Book Description
Who was Rita Hayworth? Born Margarita Carmen Cansino, she spent her life subjected to others' definitions of her, no matter how hard she worked to claim her own identity. Although there have been many "revelations" about her life and career, Adrienne McLean's book is the first to show that such disclosures were part of a constructed image from the outset.
McLean explores Hayworth's participation in the creation of her star persona, particularly through her work as a dancer—a subject ignored by most film scholars. The passive love goddess, as it turns out, had a unique appeal to other women who, like her, found it extraordinarily difficult to negotiate the competing demands of family, domesticity, and professional work outside the home. Being Rita Hayworth also considers the ways in which the actress has been treated by film scholarship over the years to accomplish its own goals, sometimes at her expense. Several of Hayworth's best-known star vehicles—among them Gilda (1946), Down to Earth (1947), The Lady from Shanghai (1948), and Affair in Trinidad (1952)— are discussed in depth.
Customer Reviews:
Exploring the creation of this popular movie star's persona.......2005-01-12
Being Rita Hayworth: Labor, Identity And Hollywood Stardom by Adrienne L. McLean (Assistant Professor of Film Studies, University of Texas-Dallas) strives to answer the question "Who was Rita Hayworth?" Exploring the creation of this popular movie star's persona, beloved in movies such as "The Lady from Shanghai" (1948) and "Affair in Trinidad" (1952), Being Rita Hayworth takes an especial interest in her appeal to other women of the day who were struggling to navigate the demands of family and work outside the home. Careful research of Hayworth's life frames the chapters, which meticulously pick apart fabricated image and propaganda from what can be verified as truth. An excellent read for anyone with an especial interest in not only Hayworth's career, but the ripple effect her star persona had on the hearts and minds of a female generation.
Book Description
One Tony, two Oscars, six Emmys, eight Grammys, ten Golden GlobesBarbra Streisand has enjoyed one of the most unparalleled careers in show business. Tom Santopietro chronicles every moment: from her first recordings and theater appearances to her newest album (September 2005), marking the roles and the songs that brought home awards in every field and earned her the title of best selling pop female vocalist of all time. With a winning style and encyclopedic expertise he celebrates the numerous career highlights in film, theater, albums, concerts, and even politics without ignoring some of the bumps in her road to superstardom. Streisand is truly Americas greatest living diva, and only a fan and aficionado such as Santopietro could offer such a canny, critical, yet loving look at the many ups and downs of nearly forty years in the spotlight.
Customer Reviews:
Barbra as product; slick, stylish but flawed!.......2007-09-27
This book is NOT a biography; it is strictly a book reviewing & critiquing Barbra's work in theater, television, film, recordings, concerts, & politics.
The author makes some good observations and is generally fair in his assessments. I didn't agree with his views 100% of the time but it was fun to see what he did & did not like. It's easy to see what failed in hindsight however, Stantopietro does not gloat but rather laments what might have been with perhaps a little more thought or planning on Barbra's part.
Fun; a definite "must have" for true Barbra fans!
Babs is back.......2007-03-16
Great book better than "The way she is" which barbra didnt like according to her web site. It was a gift and wonderfully received. great details and bio.
Save your money!.......2007-03-11
What a disappointment buying this book! The entire book is a compilation of one man's opinions of every album, song, movie, etc. of hers
Give me a break! He even hated "A Love like ours" and Guilty Pleasures"...
Nothing new to be learned from this book, save your money and borrow it from your local library and see if youwant it in your collection.
