Customer Reviews

Acting as a Business: Strategies for Success

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have read numerous books on the business of theatre, television, and film, and I must say that Brian O'Neil has written a masterpiece. His insight into how casting directors and agents think, gives the reader a serious advantage. Not only that, but this book will give the reader the confidence and the street-sense to have a successful working career in New York or Los Angeles. The best part is, he never uses the word "Networking!" For an excellent follow-up, read "Actors Take Action," also, by Brian O'Neil.

A MUST READ for any actor pursuing a career in New York. In particular, specific advice on how to get Soap Opera work and how to get an agent.

O'NEIL BREAKS DOWN THE MYSTERY OF SUCCEEDING AS AN ACTOR BY SHOWING AND EXPLAINING HOW THE BUSINESS SIDE OF SHOW BUSINESS WORKS.

Second to a copy of good copy of Shakespeare, I think this is the absolute must-have book for any actor in New York, LA, or anywhere that is really interested in pursuing acting as a career. Talking about the issues that affect actors and what actors can do to not feel powerless and at the whim of being "discovered," O'Neil demonstrates how to view acting as a job...and a business...which is is. Not instead of your craft and skill, but how to take those skills and market them - and yourself - and learn business techniques that can get you into the casting agency or the agent's office or the audition...so that then your skills and craft can take over and get you the job.

This is a great asset for anyone who is new to the business or anyone in a rut or to wants to make a change in their acting career. It is motivational and inspirational and a must have on any professional actor's library.

Anyone who has had the pleasure of hearing Brian speak at a seminar knows that he is a solid veteran of the acting street wars. The advice is timeless. Pick it up up...read it...mine a few gems and get out there!

It's a cliche, but it's really tough to make a living acting. There I said it. Now that the obvious is out of the way, let me say that Brian O'Neil's book will help you take a machete to the thickened forest that is the acting world. A professor once told me that Hollywood was the blending of art and commerce and, although not everyone who wishes to act goes to Hollywood, they would do well to heed that advice. Brian O'Neil makes a strong case for marketing and selling yourself, and creating targets to Casting Directors and Agents to see your work.

What they never teach you in Theater School, is how to make a living as an actor. This book will do just that. I find O'Neil's book to be straight forward and direct, unlike other acting books that ramble on with too many anecdotes from any actor who just puts their two cents in. (I'm aware that I may be accused of being just that kind of actor by writing this review.) The book is novel in the fact that it shows you how to take your "craft" and construct solid business skills so that you can take control of what you can control in this business.

Highly recommended.

If you want to give youself the best chance at getting work as an actor than you need to try and get auditions for projects prior to the casting process and the release of breakdowns. Once a project is listed in Backstage, Actorsaccess, or the Breakdown service, than the casting director will receive hundreds of submissions and you will be lost in the shuffle if you do not have good representation, which most actors don't have. This book tells you where this information is. This information allows you to seek out auditions for projects that are in the planning stages instead of waiting around for somebody else to hold an audition. This gives you more control and allows you to be proactive instead of reactive. Which in turn gives you added peace of mind and makes it easier to persist. For some unknown reason, other acting business books do not include this information. This is why this book is so successful. It has information the other books don't have and so people keep buying it.

The information given in this book is only of value if you actually do what it says. It's not something you can do in a month. It will take time and a ton of discipline but, if you really want to become an actor this book gives you real information that will increase you chances of success.

This book is a must if you're an actor living in NYC and aiming for Broadway. But don't get fooled by its title. If you're based in LA, this book is probably not for you. Although it contains some very good tactics there's too much emphasis on theater and soap for my taste.

Brian O'Neil has put together a helpful guide for the beginner. Not much new here. For a more behind the scenes look, I'd suggest the far better "New York Agent Book" by K Callan. That book seems to have information that's new and straight from the "horse's mouth", so to speak. Still, this book may help one muster up enthusiasm to do yet another mailing...And will tell you how to do one properly, if you don't already know. It's also good if you aspire to work on soaps in any capacity (extra, under 5), and will tell you how to target the casting directors with-yep, you guessed it-mailings. A good guide for the beginner moving to New York.

One of the most helpful books I've ever read. Brian's suggestions changed my life! Practical advice which will produce results.