Nicolas Cage became one of the most prolific film performers of his generation thanks to a philosophy other actors can live by: “Work as much as you can,” he says. “Good or bad, fall on your face or stand up—but get so in tune with your instrument that you know it so well, that you know when it’s working or when it isn’t working.” The actor-director-producer reveals all in his podcast interview, from the ongoing mission to find “eclectic” roles, to the keys to great on-set collaboration and tricks of the trade stretching back over four decades.

Born in Los Angeles in a family of artists and filmmakers (including aunt and uncle Talia Shire and Francis Ford Coppola), Nicolas realized on-camera performance was an art form upon seeing James Dean on the big screen. He starred in “Moonstruck,” “Raising Arizona,” “Vampire’s Kiss,” “Honeymoon in Vegas,” “The Rock,” “Face Off,” “National Treasure,” “Mandy,” and much more. Along with Oscar-nominated work in “Adaptation” and his leading actor Oscar win for “Leaving Las Vegas,” he’s earned SAG, Golden Globe, and BAFTA recognition, and has just earned a Critics’ Choice Award nomination for Michael Sarnoski’s film “Pig,” from distributor Neon. Among his upcoming projects, Nicolas will play himself in “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.”
---
Backstage has been the #1 resource for actors and talent-seekers for 60 years. In the Envelope, Backstage’s podcast, features intimate, in-depth conversations with today’s most noteworthy film, television, and theater actors and creators. This is your guide to every aspect of acting, from voiceover and commercial work to casting directors, agents, and more. Full of both know-how and inspiration, In the Envelope airs weekly to cover everything from practical advice on navigating the industry, to how your favorite projects are made, to personal stories of success and failure alike. Join host Jack Smart, Awards Editor at Backstage, for this guide on how to live the creative life from those who are doing it every day: https://bit.ly/2OMryWQ

Follow Backstage and In the Envelope on social media:
- https://www.facebook.com/backstage
- https://www.twitter.com/backstage
- https://www.twitter.com/intheenvelope
- https://www.instagram.com/backstagecast

Looking to get cast? Subscribe here: www.backstage.com/subscribe
Browse Backstage casting listings: https://bit.ly/3mth68e
Check out our community-driven virtual programming, The Slate: https://bit.ly/2WDNXf0
Backstage stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement: https://bit.ly/3cuMBt5

Special thanks to...
- Host: Jack Smart
- Producer: Jamie Muffett
- Social media: Katie Minard, Karen Jenkins
- Design: Mark Stinson, Caitlin Watkins
- Additional support: Christine McKenna-Tirella, Kasey Howe, Samantha Sherlock, Benjamin Lindsay, Oriella St. Louis