Acting -- Make It Your Business: How to Avoid Mistakes and Achieve Success as a Working Actor (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: guest star, audition monitor, casting colleagues, New York, Group of Eight, Michael Mastro (more...)

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Product Description

He’s blunt. He’s honest. He’s casting director Paul Russell, and he’s here to tell actors everywhere how to survive and thrive in the entertainment industry. What really goes on behind the audition table? He spills it. Why do some actors make it while others, equally talented, become waiters? He lays it on the line. What does an actor have to do to push ahead? It’s all here: marketing, auditions, agents, handling rejection, negotiating, money management, staying healthy, dealing with people, and much more. Interviews with working actors and agents add extra depth to Russell’s analysis, along with extra tips, tricks, and truths. Want to make it in acting? Then make it your business to get this book.

About the Author

Paul Russell has been in the entertainment business for more than 25 years. As an independent casting director, he has cast for Twentieth Century Fox, HBO, and other studios. His TV credits include the casting of Cosby and Friends. Russell has directed regional and Off-Broadway shows. He lives in northern New Jersey.

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Product Details Paperback: 320 pages Publisher: Back Stage Books; illustrated edition edition (September 30, 2008) Language: English ISBN-10: 0823099555 ISBN-13: 978-0823099559 Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1 inches Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies) Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #240,867 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books) Popular in this category: (What's this?) #82 in  Books > Business & Investing > Industries & Professions > Performing Arts

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More About the Author

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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!

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Inside This Book (learn more)

Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
guest star, audition monitor, casting colleagues, paid auditions, audition table, combined auditions, talent rep, actor marketing, audition reader, casting personnel, audition preparation, audition room, audition material, audition opportunities, audition space, audition studio, audition monologues, general auditions, nonunion actor, picture and résumé, actors encounter, bad work habits, audition process, producing entity, auditioning actors

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
New York, Group of Eight, Michael Mastro, Bonnie Black, James Rebhorn, Darrie Lawrence, Mark Price, Charlotte Rae, Back Stage, Phyllis Somerville, Jack Menashe, Breakdown Services, Sweeney Todd, No-No Skills, Barter Theatre, Special Skills, Hello Kitty, Luke Perry, Complaining Actress, Richard Rose, Lynne Jebens, Help Wanted, Paul Russell Paul Russell Casting, Century Fox, Freak File

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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!

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What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

	88% buy the item featured on this page: Acting -- Make It Your Business: How to Avoid Mistakes and Achieve Success as a Working Actor 5.0 out of 5 stars (30) $13.57
	3% buy Self-Management for Actors: Getting Down to (Show) Business 4.9 out of 5 stars (53) $19.77
	3% buy Acting Is Everything: An Actor's Guidebook for a Successful Career in Los Angeles, Expanded Gold 4.9 out of 5 stars (48) $19.77
	3% buy Audition: Everything an Actor Needs to Know to Get the Part 4.8 out of 5 stars (56) $10.85

