Secrets of Screen Acting (Theatre Arts Book) [Paperback]

Patrick Tucker (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

When it was first published in 1993, Secrets of Screen Acting broke new ground in explaining how acting for the camera is different from acting on stage. Reaction time is altered, physical timing and placement are reconceived, and the proportions of the film frame itself become the measure of all things. In this updated edition, Patrick Tucker explains how digital video introduces yet another secret (and solution): the proportions of the digital frame are different from that of traditional film stock, so that the director must conceptualize each image in terms of this new rectangle. Actors now fit into the frame in a slightly different way. Based on a revolutionary non-Method approach to acting, Secrets of Screen Acting shows what actually works: how an actor, an announcer--anyone working in front of the cameras--gives excellent performances on screen.

In this new edition, Patrick Tucker retains the engaging style and useful structure of the first edition while addressing significant changes in current technology, ensuring that this volume will remain an indispensable resource for contemporary students of screen acting.
Updated for a new decade of screen performance possibilities, Secrets of Screen Acting is a magician's box of acting tricks for today's performer. thought, there still exists no single method for screen work. In this book, Patrick Tucker makes the distinction between acting for the stage and for the screen. He explains that the actor, instead of starting with what is real and trying to portray that on screen, should work with the realities of the shoot itself, and then work out how to make it all appear realistic.

Tucker has created and developed several screen acting of a courses, and this book is an extension and explanation of a lifetime of work in the field. Containing over 50 acting exercises, this book leads the reader step-by-step through the elements of effective screen acting.

Refreshing in its informal approach and full of instructive anecdotes, Secrets of Screen Acting will be an invaluable guide for those who wish to master the art of acting on-screen.

About the Author

Patrick Tucker is an accomplished director of the screen and stage. Since his first professional production in 1968, he has directed more than 200 plays in all forms of theater, from weekly repertory to the Royal Shakespeare Company. He was accepted by the BBC Television Directing program in 1976 and has subsequently directed more than 150 television dramas. He has developed his unique approach to television and film acting as a separate discipline, and he has lectured and taught all over the world.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 2 edition (September 17, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0878301771
• ISBN-13: 978-0878301775
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #270,658 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One incredible gem of knowledge after another!, September 11, 1998

By	[e-mail] (West Palm Beach, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Secrets of Screen Acting (A Theatre Arts Book) (Hardcover)

During my first read through my jaw kept dropping as I came to understand how little I know about screen acting, even at my low level of experience.

This book did more to open my eyes to the virtually hidden peculiarities and demands of acting for the screen than anything I've ever read. The pages of review sheets at the back are worth the price of the book.

The style is readable and the author speaks with the authority of experience. I'm sure that this will turn out to be the best investment I've made in my fledgling career as a film actor. I'm going to give this book to my closest actor-friends. I can't think of a better way to show how much I value them.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent; detailed techniques on screen acting, February 18, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Secrets of Screen Acting (Paperback)

Includes numerous detailed techniques for film acting, such as adjusting your performance for various camera distances (master shot vs. close-up, etc.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Informative, January 15, 2008

By	Kurt Heinlein "Kurt Gerard Heinlein" (Springfield, MO) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Secrets of Screen Acting (Theatre Arts Book) (Paperback)

This was a very informative book for my Acting for the Camera students. Promoted interesting questions and good discussion.