The Art of Film Acting: A Guide For Actors and Directors [Paperback]

Jeremiah Comey (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0240805070 | ISBN-13: 978-0240805078 | Publication Date: June 14, 2002 | Edition: 1

This guide for actors and directors develops a valid method for training performers to act from their core--whether they are cold reading, auditioning, or performing for film or television. This book teaches actors how to achieve and respond to believable and honest emotions before the camera, and it maintains that the key to a successful performance lies in how the actors relate to one another and to the circumstances. Exercises, including script examples, throughout the book give readers an easy resource for practicing the principles outlined.

The Art of Film Acting applies a classic stage acting method (Stanislavsky) to the more intimate medium of performing before a camera, teaching readers to experience an emotion rather than to indicate it.



*Applies a proven method to screen acting

*Includes exercises and practice material

*Helps actors train themselves to relate and respond

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I walked into Jeremiah Comey's Studio as green as they get, and he helped me to become100% percent comfortable in front of the camera. I owe him a lot." -Johnny Knoxville, Actor, "The Ringer," "Dukes of Hazzard," "Men in Black II," and Executive Producer of the "Jackass" television series

"Every now and then you will come upon someone who imparts his or her knowledge in such a way that it stays with you, adding layers of depth to your work and increasing your understanding of the complexities of the simple art of acting. Jeremiah Comey's 'The Art of Film Acting'does just that. It is a valuable and in-depth look at acting with a specific focus on film acting."
- Rosa Fernandez, Back Stage West

"Comey has an obvious love and ex-citement about the craft of acting, and this book is a welcome addition to the library of any actor or director in the film industry. There are very practical tools and ideas here that work."
- Nathan Hudson, Indie Slate magazine

"Jeremiah gets you back to a state of innocence that you intuitively understood before you ever started taking acting lessons. His book demystifies the logic and preparation approach used by many acting teachers, at the same time illuminates and simplifies the creative acting process."
Mclloyd Onwubere
Student at The Actors Studio New York

From the Publisher

The Art of Film Acting applies a classic stage acting method (Stanislavsky) to the more intimate medium of performing before a camera, teaching readers to experience an emotion rather than to indicate it.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 290 pages
• Publisher: Focal Press; 1 edition (June 14, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240805070
• ISBN-13: 978-0240805078
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #370,874 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Insight In A Simplified Approach To Film Acting, November 4, 2003

By 

K. Slager (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Film Acting: A Guide For Actors and Directors (Paperback)

Jeremiah's ability to convey such a clean and concise approach to film acting is endlessly refreshing, especially to the working actor overhwhelmed by the endless masses of techniques and methods out there. He strips acting down to its very essence and truth through his emphasis on being in the moment and on developing ones skills of observation and listening. His simple wisdom reminds us of what we already know-- what we knew as children and chose to forget-- the endless wonder of a human face, the natural expression of unjudged emotion, how to live openly in the present without expectation, to trust unwaveringly in the given circumstances. Truly a great work and one every actor, director, artist or film enthusiast should have. I will read this book again and again and I do not doubt that one day it will be a staple in any serious actor's collection. Excellent.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read, February 13, 2003

By 

tammy (Orange County, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Film Acting: A Guide For Actors and Directors (Paperback)

Jeremiah has an honest approach when presenting this book. It is very useful, and a definite book to have on your shelf. I have found myself unable to put it down. I would recommend this book for any type of actor wanting to understand and practice his craft too the best of his ability.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Acting Tool, August 26, 2008

By 

Quoc Trang (Burbank, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Art of Film Acting: A Guide For Actors and Directors (Paperback)

It is a great book for any actor who wants to do stage and film acting. Ever since I've read the book I've booked two films in a matter of weeks. My acting has improved dramatically! I'm not kidding. I learned to come out of myself and see what's around me. It sounds simple and it is simple! Comey gives us techniques to observe what's around us, hence we're less nervous, and we perform better. His technique makes acting more fun, less mind work, though I do feel you still need to do the homework, but then when you're there you just have to let it go and respond what's in front of you. Trust me, it works. I checked this book from the public library and now I'm going to have to buy it myself. Good luck and hope the best in every actor!