Self-Management for Actors: Getting Down to (Show) Business [Paperback]

Bonnie Gillespie (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0972301984 | ISBN-13: 978-0972301985 | Publication Date: March 2006 | Edition: 2nd

No other book for actors focuses so succinctly on the business of self-management. Whether an actor has an agent or manager on his or her team, or is going it alone, this is a roadmap for surviving -- and thriving -- in the entertainment industry. This book offers a simple, self-management concept that allows an actor to handle the business of his or her acting career without losing the ability to be a creative artist, and is filled with real-world examples from working actors and behind-the-desk advice from casting directors. Includes advice about:

* color headshots

* online casting

* online resource section

* essays by successful actors

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Self-Management for Actors" is the most clearly detailed, specific example-filled, how-to-do-it-right book available! -- Lawrence Parke, Acting World Books, June 2004

Bonnie Gillespie's smart and savvy expertise smiles through on every page. -- Nelson Aspen, Australia's Sunrise Show, May 2005

Bonnie will never steer you wrong. "Self-Management for Actors" is an absolute requisite in your arsenal of performer tools. -- Bill Tarling, Wild Ogre Book Review, May 2005

Just as "Casting Qs" has become a must-read, "Self-Management for Actors" should be considered The Actor's Bible. -- TL Kolman, The Attic Theatre, May 2005

Page after page of good solid common sense insight. -- Robert Brody, Showfax/Screenplay Online/Sides Express, May 2005

From the Publisher

It's your career. Why not manage yourself?

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 326 pages
• Publisher: Cricket Feet Publishing; 2nd edition (March 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0972301984
• ISBN-13: 978-0972301985
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (78 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #792,969 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Bonnie Gillespie is an author, producer, and casting director. She specializes in casting SAG indie feature films and has been named in Back Stage's "Best of Los Angeles" Issue multiple times. Founder and producer of Somebody's Basement, Your Actor MBA, the Cricket Feet Casting Actors Showcase, and Hollywood Happy Hour, Bonnie's weekly column, The Actors Voice, is available at Showfax.com and her weekly podcast, The Work, is available on iTunes and at PodcastingTheWork.com.

Her books include Casting Qs: A Collection of Casting Director Interviews, Self-Management for Actors: Getting Down to (Show) Business, and Acting Qs: Conversations with Working Actors. She facilitates a weekly seminar based on the top-selling Self-Management for Actors (now in its third edition) and has traveled internationally to demystify the casting process and the business side of pursuing an artistic career at colleges, universities, and private acting studios.

Bonnie has been interviewed on BBC Breakfast, on UTV-Ireland's Gerry Kelly Goes to Hollywood, on CBC Radio One, on Judy Kerr's series, Acting Is Everything, and for E! gossip column The Answer B!tch. She is currently exec producing the series Casting Qs (based on her column and book of the same title) and developing a television series based on her Self-Management for Actors-related work with hyphenates worldwide. For a ridiculously more detailed bio, please visit CricketFeet.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MUCH NEEDED Self-Management Advice for Actors!, July 8, 2005

By 

Melissa Tan Hardy "www.melissa-tan.com" (Southern CA, usa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Self-Management for Actors: Getting Down to (Show) Business (Paperback)

I just have to whole-heartedly recommend Bonnie Gillespie's Book, "Self-Management for Actors" because it was EXACTLY what I needed at this stage of my career. I was in the tedious process of prepping for new Headshots, doing tons of research for upgrading all my other materials, and submitting for representation, and this book (chock-full of accessible clear advice!) has helped me fine-tune my marketing materials and filled in the blanks I didn't realize I had!
I've completely revamped my business strategy and am extremely happy about the direction and progress - in fact, I have already received some positive response due to the changes and modifications I've made because of her caring, professional advice.
If you are looking for a guide that will definitely help (unlike other books that claim to do the same) this is the one that can lead you to better manage your own career step by step, instead of simply waiting for someone to do it for you.
I HIGHLY recommend it! It's already one of my most used (and heavily underlined) references.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This should be required reading for all actors!, November 27, 2006

By 

Jonathan Latroy (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Self-Management for Actors: Getting Down to (Show) Business (Paperback)

Seriously, when you arrive at LAX, you should have to read this book before you leave the airport.
Self-Management for Actors can shave months or even years off the learning curve. I wish I had known about this book 2 years ago. If you're even considering a career in acting, this is a must-read.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bonnie makes it easy for YOU to manage your career..., January 28, 2004

By 

Denise Winsor (CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Self-Management for Actors: Getting Down to (Show) Business (Paperback)

There is more to the acting business than just the acting. It's understanding and applying the "business" side of acting that makes it possible for the actor to succeed. Bonnie Gillespie is right on target with her enjoyable nuts and bolts wisdom in "Self-Management for Actors: Getting Down to (Show) Business." She takes the guess work out of the process of managing your career as an actor with clear guidance and a wonderful sense of humor. Precious time and money will be saved when knowing how to market yourself by doing it right the first time. Owning this book is one of the best investments any actor can make.

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Now, just two years later in 2006, as the entertainment industry continues to move forward at lightening speed with technology and endless resources at our fingertips, how lucky we are to have the 2nd edition of Bonnie's highly successful book. Keeping up with the latest in information and resources about the "business" of show business, while at the same time empowering actors of all ages and experience levels with the gift of "I can do this," Bonnie tells it like it is and simplifies the mysteries of managing your own career, while working in this crazy but amazing industry.

Bonnie writes with love and compassion, reaching out and connecting with actors of all levels. With each chapter, a new door opens, building confidence and knowledge, while answering the endless questions of who, what, why, when, where and how, in addition to the should I or shouldn't I's. It just doesn't get any easier.

The best part is, this book is not just for actors. It's for anyone who wants to take control of their career in any aspect of the performing arts. It's also for anyone not directly involved in the field, but with an interest in learning about just how much "work" goes into becoming a working artist.

As an actress and career consultant for young performers and their families, this book is the first book I encourage as a must-have for anyone who is serious about a career in the entertainment industry.

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As the industry moves forward in 2008, Bonnie Gillespie has graced us once again with her 3rd edition of her most informative and resourceful book.