Book Description
• Required reading for aspiring and beginning actors
• Info on getting ahead as an actor—and surviving Hollywood life
New edition includes reality TV, new pay scales, changes in contracts, and more
An Actor's Guide—Your First Year in Hollywood should be required reading for any young actor headed to La-La Land with a dream in his heart and a shine on his shoes. Sure, it's a great guide to auditioning, getting a SAG card, finding an agent, landing parts, gaining exposure, and creating publicity—but it's also packed with real-world advice from a fellow actor. Getting to know Los Angeles, finding a place to live and a job to pay the bills. An Actor's Guide presents the whole picture, for career and for daily life. Detailed advice from top industry pros gives extra tips, and an up-to-the-minute appendix makes contacting agents, studios, soap operas, and game shows a breeze. Remember to thank us when you're a big star!
Customer Reviews:
Great!!.......2006-01-21
I absolutely love this book. I have been buying a lot of books similar to this one and I can honestly say this is the best book. It has great information. It has great detailed facts and if you plan to move to L.A. this will be very helpful....
Has some good advice.......2003-01-14
I liked this book it had some good tips and how-to advice.
I also loved Twelve Step Plan To Becomming An Actor in LA
It is a work book which guides you through your first year.
Itis written by a therapist,so it also teaches YOU how to take care of yourself emotionally, which is Key. Buy them both and have an edge over the competition
Book Description
You Lose Some, You Lose Some authors Lou Harry and Eric Furman continue their preoccupation with failure with In the Can — a look at fifty major movie stars and their biggest critical and box office duds. Some stars’ lowest moments may be obvious, while others take a bit more digging. Sections include:
• Bury It (or, Go Directly to Video/DVD): Including Jerry Lewis’s legendary (and never released) The Day the Clown Cried and Jim Varney and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in Slam Dunk Ernest.
• Out of the Vaults: Forgotten movies that get dragged into the spotlight when a star hits it big, like Kevin Costner’s Sizzle Beach U.S.A. and Sylvester Stallone’s Party at Kitty and Stud’s.
• Oscar Jinx: You’d think an Oscar would lead one to better projects. Sometimes you’d be wrong. Think Jane Darwell after The Grapes of Wrath or Marisa Tomei after My Cousin Vinny.
Customer Reviews:
Disappointning, underresearched effort.......2006-06-03
This book sounded good: An alphabetical listing of nearly all recent movie stars with a discussion of each star's worst film. To qualify, a film had to be both a commercial and critical disaster. Only problem is the authors appear to have written the book over a long weekend. The entries are very short -- usually a page, sometimes less -- and contain almost no background on the films, apart from their box office take and, occasionally, quotes from reviewers. We all know Halle Berry's a fine actress and Catwoman was a bomb. Why not tell us how she came to make the film, what problems the film encountered in production that made it so bad, and so forth? The authors did essentially no research that might have enabled them to discuss these issues. Instead they provide a brief summary of the actor's career before and after the bomb under consideration and make a few smart remarks about the movie itself. They would have to be far wittier than they are to pull this off. In short, if you are movie fan, you probably already know everything you will read in this book. For a much better book on the same subject, check out James Robert Parish's Fiasco.
A great idea...and a fun, informative read.......2005-10-06
The authors seem to have had a very rough job while researching this book--it consists of nothing but big, big Hollywood bombs. I never thought it would be this fun reading about Battlefield Earth, Surviving Christmas, Mary Reilly and other tanks by Hollywood's biggest stars. Lots of interesting information. It's a page-turner.
Customer Reviews:
A continual source of reference.......2005-09-14
When I moved to LA to start an acting career, this was the first book that I bought. Written with humor, and straight forward, to the point info, it answered all of my questions, and then some. 12 years later, I am still working in Los Angeles, and still using "Your Film Acting Career" as my reference guide. Over the years, Lewis's updated editions have carried me from black and white proof sheets into the digital era of the Hollywood business. Before you leave home to head west, as soon as you arrive, or in your 12th year in LA, this book is as essential to any actor and their career, as the Thomas Guide is to any driver and their destination.
good.......2004-02-21
Vey helpful. Also check out Twelve Step Plan to Becoming an Actor in LA. The combo is a nice start for those getting started
THE best book for actor's!!.......2004-02-12
I am reading this in my acting class and it reminded me of a story my acting teacher told. I'll share it now. In the 60's Dustin Hoffman, who represented the New kind of acting was in a movie with John Wayne, or somebody who represented the Old acting. In one scene Hoffman's character stays up all night running from Wayne (or whoever) and so he (Hoffman) stays up all night, too. He says to the old actor "My character didn't sleep, so neither did I. You should try this style of acting". To wich the Old acor replyed "No thanks. I prefer to ACT." Pretty funny, eh, although the way my teacher told it it was even better.