Truly the Greatest Star.......2007-02-28
I too guess I'm the wrong person to review this book, having been a Barbra Streisand fan for 43 of my 53 years. But, finally, it's exciting to read a well written book that delves into what matters the most - the creative work of Ms. Streisand. She has always said that the public knows the truth when they hear or see it, and this book does well in focusing on the considerable talents of Barbra; that's the truth. She is the most talented artist/entertainer of our generation. Heck, of just about any generation. The author knows his subject well; so well in fact that he can appreciate the nunances of her recordings, films, television and concert works. How wonderful to read a book by someone who knows her work so intimately (as do we die-hard fans) to be able to note the vocal and phrasing differences in the 9 recorded versions of "People" over the years on various albums. That's what I call a connoisseur! The author's breathe and depth are exceptional, and I for one am glad that after so many books which dish her fingernails, hairstyles, clothes, dating history, or whatever, this author focuses on what matters the most. And what matters the most is the outstanding quality of work this "actress who sings" has given the world. A must read for the long-term fan who has been with her from "My Name is Barbra" to the Fall 2006 Concert tour, and equally valuable for the newer fan, or anyone who wonders why Barbra Streisand is The Greatest Star. Thank you Barbra for your incredible work, and thank you Tom for an excellent, credible book.
Goes beyond the usual background check.......2006-09-24
Barbra Streisand is a global icon so much has already been written about her life and personality - yet here's another side, an analytical look at her career, myths an realties from her early recordings to her TV specials and beyond. Chapters provide new insights based on her career choices and moves, and thus THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING BARBRA goes beyond the usual background check to delve into artistic creation, influences, and values.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
Customer Reviews:
An Amazing Lady!.......2004-12-06
This is an excellent autobiography. Myrna Loy is a woman ahead of her time. She discusses candidly and with amazing detail her life inside and outside the studio. It is refreshing to see a book that is not a scandalous tell all. She was very political and makes no bones about the fact that she is a liberal and she was very vocal in her involvement politically and on social causes.
The difference between her and the "famous" now is she read about the cause or the political issue before getting up and talking to the public. The blithering that goes on now is amazing; Hollywood can take a lesson from Miss Loy on knowing your subject first then opening your mouth in an intelligent, classy manner.
What a lady in the true sense of the word. Sadly she is gone, but her charm, grace and elegance lives on in her movies and her book. Bravo Miss Loy!
A True Hollywood Legend.......2002-08-08
I couldn't put this book down from the moment I started reading it. It's written from Myrna's own point of view, and it's intresting to get in the mind of Ms. Loy just a few years short from when she died. It has great insight on her relationships with such legends as Clark Gable, William Powell, Lionel Barrymore, Jean Harlow, and even Alfred Hitchcock. It's a great read for anyone who is intrested in the Golden Age of film.
Lady of Hollywood- NoBody But Myrna Loy Deserves That Title!.......2002-06-07
I can't say this about the other actresses from the Golden Age of Hollywood, but I can say it about Myrna Loy, she was a Lady, anyone who wants to learn how to be a Lady, look at this woman, learn, watch and observe her movies, and read this book. She tells about her life, you can get a picture on what type of person she is. She doesn't tell every private thing of her life, but she tells just enough to get us to love her and see she's a lady, I wish she would of kids, she needs someone to carry on her name and carry on the legend. I have to say in my book, she consider one of the beautifuliest women in Hollywood, she had that rare, exotic beauty, and maintained it for years well into her 50s and 60s, a lot of actresses from that era drinked their beauty away, not Myrna. Myrna didn't want to be a bombshell, not a society type, not a glamour queen, she wanted to be all of it, be a lady, be tough, speak her mind, but still have class, dignity, and be a bombshell, high society type, glamour queen all together. She knew her limits as an actress, which a lot of actresses don't. I loved how I read about how she helped blacks and miniorities, and did it publicly, she was sick of the way blacks were treated, especially in movies, she once said, "Why Does Every Black Person Has To Be A Servant, Why Can't A Black Person Go Up The Stairs with A Briefcase or Doctor's Bag" she use to argue with the studio about this realizing that it could damage her career. She spoke her mind, She tells how she once was shy but overcame it, she was referring that to Greta Garbo, she didn't like the way Greta acted, and she said there was no reason for that, becuse she was once shy but worked on it. She talks about mostly all the Golden Age of Hollywood actors and actresses, tells the truth and tells what type of people they really were. She proved that you can be a legend and star and still be talked about and be good without scandals, without sleeping around, without heavy partying or falling out drunk to get publicity. She certainly is the Queen of Hollywood, and Lady of Hollywood. Rest in Peace Beautiful
Impressive life.......2002-06-01
Myrna Loy's career spanned the late silient films, through the beginning of talkies, then technicolor, and didn't end till the early 1980's. Anyone with an interest in American cinema will probably enjoy this book. If you are interested in gossip, this is not the book you want. Gossip is not her style.
