Acting: Make It Your Business - How to Avoid Mistakes and Achieve Success as a Working Actor

By Paul Russell

Book Overview

In Acting: Make It Your Business Second Edition, award-winning casting director Paul Russell offers a wealth of advice on auditioning, marketing, and networking, and puts the power to land jobs and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0823099555
• ISBN13: 9780823099559
• Release Date: September 2008
• Publisher: Back Stage Books
• Length: 324 Pages
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.7" x 6.1"

Customer Reviews

An Actor's Dream

I am an actor who has spent 20 years in the industry. I am still working even at my "ripe old age," and consider myself fairly savvy when it comes to the business. I am naturally wary of "DIY Acting Career" books because usually it's just a rehashing of what we've been told for ages (or worse, completely cult-like, ridiculous advice from a self-appointed guru). This book is different. Paul Russell is the real McCoy, and his advice has made a dramatic (pardon the pun) impact on my career. Paul's natural respect for actors and our craft shines through, especially when he's being extremely frank (and at times harsh) about the mistakes we make in the name of getting a job. Paul raises the bar and treats us like the professionals we either are or should be, and it behooves us all to treat ourselves and our careers with the same level of scrutiny and respect. I feel better prepared now to present myself with poise, pride and confidence than at any other time in my career. You've always wanted to be a fly on the wall listening to the discussions of agents, directors and casting directors - you'll get that here, and it's not always pretty, but it will teach you more about the industry and about the business of acting than any other book on the market. The most important thing this book can teach you is how to be a competitive PROFESSIONAL, rather than a thick-headed amateur. If you're an actor, no matter the level of your career, I HIGHLY recommend buying this book.

Great book! ALL actors should read it!

Paul Russell's book is extremely informative and insightful. As a working actor, I can honestly say it offers valuable information for ANY actor, young or old, new to the business or at the height of their career. Aside from offering the most up to date marketing tools for actors available today, the humorous, blunt tone with which he speaks to the reader is often refreshing and quite entertaining. Paul Russell's book has inspired me to take steps to move forward to the next level of my career. I urge actors everywhere to read it! Kudos Paul!

Good News!

I've got great news for any and all professional, pre-professional, and aspiring actors... this book has all the information you could ever need to market yourself as a performer. It covers everything from headshot and resume to shopping for an agent (with examples of right and wrong). I have worked professionally as a regional actor nonstop for 6 years, but I still learned a great deal from this book and Paul. It was extremely eye opening to be alerted to all my mistakes over the years, and how easy it was to make myself more appealing to the people on the other side of the casting table. I would recommend it to everyone in the field, and if ever given the chance take a workshop with Paul Russell, DO IT. He is just a wealth of knowledge in print and in person. You can tell by the way he candidly speaks that he has been in your shoes. I for one am so glad to have a current look at the casting scene as most books on the subject seem to date back at least to the early 90's. This book is a great guide and should definitely be on your must read list.

The is book can really change your Professional outlook

Paul Russell's book apart from being witty and enjoyable has not only given me the extra kick in the seat that I needed but it really motivated me and has set me on the right track. Of course everything in the "Buisness" is subjective and there is no totally right & wrong way of going about things. But Paul Russell's book actually helps you understand and decide for yourself how not to make common mistakes. Mistakes that at first might seem small to you, but come across as unprofessional to the auditors & agents you are presenting yourself for. His approach on how a resume should look and what information it should contain is dead on! Because of Paul Russell I now own my domain, have perfected the look of my resume and am comfortable with just being me when I present myself before any casting individual. Do yourself a favor and get this book. As a professional actor/singer in the theater buisness for almost 8 years, this one is a keeper.

What Actors are Talking About

As an actor I found this book very helpful, whether for marketing myself as an actor, presenting works to a casting director, or seeking an agent for representation . . . Edward, dramatic actor WEBSITE [...] Collection of Short Stories