Customer Reviews

Lights, Camera...You!: Make money doing TV commercials in Los Angeles or Any Town, U.S.A.

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Lights, Camera...YOU! has so much detailed information I was pleasantly surprised. I feel confident in getting into commercials. The book explains you do not need to have a perfect "10" movie star look; commercial producers are looking for every day looking people as well. People (potential buyers of the product being sold)can relate to every day people easier. Plus, I was happy to learn I do not have to move to Los Angeles or New York to get into commercials.

You will learn so many tips and even get information on how to contact different agents and casting directors! The author even gives you tips on what to do between jobs. She has thought of everything! This book is a must for people who want to get into acting on television commercials.

Before meeting Rene, reading her book, and participating in her classes, I couldn't figure out why I wasn't being picked up by an agency. Now I realize that I was focusing on all the wrong things. As a young and upcoming actress in the competitive city of Los Angeles, there's a sense of complete helplessness. Quite frankly, it's terrifying to think about all the time, hard work, and money I potentially could have wasted had she not come into my life. Rene has not only well advised me, but has offered her advantageous wisdom. Since our meeting, irrefutable opportunities have been presented to me and I now feel more confident than ever as to what lies ahead in my career.

Best auditioning book I have read by far!! In addition to the tremendous invaluable advice this book offers, the humor and wit the author Rene Ashton includes, gives me the joy and confidence I needed to dive back into auditioning.

For anyone seeking the limelight, whether it is commercials, TV, or movies, this is the book for you! "Lights, Camera...You!" offers an insiders look at the magic and mystery that is Hollywood, starting at a beginner's level. That's not to say that this material couldn't be used to spruce up a slightly tired routine, but as I am not a seasoned (okay, not even lightly salted) actress, I must speak to its usefulness at level one. With straight forward tips on everything from crafting your skills, to determining your "type", and the pros versus cons of having your own agent, author René Ashton holds nothing back. I especially love her candor in the way that her own personal moments are included within the material. It really helps to make it more accessible...feel more real. Let's not forget the listing of agents, talent sources, and casting sites at the books conclusion! What more could you ask for? Highly recommended to one and all...

Lights, Camera...You! Make money doing TV commercials in Los Angeles or Any Town, U.S.A.

This book is written for me! Okay, so you too, but it really felt like the writer was talking to me while I read it. Actress, Rene Ashton, has a fun and sassy writing style that makes you feel as if you're getting insider tips from someone INSIDE the biz (commercial world) and it seems that she's done about a billion commercials (now every time I see her on TV, I go "oh, there's the author who shares her secrets!) I am impressed with how much she put out there and would think that other industry insiders would be shocked at how much she divulges.

As a mom who wanted to see how it is to get my kiddo into commercials, I wanted to attack this completely prepared. I didn't want to become one of those "stage" moms (if I could be so lucky, right?), and it had way more info that I expected. It's a whole world to learn, like a new language.

The author has seperated this mountain of information into 17 chapters including:

COMMERCIAL MARKETS (locations, etc),
HOW YOU FIT INTO COMMERCIALS (she gives examples and breakdowns, and she's right, they need all types, shapes and sizes),
HEADSHOTS (You will learn ALOT in this chapter - who knew a picture was so important),
RESUMES,
AGENTS,
INTERNET(there are casting sites on there),
PAYMENTS (explanations and breakdowns of industry terms and payment schedules),
UNIONS (and non),
WARDROBE,
AUDITIONS and more.

Another thing I really liked about this book is that she addresses my concerns about putting my child into commercials.

There are interviews with other industry insiders, so it's not just the writer's opinions and experience you're getting in this one. I'm very happy with my purchase, only now I feel like I have a LOT of work to do to get myself and my child ready to tackle this new venture. I will taking this book along with me as I go through the steps. Now, if she could only meet me and my son at an audition...

If you are new to LA and looking to break into the commercial business, look no further! Rene has magically put all the information in one place. This book is the guide to not just starting your career but maintaining one. Perfect for inspiring the new actor and redirecting the veteran. I personally gained a lot of knowledge I didn't even realize I needed to know. The contact info for agencies, managers, and other essentials is worth the price alone, not to mention the extra advice she throws in. Rene knows what she's talking about. It's just that simple. Do yourself a favor and buy this one!

I was astounded how much I enjoyed and learned from Rene. This book includes a full lifetime of experience in one easy-to-read book. I couldn't put it down and learned so much. As a commercial actress, hitting and missing on commercials, I understand what was missing from my performance. I understand so much better about important websites, and headshots and commercial "type" and markets and on and on. As an acting teacher and filmmaker, I was blown away. REALLY. I will recommend this to my students, and refer to it continually as I audition. The book is a total gem.

What a great book! You stare at the TV and think that you can do what you see those people doing. On the other hand, how do you get started? Rene's book lays it out in a simple straightforward way. And Rene tells you want NOT to do -- I discovered I was making mistakes that no one was telling me about. I had to read it here to realize my errors and to make a change.

This book is definitely worth a read, especially if you are in the Los Angeles or surrounding area, although it would be helpful anywhere. Rene managed to keep me interested and laughing the whole book, making it an easy read. I'm not much of a book reader but when an author adds some humor it makes it much easier for me to finish the book. Also, the references in the book for agents, workshops, acting classes, etc. has proved to be extremely helpful. I've already attended one of the workshops she references and am so grateful as I never would have known about it. There is a LOT of good information in this book and definitely lays the steps out that you have to take in order to get started. I would not hesitate to recommend this book, I think it is fantastic information! If you are considering getting into the business, start here!!!Lights, Camera...You!: Make money doing TV commercials in Los Angeles or Any Town, U.S.A.

"The book is phenomenal. FINALLY, I am getting straight answers to the questions I have been asking people. It would have saved me so much time and money if I had bought it earlier! Money very well spent, thank you."
-Kari