I was a bit overwhelmed by all the names in the book. She has mixed with so many people, that sometimes the famous names became a sort of mental blur as I read.
My favorite thing about this book is that Myrna Loy expresses her Liberal Democrat point-of-view. She was a very politically active person in the second half of her life, and she uses the book to express her political ideals. People get this notion that everyone who lived through World War II ended up as Republicans. Loy makes it clear that her generation was not all conservative.
Life beyond Hollywood.......1998-07-15
In this illuminating autobiography, Myrna Loy shares her exhilirating life in a page-turner of rare sophistication. From her early desire to dance, through her struggle to get "through the gates" of the MGM lot, her almost slave-like work at MGM, her transformation into the "perfect wife", and her endless humanitarian work (most notably for UNESCO), Myrna Loy's life was more complex and substantial than that of "just a Hollywood starlet." A fascinating read about an extraordinary woman!
Book Description
Artemesia is the daughter of a pirate queen, and she's sick of practicing deportment at the Angels Academy for Young Maidens. Escaping from the school, she hunts up her mother's crew and breezily commands them out to sea in a leaky boat. Unfortunately, Art's memories of her early life may not be accurate-her seasick crew are actors, and Art's infamous mother was the darling of the stage in a pirate drama. But fiery, pistol-proof Art soon shapes her men into the cleverest pirate crew afloat. And when they meet the dread ship Enemy and her beautiful, treacherous captain, Goldie Girl, Art is certain that her memories are real. The Seven Seas aren't large enough for two pirate queens: Art will have the battle of her life to win her mother's title--and the race for the most fabulous treasure in pirate lore. This gaudy, outrageous tale sparkles with swordplay, skullduggery, and salty language--not to mention over-the-top comedy!
Customer Reviews:
I LOVE THIS BOOK!.......2007-07-20
Okay, first I just need to say, this book is not just for middle-to-high school readers. I would recommend it to anyone! I seriously LOVE this book. I didn't find any of it hard to read, or confusing at all, I thought it was unique and I liked the writing style. I read this book in two days and immediately got the sequel. I like that it's not one of those books where you know what's going to happen at the end; it's not the kind where you know there's going to be a happy ending. It kept me guessing until the last two or three pages. It's witty, full of romance (and that alone is enough to pull me in!), and engaging. You can tell it was really well thought out, and everything comes together in the end in a way that surprised me. The characters are wonderful, because they're not perfect. They have little quirks and real personalities. I loved it the first time I read it and now, two times later, I still do. Even if you don't buy this book, you should at least get it from the library. It's completely worth it!
Adventurous and Satisfying!.......2007-05-12
Piratica was just the kind of book I was looking for; something about adventure on the seas. And all the unexpected twists and turns throughout really captures you! I've read many books, and this by far is my favorite. It satisfys every reader looking for adventure, romance, a good sword fight or two, and of course pirates!
Great, worthwhile read.......2007-03-25
As a fourteen-year-old using (with permission) her mother's account, I really enjoyed this book.
The first time I saw it, I wasn't very interested by the description or cover, and only decided to get it because it was free (long story--I wasn't in a bookstore). But I was hooked within the first ten pages. Though the author uses a style which is hard to get into at first, it was a nice change of pace from the usual, standard way books are written, and overall I think it would not have been as good if it hadn't been written this way. The alternate universe thing is a tad confusing, but it makes sense that she should need to use it, for the plot would be different if England were a monarchy in the book.