Just get this book it will really help yo're acting!!
O.K. but clearly for people with no experience.......2003-04-08
Hi - this book is great for someone who has almost no experience. If you have been acting for any period of time at all, you will know most of what is in the book. Not to mention, some of the information is a little outdated. But that being said, it does have good info. in it for those just stepping into the business.
Sometimes the truth hurts.......2000-10-10
M.K. Lewis does a great job of getting you to understand the complexity of trying to make it in L.A. He gets you thinking about your commitment to acting by giving you a lot of truthful, upfront information about what it is really like trying to "survive in Hollywood". Having studied with M.K. in Santa Monica for 9 months, I can honestly say that he wants nothing more than success for those who read his book. Well worth a look!
Book Description
A step-by-step guide for aspiring young actors and their parents.
Customer Reviews:
-A realistic AND encouraging guide to the acting industry!.......1999-06-16
This book is an excellent guide to the common (and uncommonly) asked questions regarding movies, commercials, and other theatrical carreers. It focuses mainly on the ways to get involved in the industry, but doesn't stop there. They go on to share priceless advice, and the scoop on how to keep everything moving once you've made it as an actor. It's detailed enough that a beginner can read it, yet substantial enough for already-known actors to enjoy. Throughout the book, they have painted a clear and realistic view of the industry, while keeping it optomistic and encouraging, not intimidating. Basically, Kelly Kidwell and Ruth Devorin have created an acting book far superior than many out there.
Book Description
A life in the movies has been an American dream for a century. Many people dream of becoming Hollywood professionals, but either aim too high (by trying to produce their own feature film) or too low (by hanging around restaurants frequented by movie stars) and end up frustrated. Wouldn't it be great if someone who knew what to do, someone who had achieved acclaim in the field, would walk us through the steps to success? At last, here is a book by a seasoned movie and television professional, Emmy winner Sandra Gordon, that is filled with practical, yet highly effective ways to build a career in entertainment. Gordon calls upon her own experience working on the television series PARTY OF FIVE, the movie RUDY and many more. There are many books that teach job-seekers how to write resumes or ace interviews, but not many books like ACTION! Uniquely designed for individuals who are interested in a career in the entertainment industry, whether they are recent college graduates or middle-aged career changers, ACTION! takes the formula out of the job-hunting book to the next step, telling its readers not only how to write their resumes, but where to send them, how to keep their jobs once they are hired, and how to advance in their career.
Customer Reviews:
WHERE was this book when i graduated college 4 years ago!.......2006-12-14
This book is an excellent over-view of the television & film world. If you've got your production goals set higher than local broadcast news, than I HIGHLY recommend this book. There's a great section on putting together your production resume, great real-world advice from Sandra & her production colleagues, detailed descriptions of what every position on a Film & TV set does, valuable info on how to work in various markets (Chicago, New York, LA, etc). I bought the book a few months ago and had the fortunate chance of meeting the author, and she is genuinely a wonderful woman who truly wants to help those interested in getting into & succeeding in "the business".
This book is also an easy & quick read, I read most of the book on a flight out to LA from Chicago. "Action! Establishing your Career..." is an ESSENTIAL read if you plan on moving out to LA and you don't have many production contacts there...I'm looking at you recent college grads! I've even recommended this book to friends who are actors on their way out to the coasts so they are educated about sets, crews, etiquette, etc.
"Action!" is a much easier & faster read than "The Independent Film Producer's Survival Guide" (which is itself a great book, but more of a legal resource, basically saves you from asking your entertainment lawyer dumb questions).
I'm not a newbie to production and this isn't a fake review, I'm a freelance Commercial Producer who is also very active in Chicago independent film; having served as producer on 4 features in the past two years, negotiated distribution deals for features, and I remain active in the scene via a Chicago based non-profit indie-sponsorship company. I find that I continue to pull "Action! Establishing your Career" off my bookshelf to use as a reference on projects.
A handy and practical guide.......2003-01-06
Action!: Establishing Your Career In Film & Television Production by Emmy award winning Sandra R. Gordon is a handy and practical guide specifically written for people who are interested in a career in one or more segments of the entertainment industry. From internship tips, to the ins and outs of the production department, to crafting a production resume, to the value of adopting a solid work ethic, Action! is a first-rate and highly readable resource intended and enthusiastically recommended for job seekers of all backgrounds seeking a position with film and/or television production careers.
Average customer rating:
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Show Biz Kids: How to Make Your Kid a Film, Television or Recording Star
Ruthie O. Grant
Manufacturer: ETC Publications
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ASIN: 0964133911 |
Average customer rating:
- Crashing Gets My Two Thumbs Up!
- Excellent! Highly recommend to all with Hwood on the brain
- Fun read! Great book
- For Out of Towners
- Another book from a marketer with with zero credits.
