Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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.

I'm not saying that this should be the only book you read but it should certainly be one of them. If you are an actor, serious about moving your career forward, this is a book you should read. It is a comprehensive overview of what you can do, what YOU can do, to move your career in the direction you want. It isn't magic, you still have to do the work, the research and have the discipline to walk the walk but this is a great spotlight to have along the path. The chapters are broken down in succinct segments so you can go back and reread as needed. The advice is culled from her many years in the business, both her personal experiences as a CD and many years of interviewing and talking with fellow entertainment professionals. A really great book for anyone going into show business.

I have been working with actors every day for the last 15 years. It doesn't matter if they are new to Hollywood or have been working in film and television for years - most actors don't know how to maximize their opportunities in the Business of Show. It is a business. You can do many things to give yourself more opportunities to work, create meaningful relationships, and focus your efforts so as not to waste your resources (read money). This book will help you in all of those areas and more. If you are an actor at any level who wants to be in more control of your career - read this book. I've read it. It has a chapter on demo reels that is excellent. That's what I do - I edit demo reels. And I agree with the advice that Bonnie has written and compiled. The chapters on typing and branding are topics I discuss with my more astute clients when we discuss their work and how to shape their demo so more people will cast them properly. There is a lot of valuable info between the covers of this book. Several of the "working actor" contributors are clients of mine. Their real world experience is valuable for any actor wanting to know how things "really are" and what to really expect. So if you are serious about being an actor, you need the info that is in this book. I highly recommend it.

I love this book! It steps you through the business of being an actor. She breaks it down into six main categories, Mindset, Prep, Materials, People, Practice and Living. Within those sections all of the basics are given so an actor has the foundation needed to make good choices, to avoid scams and to start marketing oneself. Marketing is the area that is the most foreign to me. Who do you send to? When? What do you send? Headshot? Postcard? How do you do this in a way that is most productive? This book provides suggestions for all of that and more.

I can already tell that this is going to become one of those books that sits by my computer as a well used reference. I'm kicking myself for not having bought it sooner.

This is the handbook I wish I had starting out in this business. That was over ten years ago, but there is always something new to learn within this changing entertainment field. Self-Management For Actors gives you a set of tools to tackle the career you want. Those questions I thought I knew the answer to are redefined in this massive 519 page resource book. What I love ,in addition to all of Bonnie's clever and informative knowledge, is the real working actor testimonials. I don't need some famous actor telling me what they do in audition, I want people like me who make it possible.

Bonnie knows her stuff and has written a book that anyone at any stage can use. You won't find this much detail by taking over a million workshops or classes.

If you want to be a working actor, buy this book!!!

Tanya Perez

I really, really loved this book! I read it in one day and then loaned it to a friend. Now I can't wait to get it back so I can read the book again! Bonnie Gillespie's book is FULL of helpful suggestions, as well as nice reminders (mostly common sense). It is a wonderful reference book for any actor, but particularly for those located in LA or NYC. After reading the book, I felt empowered and encouraged. I had no doubt about what steps I needed to take next in order to propel my acting career. I strongly recommend this book to anyone serious about acting professionally.

This book really breaks it all down for you. Everything you need to know to jump start your acting career. Highly recommended!

Be your own manager, pay yourself the 15%!
Oh hum, 3 years wasted... gone to parties. If only I bumped into this book when I got first got out here. Better late than never I guess. For a great career in a demystified Hollywood, get this book.