As a hopeless romantic when it comes to books (that is, to a certain extent) I really liked the romance in this book. I actually thought she could have gone a bit more into that part, but I think she makes up for it in the sequel, which is also good to read after the first.
In this book the main character was not my favorite character, however. She seemed to me very much the stereotypical individual!independant!sexrole!strong!female, and while I'm all for that stuff, it gets old when it's always pointed out how she "wears man's clothes" and is a "fierce female pirate" who, for instance, gives her crew breaks at rowing the boats, but never stops for a rest herself. It's a little unrealistic that after 6 years at a girl's school she'd know everything about ships and sailing and is as strong as any man.
That rant over with, Felix is ceretainly an interesting enough character to make up for Art.
Overall, I really liked this book (despite complaints--there were more things good about it that I just didn't list) and it's sequel, as well. It's a good book for middle schoolers, probably, so anyone older or younger might not like it as much. I'm really looking forward to Tanith Lee releasing a third one, and hope it's as good as the first two.
Mediocre, yet disapointing. .......2006-12-30
I didn't enjoy this book at all, and didn't even attempt to force myself to finish it. I might have enjoyed it if I had been brainwashed and forgot a couple of other amazingly well-written historical fiction about pirates, the navy, and the 18th century; but alas, I fully understood what a flop this book is.
What could be an enjoyable past time for some, is torture for me. Where is the suspense, the action, the gritty reality? I need something concrete, yet singular!
If you too were disapointed, check out the real deal, and some of the absolute BEST books on the market: The Bloody Jack Series by L.A. Meyers. Compared to his works of masterpiece, this stuff is complete trash.
cliched and confusing.......2006-08-26
A nice pirate preteen chick empowerment fantasy about a girl who roams the seas with her mother's acting troupe. She searches for the obligatory treasure, fights her foil (another young girl, the daughter of her mother's murderer), refuses to kill anyone but relies on her wits, and falls in love with a revenge-motivated captured hottie. The plot dwells between predictable and unique (are they pirates or are they actors? But it hits all the pirate clichés). Art is the basic obnoxious but strong witted female teenager. Felix, her love interest, is mysterious, clumsy, and interesting enough to keep the readers' attention. But all the background pirates are difficult to distinguish from each other, which becomes a problem in the end of the book. The plot meanders and is pretty slow. The end sort of sucks all the joy of pirating by making Art noble. Also, the author's style is off. She randomly italicized things way too often. I had to read some sentences three or four times to figure out the pacing/voice. There are better pirate books to read. Grade: C-
Book Description
A new edition of the classic book for actors starting their careers, with new material
Few actors have ever been more eloquent, more honest, or more entertaining about their life and their profession than Simon Callow, one of the finest actors of his time and increasingly one of the most admired writers about the theater.
Beginning with the letter to Laurence Olivier that produced his first theatrical job to his triumph as Mozart in the original production of Amadeus, Callow takes us with him on his progress through England’s rich and demanding theater: his training at London’s famed Drama Centre, his grim and glorious apprenticeship in the provincial theater, his breakthrough at the Joint Stock Company, and then success at Olivier’s National Theatre are among the way stations.
Callow provides a guide not only to the actor’s profession but also to the intricacies of his art, from unemployment—“the primeval slime from which all actors emerge and to which, inevitably, they return”—to the last night of a long run.
Customer Reviews:
Acting that makes sense..........2005-12-14
I'll admit that at first glance Eric Morris's System can seem scary and misaligned. But I believe it to be a very misunderstood system.
I too was skeptical in the beginning, but after studying this technique (with Eric, but mostly with Anthony Vincent Bova in NYC, Eric's protégé), and after seeing the difference from "acting" and what this Work creates, there's no way I'd ever go back to the "acting" form.
