creative avenues along the way.

William's talent and persistence began to pay off. His short films and his newest feature gained recognition, attracting the attention of the prestigious festival, Film Threat, where William won Best Director and Best Indie Film (Made Under 100K) in 2020.  The film was a critical success setting William on the path to a great future in film. 

William's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. Despite the odds and rejections, he never gave up on his dream of becoming a filmmaker. Today, he is celebrated for his contributions and is increasing his status as a leading figure in the world of filmmaking.  

Watch our interview with William Wayne here and visit our site www.counterpartsshow.com for all the past episodes. 

Acting Techniques

Acting techniques are methods actors use to create believable and authentic performances. There are many different techniques that actors can use, and the right technique for a particular actor will depend on their individual strengths and the demands of the role they are playing. 

Some of the most well-known acting techniques include:

The Stanislavski Method: Developed by Russian actor and director Konstantin Stanislavski, this technique emphasizes the importance of finding truth in one's acting and using personal experiences to connect with the role.

The Method: Similar to the Stanislavski Method, this technique also encourages actors to use their own emotions and experiences to bring authenticity to their performances. The Method was developed in the United States and is often associated with actors such as Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro.

The Meisner Technique: Developed by American actor and teacher Sanford Meisner, this technique emphasizes the importance of listening and reacting truthfully in the moment. It also places a strong emphasis on improvisation.

The Shakespearean Technique: This technique is specifically tailored to the demands of performing Shakespeare's plays. It involves careful attention to language, rhythm, and physicality, as well as an understanding of the historical and cultural context of the play.

The Classical Technique: This technique is used in the performance of classical plays, such as those by Greek and Roman playwrights. It emphasizes the importance of clarity and precision in language, as well as the use of gestures and posture to convey meaning.

Overall, acting techniques are tools that actors can use to bring depth and believability to their performances. It is important for actors to be familiar with a range of techniques, as different techniques may be more or less effective for different roles and acting styles.

They are Starving for your Potential

 Remember you become a serious threat to those who can't bring you down to their level. They secretly hate you for it but they might hang around you in the hopes that they can slow you down from winning. Some don't even know they're doing it. They just can't imagine winning at the levels you're striving for. It's not real to them so it shouldn't be real to you. They will try to make you think it's not real. It's a sad fact that negative people don't know their negative. They blame others for everything bad in their lives and take no responsibility for any of it. Do NOT allow one ounce of your potential and drive to be stolen by someone with very low or no potential or drive. JHS

 April 29th 2020 and December 8th 2021. What a difference studying and spending all those hours on webinars and workshops trying to figure this out. Sometimes having to clear almost every word in an article just to know what the hell they're talking about. Trying to explain to friends and family why I was doing this and sometimes I was trying to explain it to myself. But here we are and I'm truly grateful.

Thank you to anyone that watched the early shows where I had a weak signal, choppy audio and all you saw was a blurry Puerto Rican with a goatee that changed colors!
The guests were always great and I know the value was there and it's the main reason I kept going. Now I've done hundreds of hours on interviews, Live streams, plus being a guest other hosts podcasts, and more. The future looks great and I thank you all for the support on this journey. we're just getting started. Love, JHS

Let me Clarify...

I would like to clarify a little about who I am and what do I do. I’m a creative person. Always have been. I started in music as a kid playing guitar and then in bands and recording music. I still play and love it. My active years of playing a lot were 1987 to 2007. In 2008 I became interested in acting shooting numerous films listed on IMDB. I love acting, writing and directing.

Today, I have a media/video company called JAF Project that I started with Frank Rocco Maglio earlier this year and we moved into our office in April. There we create videos for businesses, individual personalities, original narrative films, and music videos. We also provide social media consulting and content development for clients. Our main goal at JAF is to help people by teaching them how to help themselves using the power of video and social media.

In 2016 I got my real estate license and I’m working at Costanza Realtors in Bayonne. I like it there and I’m planning to do bigger things in real estate in the years to come.

Basically, I enjoy posting positive videos, writing articles about life, hosting a podcast, selling real estate and sharing my journey with those that care in the hopes that someone will benefit from the content.

The reason I’m posting this here is for those that are too close-minded to see that life can be an expansion of creativity and be different at every turn. It's not being unsure of what direction you’re going simply because your passions are many. Being creative to me makes life worth living. Living a life that’s creative matters to this planet and it should be supported. Especially by loved ones that might not fully understand it because they are the ones that can easily destroy the purpose of an artist.

Please support your local artists and make them feel like they matter. Giving them anything less is a slow death to emptiness for the artist and the unaware souls. Thank you for reading. John Henry Soto 🎥📷🎸🎹🎶🎵🎼🎨

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Empathy is a Powerful Tool

Empathy is not sympathy. Giving someone sympathy devalues them and makes them feel worse. Empathy is understanding a person's situation and helping. In business, empathy is lacking and has been for a long time. It's destroying companies and alienating consumers and employees. Its time for a change and I feel a change coming. Whether you're into social media or not you must admit that it's forced some businesses into uncomfortable areas by making them have to be accountable for, not just the product they sell, but also their employees from the top to the bottom. It's a new day and I feel the change. I choose to try to stay ahead of the game and implement empathy as part of my strategy. Social media moves fast and all I can do is try to keep up. I'm behind many but more importantly, I realize I'm ahead of many as well and that's what's exciting. For me, this moment and 2019 will be a year to rediscover my purpose, nurture my family and move at a faster pace as an artist. It's going to be fun and I look forward to taking this journey with all of you. Thank you for reading and your support. ❤ JHS