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Crashing Hollywood: How to Keep Your Integrity Up, Your Clothes On, and Still Make It in Hollywood
Fran Harris
Manufacturer: Michael Wiese Productions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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How to Make it in Hollywood: Second Edition
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The Hollywood Rules
ASIN: 0941188825 |
Book Description
Fasten your cellphones and get ready for a zany, yet practical look at breaking into Hollywood from a wannabe's perspective.
Customer Reviews:
Crashing Gets My Two Thumbs Up!.......2003-10-14
Every now and then it's nice to read a book that you can relate to. Crashing Hollywood is a fast paced, manic account of one woman's ride up the silver ladder into Tinseltown. A screenwriter, producer, new filmmaker and about 10 other things, Fran Harris lets us see what it's like to be a wannabe in LaLa land. But she's not like your regular wannabe. Already a player in television as an ESPN, Fox and Lifetime TV sportscaster, she has somewhat of an edge on most of us. But she admits that taking on the crazy corridors of Hollyood as a new producer, writer and filmmaker has not been a picnic. While other books have been written by studio execs or current powers that be, I found this unique take on breaking into the biz to be just what the doctor ordered. The author has an ease with language that made the book easy to read and digest. You actually get the feeling that she truly cares about the folks reading her book. It's part autobiographical, part self-help. Hmmmm...therapy in a book about Hollywood. Now there's a concept.
Excellent! Highly recommend to all with Hwood on the brain.......2003-10-13
I loved this book! I have watched this author as a sports announcer on ESPN for many years and I recently got to meet her at a book signing and found her to be one of the most engaging people I've ever met. With folks waiting for her to sign their book or just talk to her, she smiled and talked to every single person who was there. So, I was already impressed before I actually read the book. But Crashing did not disappoint. It's full of a lot of stuff that should be common sense to most folks (sending thank you notes, for instance) but after reading Crashing I found myself looking at things in a different light. Ms. Harris shares her system for keeping in touch with Hollywood execs without pestering them. She shows us how not to become Clients From Hell. And she even talks about some of her not so shining moments. All this, she shares in a humorous fashion that keeps you turning the pages. As an aspiring A-list writer, it was especially important for me to get the scoop on agents and how some things in Tinseltown work. Ms. Harris has managed to give us a healthy dose of reality while at the same time entertaining and encouraging those who haven't had their first Hollywood meeting. Inspiring, witty and full of energy, this author has done us all a huge favor. I'm on my second reading and I've even bought the book for all of my friends who want to be in the biz!
Fun read! Great book.......2003-10-13
First of all, I will allow myelf to waste one line of this review to speak to the reviewer who didn't even have the balls to leave an email address after s/he delivered such an unfair review of this book. Two things are clear: the person who wrote that review did NOT read the book. Second, clearly they knew that those of us who found it enjoyable and insightful might have a few choice words for him/her for being outright malicious--but then again that reader is from L.A. (guess that's to be expected).
In Crashing, Fran Harris represents herself in an honest light. She never makes claims to have sold a film, won an Emmy or climbed Mount Everest. That's the whole point of the book. Instead she's generously taken us inside her journey into Hollywood, which is what her book is about (anyone who's read it, will know this). She shares her ups, her downs and in betweens in a world that very few of us ever get a peek into. She takes us inside Hollywood meetings, on studio lots and never once mentions a party (as the unnamed reviewer has eluded to).
What I love about this book is that you feel that you know this author. You can feel that she's real, she understands what it's like to be out here day in and day out, trying to get closer to that Hollywood dream (even if it is a myth).
Crashing Hollywood is funny and refreshingly frank. More importantly, it's written by someone who clearly knows who she is and what she wants. Her energy is inspiring and her words encouraged me not to give up. In the book she says that one day she'll have her own syndicated talk show...don't be surprised if that one day is real soon.
Fran Harris has spoken to wannabes in wannabes language and I'm grateful. We need more books like this, that tell it like it is. Go, Fran!
For Out of Towners.......2003-10-12
This was a fun book. It was light, entertaining, fast paced and humorous. I am partial to the author also because she played for the Houston Comets (which is my hometown team,) went to my alma mater, the University of Texas, and she still lives in Texas.
This book seems to be intended for those who don't live in Hollywood. It has some entertainment industry tips on keeping everything professional. The premise seems to be to treat your career in the entertainment industry as professional as possible. It contains interviews with various people working in the industry.
The book would be stronger if she concentrated her advice to one trade- screenwriting, acting, producing, singing or whatever. Although Fran seems to be quite a dynamo, and her motivational and communication skills are obvious, her book doesn't fully explore or enlighten one to the inside of the industry. She does a good job keeping me reading by utilizing the aforementioned communication skills.