Eric Morris teaches the actor how to react honestly and in the moment, including everything that's going on inside and out-the other actor, the props, the imagined objects that one might be working for-that impels you to "do" whatever the character is required to "do", but out of a real reaction, not just because you're doing it.
I've studied Adler, Strasberg, Meisner, and with Robert Lewis. I've hashed through the process of verbs, actions, objectives, obstacles, and onward; and they're all good and dandy for figuring out what's going on in a script, what the characters are doing and why; but other than that, these techniques never helped me figure out HOW to make it real to ME... How to get to a place where I'm actually functioning from a real, organic, truthful state ... How to get to the point where I am "doing" all the script tells me to do, fulfilling the "actions," out of an honest REACTION to what's going on.... Not just "playing" as if I am; how, in essence, creating the realities of the character....
No matter where you go, all the great teachers (and actors) say the same thing, "Acting is reacting." Even the most used and cherished word in the actor's language, LISTENING, is about focusing outside of yourself and REACTING to what is there. This Work trains the actor to create the stimuli that will fulfill the demands of the piece, specifically, wholly, and with Truth.
For the most part, plays and movies are imagined circumstances, and we as actors, have to create stimuli to react from, so we're not just faking, or indicating our performance. I'd rather watch two people have a relationship on film or on stage, than two actors reciting words, no matter how well they "act" it. If they don't believe it, I won't. This System trains you to create those stimuli and REACT to them honestly, fully and truthfully.
A crucial part of Eric's System is based on Instrumental Work, which is the process of identifying blocks and fears and tensions to expression and, one-by-one, through the use of hundreds of exercises, eliminating them. It's really about self-awareness-learning about yourself and how you function, so you can "get out of your way" and function truthfully on stage or film and get to where you need to get to in a scene. I think this is the aim of every method, but I feel that this System is the only one to address the issues of the actor on a personal level. If I'm tense and depressed (in real life; me the actor), I'm not going to be able to REACT truthfully in a scene where the character has just won the lottery and is jumping with joy. If I push for the emotion, I'll be faking and will "act" that I'm joyful. If this is enough for you, then Eric's work is definitely not your thing. But if you're looking for creating reality and REACTING with truth, nothing surpasses this Work.
I know that Meryl Streep, Brando, Ed Norton, Johnny Depp, Jack Nicholson, Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro, and a handful of other amazing actors don't fake it, don't just indicate the realities of the character and the circumstances. They create them. Be it imagined stimuli they are creating, or through the available stimulus around them, they open themselves up and REACT truthfully to everything -the other actors, the set, the space, the props, the object or person via Sense Memory, etc. I KNOW they do this for a fact! They've talked about it for years.
Eric helps you get to the place that they do-where you can function truthfully, where your instrument is accessible and available, where you are open and are willing to go where the character needs to go, emotionally, psychologically, and physically.
My advice is read Eric's books. If they pique any interest in you, if they strike a cord, study with Eric or Anthony, or at least contact them for further information about the system. I think you'll be quite surprised and utterly amazed at the tools this Work can provide you as an actor.
Wonderful Workbook filled with Great Exercises........2002-02-20
This is a wonderful workbook--easy to follow with great exercises. If you do the exercises, I guarantee you will improve your acting and accessibiltiy to your emotional instrument. I use them in my classes when I teach acting.
The results are phoenomenal.
If you just read them-- and let them sit there they won't do diddly squat. This book is the beginning of an eye opening approach to acting by Eric Morris. The exercises are powerful, will deepen your intensity and provide access to your emotional instrument. Do read this book in conjunction with No Acting Please which better explains Eric's work. Follow it with Irreverent Acting. The three act as a powerful acting trilogy and together form some of the best books on acting ever written.
Descent.......2001-12-18
It wasn't a terrible book or anything, but it did very little to improve upon my acting. I would have liked more acting tips and less preperation tips.
