Acting for Film (Second Edition)

By Cathy Haase

"It will not disappoint . . ." --Ian McKellen, from the Foreword

An Authoritative Training Manual for Film Actors and Teachers

"In today's entertainment industry of buff bodies and beautiful faces, it's easy to think that a couple of sit-ups and high cheek bones can create a movie legend," writes film veteran Cathy Haase. However, she adds, what the actor really must have are "technique, craft, and a depth of self-knowledge." In Acting for Film, Second Edition, Haase shows actors how to develop all of these, sharing her secrets (developed through years of on-camera work) for creating characters who come alive and who touch the souls of the audience.

Readers will learn how to apply theatrical training to film acting and hone a personal approach to rendering a character. Acting for Film, Second Edition, is an essential guide for aspiring performers, acting teachers, and anyone interested in gaining a greater understanding of the craft. This new edition includes: Advice on dealing with new technology including CGI and motion captureConcentration and relaxation exercises that will enhance facial expressivenessExploration of sense memory techniques for on-camera workAnimal exercises and their usagesTips for maintaining proper eye focus in front of the camera and conveying the "beats" of a scene, even in the shortest takes For any performer who intends to make a living in front of the camera, Acting for Film, Second Edition, is the most authoritative resource With Haase's experience and advice in their pocket, readers will be prepared to land the film role they've been dreaming of.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1621536645
• ISBN13: 9781621536642
• Release Date: September 2018
• Publisher: Allworth
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.0" x 8.9"
• Age Range: 18 to 10 years
• Grade Range: Postsecondary to Grade 5

Customer Reviews

Not only for actors

Though I am not an actor, I always admired the craft and wanted to know more about what an actor goes through. I also wanted to learn some of the skills actors use to create and project a persona so that I could use them in my business and personal life. Following some of the advice and techniques in this book awakened the thespian in me. I found application of the advice extrodinarily helpful when giving presentations, for example, and even in regular conversation. I especially enjoyed the practice of studying my environment, notepad in hand, and jotting notes on what I see, hear, smell, touch and taste. I am much more aware of my surroundings as a result. Auditioning is not only for actors. We all face a audition of some sort now and then. This book helped me have a greater chance of "getting the part".

Informative, thorough guide to Acting

This is one of the most comprehensive and thorough guides to Acting out there. It covers all the bases from inner voice, to auditions, to the making of a film and the performers role. By following the essentials in this guidebook, any aspiring craftsman in the performing arts will excel in their field. They will thoroughly understand how their body is the instrument of the performance and develop the skills to step into each characters skin. Highly recommended.

Practical Guide to Acting in Front of the Camera

"Acting for Film" is a very good book for actors who want to know how to act in front of the camera. It covers alot of practical knowledge such as the audition process, reading a script and creating your character. Also covered is what is expected during the film shoot both for big-budget and low-budget films. This book will teach you what acting in front of a camera is all about. A "must have" book for all aspiring film actors.

All the nitty-gritty details . . .

Acting is hard work, one of the most emotionally and mentally demanding professions in the world. This book clearly and honestly delves into all the nitty-gritty details of the actors process when acting in front of a camera (and the crew behind it). From the private moments of preparation, through collaborative efforts of production, and even the difficulties and pleasures of viewing the results, Cathy Hasse misses nothing in this informative and helpful guide. She clearly explains all of the hard "work" that goes into making acting look so easy and natural.As a filmmaker, I was really amazed at her presentation of the entire filmmaking process from the Actor's perspective. It was unique, accurate and illuminating.

NOW I'm Ready for my Close-Up!

I loved this book. There are certainly a lot of books out there that claim they can teach you what you want to know about everything under the sun, but try and find the good ones. Well, you've found one with Acting for Film. Not only does it supply you with the solution to pretty much any situation you'll come across, you get to travel along with the author on her journey of how she gathered this information, and the two of you will come out the other side of the journey longtime friends. Having myself been trained only in stage technique, I found this book incredibly helpful, as Ms. Haase's own experience embraces her own stage training into how it can work with film (or not). Developing new instincts for a new venue is rough. Many times, an author will tell you their own story, without allowing for the fact that each person's journey is subjective. Ms. Haase gracefully shares her knowledge with the reader without any condescension. Instead, you are gently held by the hand and walked around the minefields of the film profession to a safe conclusion of the trip.A great book. Everyone should have one!