Customer Reviews

Acting For Film And Television: A Professional Guidebook To The Job Of Acting

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this book on a whim and I love it! I read it in a day, easily. It reads like butter and has a very straightforward and kind way of detailing the JOB of acting. Not another resource for how to find a good head shot, or agent, or demo reel, but rather what to expect when you audition, what to expect on the set, what is expected of YOU on the set, etc. Lots of various real-world/behind-the-scenes information that I found very helpful not only as a reality check, but as a working actress always wanting to be as professional as I can. This book really is all about how to be a pro, with some great exercises and tips to boot.

Some people may not like that it sort of takes the veil off the 'get discovered in a coffee shop' dream that so many actors may have when they come to LA, but it replaces it generously with rewarding, realistic very useful information that, if you are truly serious about this craft, you simply must know BEFORE you go out and try to get that great headshot!

And it's kinda funny too! awesome.

This is my first review ever. I'm not an actor, I am, however, aspiring to work in the film industry. I decided to read this book because I wanted to take the time to learn more about the different aspects of film, including acting. Even though I have no professional background on acting, I've got to say that even if in reality this book provides no valid or useful information, it was an excellent read. I liked how it shattered the illusions that are presented by others who are simply trying to market something, that it gave relative statistics and numbers on the amateurs who actually make it into the industry, and how it compared the film industry to baseball and the auto industry, making the business more understandable. The author's perspective on acting, not being a professional actor himself but having worked as a casting director among other things, shed some light on what many amateurs fail to do to become successful and how many of them make fatal errors in their professional work that leads them to the unavoidable reality of never working again. The best part of the book is that it isn't a how-to guide on acting, or how to get a good head shot, or find an agent, or book day jobs. It's simply a general summary of what happens on a film set and what is required of an actor to meet the level that is expected of them by their co-workers and the casters who hired them. Overall I'd say it's worth reading.

A book that breaks down the myths! Informative. Sound advice. The best book I've read so far on the business.