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Customer Reviews

30 Reviews 5 star:  (30) 4 star:    (0) 3 star:    (0) 2 star:    (0) 1 star:    (0)           Average Customer Review 5.0 out of 5 stars (30 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 5 of 5 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars The is book can really change your Professional outlook, December 9, 2008 By  William Perez "W Perez" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    Paul Russell's book apart from being witty and enjoyable has not only given me the extra kick in the seat that I needed but it really motivated me and has set me on the right track. Of course everything in the "Buisness" is subjective and there is no totally right & wrong way of going about things. But Paul Russell's book actually helps you understand and decide for yourself how not to make common mistakes. Mistakes that at first might seem small to you, but come across as unprofessional to the auditors & agents you are presenting yourself for. His approach on how a resume should look and what information it should contain is dead on! Because of Paul Russell I now own my domain, have perfected the look of my resume and am comfortable with just being me when I present myself before any casting individual. Do yourself a favor and get this book. As a professional actor/singer in the theater buisness for almost 8 years, this one is a keeper. 5 of 6 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars What Actors are Talking About, November 14, 2008 By  Edward J. Longo (New York, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    As an actor I found this book very helpful, whether for marketing myself as an actor, presenting works to a casting director, or seeking an agent for representation . . . Edward, dramatic actor WEBSITE [...] Collection of Short Stories 2 of 2 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Great book! ALL actors should read it!, April 17, 2009 By  James LaRosa - See all my reviews Paul Russell's book is extremely informative and insightful. As a working actor, I can honestly say it offers valuable information for ANY actor, young or old, new to the business or at the height of their career. Aside from offering the most up to date marketing tools for actors available today, the humorous, blunt tone with which he speaks to the reader is often refreshing and quite entertaining. Paul Russell's book has inspired me to take steps to move forward to the next level of my career. I urge actors everywhere to read it! Kudos Paul!		Ad feedback   Most Recent Customer Reviews 5.0 out of 5 stars Honest, yet compassionate advice for the actor at every level of their carerr Paul's book is full of witty insight and blunt advice for actors at every level of their career. As an actress, I have looked through a lot of 'self-help for the artist' books and... Read more Published 1 month ago by Candice Holdorf 5.0 out of 5 stars an owner's manual for actors as a journeyman actor for over two decades, i would have to say paul russell's book is one of the most useful books on 'the biz' i have read. Read more Published 1 month ago by Conan McCarty 5.0 out of 5 stars Much-Needed "Acting-Make It Your Business" is a much needed, clearly written and immediately useful handbook that's valuable to both actors new to the business as well as seasoned... Read more Published 2 months ago by Allie Laurie 5.0 out of 5 stars This is the Stuff You Want to Know..Need to Know I can't praise this book enough. It's like "Everything You Always Wanted to Know but Were Afraid to Ask" of acting. Read more Published 2 months ago by White Falcon 5.0 out of 5 stars The must have book for a working actor I am not an actor, but many years ago was starting a life in the business of theater. I was never a performer, but worked behind the scenes. Read more Published 2 months ago by Emerson Michael 5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for Every Actor Paul Russell offers straight forward, no nonsense advice that is honest, tough yet encouraging on the business of acting. Read more Published 2 months ago by Marianna Caldwell 5.0 out of 5 stars Straight and to the point. I did not know that there was soo much involved in the field and am soo grateful to have this book to open not only my eyes but im sure sooo many others that "think" they want to... Read more Published 2 months ago by Alma Magliocco 5.0 out of 5 stars If Your Serious About Acting... If Your Serious About Acting... then this is the book for you. I read this book with an open mind. This book gave me clarity. Read more Published 2 months ago by Nathaniel Evans 5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Enlightenment! I bought this book for an actor I am currently representing. I ended up reading it myself. It was full of very useful information being that I'm new to all of this... Read more Published 2 months ago by An Artist At Work 5.0 out of 5 stars A Working Actor's Best Friend An absolute no-nonsense guide to the business side of the business. Whether you are new to the business or a veteran you will learn new things. Read more Published 2 months ago by Stacie L. Johnsen Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Back Stage Books; illustrated edition edition (September 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823099555
• ISBN-13: 978-0823099559
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #240,867 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #82 in

  Books > Business & Investing > Industries & Professions > Performing Arts

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The is book can really change your Professional outlook, December 9, 2008

By	William Perez "W Perez" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Paul Russell's book apart from being witty and enjoyable has not only given me the extra kick in the seat that I needed but it really motivated me and has set me on the right track. Of course everything in the "Buisness" is subjective and there is no totally right & wrong way of going about things. But Paul Russell's book actually helps you understand and decide for yourself how not to make common mistakes. Mistakes that at first might seem small to you, but come across as unprofessional to the auditors & agents you are presenting yourself for. His approach on how a resume should look and what information it should contain is dead on! Because of Paul Russell I now own my domain, have perfected the look of my resume and am comfortable with just being me when I present myself before any casting individual. Do yourself a favor and get this book. As a professional actor/singer in the theater buisness for almost 8 years, this one is a keeper.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What Actors are Talking About, November 14, 2008

By	Edward J. Longo (New York, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As an actor I found this book very helpful, whether for marketing myself as an actor, presenting works to a casting director, or seeking an agent for representation . . . Edward, dramatic actor WEBSITE [...] Collection of Short Stories

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book! ALL actors should read it!, April 17, 2009

By	James LaRosa - See all my reviews

Paul Russell's book is extremely informative and insightful. As a working actor, I can honestly say it offers valuable information for ANY actor, young or old, new to the business or at the height of their career. Aside from offering the most up to date marketing tools for actors available today, the humorous, blunt tone with which he speaks to the reader is often refreshing and quite entertaining. Paul Russell's book has inspired me to take steps to move forward to the next level of my career. I urge actors everywhere to read it! Kudos Paul!