Hollywood can be overwhelming, scary and confusing. Let us help you navigate the industry by being the mentors we wished we’d had.
Jeff Howard
Jeff Howard, from Charleston, South Carolina, began acting at age 15. Click to read more.
BJ Bales
BJ Bales is an actor, comedian & writer based in Los Angeles. Click to read more.
We are two working actors, writers, and production company owners, right in the middle of it all. We’ve booked a combined over 100 national commercials, dozens of co-stars, guest star and series regular roles on network television, tested for pilots, booked feature film roles, and written and produced for TV and film. Currently, we’re represented by UTA, Artists First, Untitled Entertainment and Coast to Coast Talent Agency.
In addition to acting, we co-own Big Smits Entertainment production company, where we’ve been fortunate to have projects in development with major industry players. Currently, we’re co-producing a feature film alongside Counterbalance and Sony Studios, one that we conceptualized and wrote. We also have a movie in development with Spyglass that we wrote and we’re slated to produce our first in-house film, writing and co-starring, in 2025. Our company also just signed a development deal with Hearst Media to begin co-producing E/I programming, and we even have a documentary in development about a world famous DJ.
With nearly 50 years of combined experience in this business, we’ve managed to build meaningful relationships with prominent production companies, directors, and actors, as we've pitched projects to nearly every major studio, network and streamer in Hollywood.
We both come from smaller cities, so we understand what it’s like to make the leap into this business. And although we both have college degrees and are well studied in the art of acting, most of what we’ve learned has come through years of trial and error “in the field”. We didn’t have a mentor to guide us through the industry’s complexities. We made mistakes, dealt with dishonest representation, hit dead ends, and spent money on things we didn’t need. But through persistence, we’ve built our careers and now, we want to help others do the same.
We offer practical, no bull shit advice based on what’s happening in the industry right now, as we’re still auditioning, acting, writing, and producing every day. We understand there’s no single right path in this business, but we can help you avoid the common pitfalls and guide you in the right direction that’s specific to your goals.
Our purpose is simple: We want to share our industry knowledge so you can focus on moving forward without falling into the same traps we did, and be the mentors we wished we had.
Classes
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Career Blueprint Consultation
Craft Your Path
$150 for 1 Hour SessionIn this one hour session, we’ll dive into your career goals and tackle any questions you have about the industry and how Hollywood really works, sharing insights from our years on both sides of the camera and as production company owners. We’ll give you the latest, real-time info, since we’re right in the thick of it. By the end, you’ll walk away with specific, actionable steps to jumpstart your path in a way that’s tailored just for you, because everyone’s journey is different.
FREE 30 minute follow up. A check in. -
Mentorship
Commit To The Climb
$100 an HourIf you’re up for ongoing guidance, we’re here to keep you moving forward. These sessions are all about giving you real time support, honest feedback, and advice while you work on your goals. It’s inevitable to hit those speed bumps, the walls and then self doubt sets in, imposter syndrome, financial struggles etc... or maybe you’re just straight up stuck. It can be incredibly overwhelming. We’ve been there. Let us help you stay on track.
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Just for Parents
Supporting Parents With Their Kids’ Entertainment Dreams
$150 an Hour
Every parent wants to support their child’s dreams, but Hollywood can be overwhelming. We were those kids once, and our parents were navigating it blind. We get it completely, and now, from the other side, we’re here to help you.
We’ll guide you through any concerns you may have as your child pursues a career in the industry. From understanding the ins and outs of the business to helping them discover their voice as an artist, we’re here to make the journey smoother. And if one day they’re ready to make a big move, like we did from Kansas City and Charleston, SC, or if you’re already in the thick of it and need help, we’ll make sure you walk away with the confidence and knowledge to support them every step of the way.
Additional Services
Private Acting Lessons
Role Preparation
Audition Coaching
Film Writing Guidance
Constructing and Perfecting Your Pitch
Script Coverage
Workshop Your Concept/Idea
In Person Workshop and Guest Speaking