Another book from a marketer with with zero credits........2003-10-08
After seeing Fran Harris in an interview, the first thing I did was check Amazon's compreshensive Internet Movie Database (IMDB) for credits. There is one listing for a Fran Harris from the 1950's, which is clearly not her. Therefore, Fran Harris has been not connected to any television show or film that has gone anywhere. Not produced, not directed, not acted, not written. I checked out her website, and there was a book about how to make money writing books, and lots of self-promotion items, but nothing that lead me to believe that she offered anything of any substance at all. Lots of references to marketing and PR.
There are any number of people who want to make a quick buck off people who hope to make it in Hollywood. These are generally folk who have not actually accomplished anything themselves in town, other than just networking and showing up to parties. These are not people to learn from. I'm interested in professionals that are successful in their fields, that can share their insights and experiences with those of us who are starting out. Advice from someone irrelevant in the entertainment business is worth less than zero.
The book was standard marketing stuff, with a Hollywood twist. Check out any of the myriad other books by people who have acutally done something of value in this town.
You have to admire her marketing prowess, though. I'm sure she'll have infomercials soon.
Average customer rating:
- Surviving Hollywood goes to Head Of The Class
- In lexicon of show-biz, this book is a boffo winner!
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Surviving Hollywood: Your Ticket to Success
Jerry Rannow
Manufacturer: Allworth Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Similar Items:
-
How to Make it in Hollywood: Second Edition
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An Actor's Guide - Your First Year in Hollywood
-
Hollywood 101: The Film Industry
ASIN: 1581152558 |
Book Description
Filled with dozens of personal anecdotes, musings, and warnings from writers, producers, actors, and directors who have been there, Surviving Hollywood: Your Ticket to Success provides all the real-life tools you need for protecting your personal well-being in an unstable and sometimes unscrupulous industry. Readers will discover sage advice for keeping their spirits up despite constant rejection, weathering long periods of unemployment, maintaining a stable marriage and family life in an unstable business, keeping the faith in the midst of lies and deceit, and much more. Special sections address such topics as the dangers child actors face and how to deal with egomaniacs without becoming one. This one-stop resource is a must-have addition to the library of anyone with a Hollywood dream!
Customer Reviews:
Surviving Hollywood goes to Head Of The Class.......2003-01-21
Having read and thoroughly enjoyed Writing Television Comedy by Jerry Rannow, I hoped Surviving Hollywood would be equally entertaining but I was wrong -- it's even better. As a writer, I'm past the days of trying to crack Hollywood but reading about those who have done so successfully is thoroughly fascinating, especially when it's done with so much humor. The writing flows so smoothly the pages practically turn themselves, interrupted only by my own frequent chuckles and belly-laughs. Great read!
In lexicon of show-biz, this book is a boffo winner!.......2002-12-01
Every fledgling actor or writer should run, not walk, to the Amazon website to obtain a copy of SURVIVING HOLLYOOD: YOUR TICKET TO SUCCESS! It's written in an entertaining style by someone who's been in the trenches of Hollywood and seen it all. It's wise, profound, funny, thought-provoking, and EXTREMELY helpful to anyone who aspires to make their mark in tinsel-town. This book is crammed with insights from prominent show business players who share their feelings and experiences about what they did right and what they did wrong in their careers. Some of these "lessons-learned" will make you laugh, and others are sure to make you cry. And it's practical too, with lots of addresses and websites to help the novice starting out. "SURVIVING HOLLYWOOD: YOUR TICKET TO SUCCESS" is a MUST-READ for anyone seeking to tear down the forbiding studio walls and make their name in a very tough business.
Average customer rating:
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Your Film Acting Career
M.K. Lewis , and
Rosemary Lewis
Manufacturer: Crown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Perfect Paperback
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ASIN: 0517549123
Release Date: 1983-04-20 |
Average customer rating:
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Your Film Acting Career
Rh Value Publishing
Manufacturer: Random House Value Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0517549115
Release Date: 1983-04-20 |
Books:
- An Open Heart: Practicing Compassion in Everyday Life
- Andersonville (Plume)
- Antonin Artaud: Selected Writings
- ART OF POCAHONTAS, THE
- Between God and Man
- Black Boy (The Restored Text Established by The Library of America) (Perennial Classics)
- Calculus: Early Transcendentals
- Camera Assistant, The: A Complete Professional Handbook
- Cash: The Autobiography
- Cinema for French Conversation: Le Cinema en Cours de Francais, Second Edition
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Twelve Step Plan to Becoming an Actor in LA: From Your Town to Tinseltown
Your Film Acting Career: How to Break into the Movies & TV & Survive in Hollywood
Acting Is Everything: An Actor's Guidebook for a Successful Career in Los Angeles, Expanded Gold
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