Good book, but could use more.......1999-12-31
Having read this book in my acting class, I feel I gained little in the way of learning about acting. It's really just a collection of preparations, such as overcoming fear, and learning how to relax. The exercises are great, but that's about all this book is good for. The author tends to repeat himself over and over throughout the book. So, if you're looking to learn how to act, don't get this book. If you want to learn exercises to deal with fear, tension, and other "blocks," get this book.
Average customer rating:
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Where's My F*cking Latte? (and Other Stories About Being an Assistant in Hollywood)
Mark, Yoshimoto Nemcoff
Manufacturer: Glenneyre Press
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Its All Your Fault: How To Make It As A Hollywood Assistant
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The Doomsday Club
ASIN: 0976804034 |
Book Description
DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS... Every movie and TV star has one. So does every agent and manager. Some producers and studio execs have two or even three. I'm talking about an assistant. Someone to answer your phones, pick up your dry cleaning. Someone to hide your drugs. Your assistant knows what you eat, who you're sleeping with and what medications you're taking. They listen in on your phone calls. They are the eyes and ears of Hollywood... and occasionally they talk. Culled from dozens of interviews with former and current Hollywood assistants, Where's My F*cking Latte is a no-holds barred insider's look at what really goes on behind Tinseltown's closed doors.
Customer Reviews:
Wow..just...WOW!!!.......2007-06-09
I fell in love with Nemcoff's work when I started listening to "Number 1 with a bullet". So of course, I had to pick this book up. Not only because it is Nemcoff, but because I am a film student. Talk about eye opening! I have never laughed so hard before in my life- even with learning how weird Hollywood is. Nemcoff TOTALLY sheds light on the weirdest of the weird in this book with stories from a well known Celebrity getting drunk and beaten up in Mexico to the torrid toddler causing havoc in a office, and of course the director falling "in love" with one of his assiatants. The only downfall (if I could say there is one) is that, of course, the book does not name names...however it is fun to try guessing who the indivual stories refer too!
I've said before that I think Nemcoff is this generation's Frank Miller and this book proves it- that is if Miller was writing about Hollywood with no death.
Fan's of Brian Michael Bendis' book "Fortune and Glory" will totally get a kick out of this. Heck, ANYONE that is even thinking of working in this industry should pick this up. It should be required reading for all film students.
WARNING: do not drink/eat anything while reading this- you might choke because you are laughing to much (or dumbfounded/shocked by some of the stupidity displayed) that... and of course you wouldn't want to ruin your book.
Only question I got, is when are we going to see the sequal?
:)
Tessana/Murdock's Girl
Average customer rating:
- Incredible Inside Information
- Should be considered "must reading" for anyone aspiring to a background acting gig
- Discusses Both General and Specific Issues
- A Great Resource for Aspiring Movie Extras
- Excellent guide for people who want to be in movies
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The Truth About Being an Extra: How to Become a Good Background Actor
Jo Kelly
Manufacturer: August II Productiions.com
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ASIN: 0977187802 |
Product Description
As a background actor for 8 years, Jo Kelly has written this book to help new people coming into "sho biz" to avoid the pitfalls & scams she encountered. She also tells you how to find the legitimate background casting agencies that she has worked for. There is a chapter on casting children to help Mom's avoid scams also. There is information on wardrobe, tips on what to expect on a set, the lingo used, mistakes she made and how to avoid them.
Customer Reviews:
Incredible Inside Information .......2007-03-06
"The Truth about Being an Extra: How to Become a Good Background Actor" by Jo Kelly is an amazing book. Finding each and every page interesting, exciting and filled with valuable information, I read it nonstop from beginning to end. I even found valuable information in the introductory sections before the first chapter and in the information at the end of the book. I devoured this book with enthusiasm from cover to cover! Jo Kelly's writing style is friendly, informative, encouraging, and easy to understand. She provides examples of scams and problems she encountered early in her career as a background actor, and explains how she eventually received many successful jobs in background acting once she learned the ropes. She also provides lists- -including addresses and phone numbers- -of legitimate casting agencies for background actors. After reading Jo Kelly's book, I felt that becoming a background actor is a very real possibility, and that it would be tremendous fun!
