How This Actor Took an Indie Film to Cannes | JB Chen

How This Actor Took an Indie Film to Cannes | JB Chen

Author: Hassiem March 10, 2026 Duration: 41:30
Actor and producer JB Chen joins The Actor’s Instrument to discuss how independent films create new opportunities for actors—and why creatives shouldn’t wait for permission to build momentum in their careers. JB shares how he became an associate producer on the indie feature The President’s Cake, which premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the Directors’ Fortnight section and won the Audience Award. He also reflects on the experience of bringing an independent film to one of the world’s most prestigious festivals and what actors can learn from stepping into producing. This conversation explores initiative, collaboration, and the long-term mindset required to build a sustainable acting career beyond the audition room. Note: This episode was recorded in November 2025 and released later at the request of the film’s publicity team during its awards campaign. Follow JB Chen: Instagram: @joebchen Follow the Podcast: Instagram: @actorsinstrumentpodcast Follow Hassiem Muhammad: Instagram: @HassiemMuhammad 🎵 Theme Music: Elijah by Isaac Fox🎙 Produced in partnership with Next Chapter Podcasts 📩 actorsinstrumentpodcast@gmail.com🌐 https://www.nextchapterpodcasts.com/the-actors-instrument

The Actor's Instrument: Tools for the Long Game with Hassiem Muhammad is a conversation for anyone who has ever stepped onto a stage or in front of a camera and wondered what comes next. Hosted by actor Hassiem Muhammad, this podcast operates on the belief that a lasting career is built not on a single role, but on a deep understanding of the craft and the business that surrounds it. Each episode features honest discussions with the people who shape the industry-working casting directors, veteran actors from Hollywood and Broadway, and other behind-the-scenes professionals. The focus here is on practical wisdom and the nuanced realities of building a life in the arts, moving beyond simple inspiration to actionable strategies. You'll hear about navigating auditions, the importance of personal resilience, and how to cultivate the professional relationships that sustain a career over decades. This isn't about quick fixes; it's about developing the tools for the long haul. Tune in for a candid look at the work that happens between the roles, designed to help actors at any stage demystify their path forward and build something enduring.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

The Actor's Instrument: Tools for the Long Game with Hassiem Muhammad
Podcast Episodes
From Junie B to Broadway Dreams with The Path's Courtnee Carter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:57
Broadway actor and rising film/TV star Courtnee Carter joins Hassiem Muhammad on The Actors Instrument to talk about her journey from Jacksonville to the Broadway stage and into major Hollywood projects — including her u…
Twin Cities, Double Bookings! With Anna Hashizume [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:12
🎭 Can you really make it as an actor outside NYC or LA? Hassiem Muhammad talks with Twin Cities performer Anna Hashizume about thriving in Minneapolis–St. Paul’s vibrant theater scene, balancing opera and musical theater…
Actors Thriving In The Capital With That 70's Show Cody Nickell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:39
What does it take to build a thriving acting career outside of New York or L.A.? In this episode of The Actor’s Instrument, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with award-winning stage actor Cody Nickell to explore life and…
Working in the Big A with NCIS' Andrea Laing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:15
This week on The Actor’s Instrument, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with actor, host, and model Andrea Laing to explore what it’s really like to build an acting career in Atlanta — the “Hollywood of the South.” Andrea s…
Working in the Windy City with Lord of the Rings' Jeff Parker [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:59
Actor Jeff Parker shares how he built a 35+ year career in Chicago theater, film, and TV—proving you don’t have to live in LA or NYC to succeed. From Goodman Theatre to network shows, Jeff reveals the realities of workin…
How to Book Three Broadway Plays with Camila Cano-Flavia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:37
In this episode of The Actor’s Instrument: Tools for the Long Game, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with Camila Cano-Flavia, a rising star of stage and screen. From Broadway productions like Network, Patriots, and the up…
International Opportunities with City on a Hill's Callum Adams [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:40
In this episode of The Actor’s Instrument: Tools for the Long Game, host Hassiem Muhammad sits down with actor Callum Adams (FBI, City on a Hill, The Blacklist, BritBox’s I Jack Wright) for a candid conversation about bu…
Trust Your Gut with Mamma Mia’s Caro Daye Attayek [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:40
Broadway star Caro Daye Attayek joins host Hassiem Muhammad on The Actor’s Instrument to share her inspiring journey from Elon University to her Broadway debut in Mamma Mia! (Revival). In this episode, Caro opens up abou…