Should be considered "must reading" for anyone aspiring to a background acting gig.......2006-08-11
In "The Truth About Being An Extra", Jo Kelly (founder of Background Actor Seminars) draws upon her years of professional experience as a veteran background actor and her personal insights as a former celebrity wife to reveal "inside secrets" to becoming a successful "background actor", that is, one of those folks you see in movie and television scenes of crowds, passers-by, restaurant diners, etc. Readers will also learn of scams and pitfalls that can happen to naive actors accepting walk-on, background roles in movies, television and commercials when they register with casting agencies. A compendium of solid film industry information, invaluable advice for newcomers, illustrative anecdotal stories of her own experiences, practical tips for securing background acting jobs, locating legitimate casting agencies, as well as becoming both comfortable and professional on the set, "The Truth To Being An Extra" should be found in every college Theatre Department's reference collection and considered "must reading" for anyone aspiring to a background acting gig.
Discusses Both General and Specific Issues.......2006-05-15
This is a quick read that is full of interesting tidbits of information providing a rare glimpse into the world of working as a background actor in the movies. It is not a detailed guide by any means but it does give the reader an overview of many things aspiring "extra" needs to consider as they travel this career path.
Author Jo Kelly comes across as knowledgeable and very personable in her style of writing. Kelly generously shares her knowledge to help newcomers avoid some of the mistakes she made. Her numerous stories from the trenches offer insights into how the real world works and serves up helpful warnings for the neophyte.
The author offers many very specific recommendations with all the necessary contact details. Unfortunately, for readers outside California, the contacts in "The Truth About Being An Extra" seem to only apply for those in Los Angeles (Hollywood). Other interested readers could probably use these listings as a guide and seek out comparable resources in their own part of the world. For example, Canadian actors might find the book useful for its general advice but then need to go a step further. They would need to seek out the agents, agencies, and specific organizations that are relevant in Canada if that's where they plan to start their career as a background actor.
Kelly discusses both general and specific issues. She mentions child actors, parents of child actors, and actors with disabilities as examples of situations with unique considerations. The glossary of the vocabulary used in the industry adds even more clarity.
As a complete outsider to the world of movie making, I came away feeling I had a bit of insider knowledge about the day-to-day reality of a career as a movie extra. It was a bonus to also learn Kelly's fascinating personal story about how she happened to write this book. Widowed in the early 1990's, her original goal was to make a career change by breaking into the world of background acting! Once she learned to be a good movie extra, she then moved on to give presentations, run seminars, and write this book.
What makes this story within the story so interesting is that she had a major hurdle to overcome first - she had to conquer her fear of public speaking. She gladly credits Toastmasters for helping her deal with that challenge. And the rest, as they say, is history.
A Great Resource for Aspiring Movie Extras.......2006-04-25
Author and veteran movie extra Jo Kelly candidly shares her experience in the field of background acting for films in Los Angeles, CA. Included in this handy guide is contact information for casting agencies and casting agenies, calling services, production studios, and tips for how to join the Screen Actors Guild. The business of background acting (from tracking expenses, finding the location of the shoot, and where to turn for tax preparation help) are also covered. This is an excellent gift book for any aspiring actor interested in learning the ropes of show business and finding his-or-her way around LA. Give one to your community theatre director and pass the information on to others who'd like to work as a movie extra.
Excellent guide for people who want to be in movies.......2006-04-13
A great little book for anyone interested in getting into the "extra" game. Jo Kelly gives lots of very practical advice and good "do's and don'ts" for the first-timer. I especially liked her guidance for those about to appear as a background actor for the first time--she takes away some of the fear of the unknown and tells you the most important things to be aware of BEFORE you step on the set. She also provides excellent resources for child casting, calling services, talent agencies, and scams you may encounter as you get into the field. Definitely recommended for anyone thinking about being an extra, or anyone who has done it and wants to learn more.
Book Description
Charlotte Charkes father, Colley Cibber, was one of the eighteenth-centurys great actor/playwrightsand it was thought that the comedically gifted young Charlotte would follow in his footsteps at the legendary Drury Lane. However, Charlottes habit of wearing mens clothes off stage as well as on, proved an obstacle to her career. Kathryn Shevelow re-creates Charlottes downfall from the heights of Londons theatrical world to its lascivious lows (the domain of fire-eaters, puppeteers, wastrels, gender-bending cross-dressers, wenches, and scandalous sorts of every variety) and her comeback as the author of one of the first autobiographies ever written by a woman. Beyond the appealingly unorthodox Charlotte, Shevelow masterfully recalls for us a historical era of extraordinary stylishness, artifice, character, interest, and intrigue.
Customer Reviews:
Well written, definitely not how romantic novellists see it..........2005-07-24
There is a tendency in romantic novellists to spice up their novels with tales of actresses and cross-dressing young women who make good and marry the handsome peer - this is perhaps a more accurate reflection of what happened in reality to women of their ilk in eighteenth century Britain
Charlotte's story is probably not typical as such of the period, being a woman's lot - but the reactions and results, well researched and written by Shevelow - seem to accurately reflect the period.
Charlotte was born of a good family, her father was the poet laureate, and she had all possibility of advantage - however marrying at 17 and later abandoned by both her husband and her father, she was forced to make her own way in the world. she wrote plays (some apparently good for the period) and acted - specialising in male roles. This cross-dressing she later took into her real life.
If anything this seems like a slow unfolding and destruction of a life. Much of it seems to be from her original autobiography published in the mid eighteenth century - no doubt to boost her finances as well - but gradually she was forced into all kinds of generally male dominated occupations.
Saddening to read, at times heavy going, but enlightening. This is an excellent portrayal of the limitations on women in this period, and the consequences.
A Romp Through Georgian London.......2005-05-10
This book is of interest to anyone who cares about 18th century England but it also could work well for someone looking for an introduction to those extraordinary days. The struggle to survive has never been more acutely portrayed than in this remarkable and yet true story of a daughter spurned by a famous but cold hearted father. You will laugh and cry with and about Charlotte but you cannot come away from this book without a deep appreciation for just how easy our lives are today.
Average customer rating:
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The Actor and the Spectator: Foundations of the Theory of Human Action (Key Texts)
Lewis White Beck
Manufacturer: St. Augustine's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Consciousness & Thought
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Free Will & Determinism
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General
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Metaphysics
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| Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007
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Nonfiction
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ASIN: 1855065576 |
Book Description
Can a machine think? More pointedly, if I am a machine, can I think? Beck answers these questions by analyzing two clusters of metaphors - one of which dramatizes human beings as spontaneous agents (actors), and the other sees them as observers attempting to explain causally their own behavior and that of the actor (spectators). Using a hypothetical scene with two spectators, each explaining an action, and each representing a different way of viewing the world, Beck points up the central philosophical problems raised by the varieties of ways in which we explain our own actions and those of others.
Books:
- Brando Unzipped: A Revisionist and Very Private Look at America's Greatest Actor
- Brando Unzipped: A Revisionist and Very Private Look at America's Greatest Actor
- Catching the Big Fish: Meditation, Consciousness, and Creativity
- Channels of Discourse, Reassembled: Television and Contemporary Criticism
- Channels of Discourse, Reassembled: Television and Contemporary Criticism
- Chicanos and Film: Representation and Resistance
- CIO Best Practices: Enabling Strategic Value with Information Technology (Wiley and SAS Business Series)
- Climbing Jacob's Ladder: Heroes of the Bible in African-American Spirituals
- Collected Screenplays (Faber and Faber Screenplays)
- Cost Accounting (12th Edition) (Charles T Horngren Series in Accounting)
Books Index
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Down to Earth
