I started reading this book thinking I could jot down a couple useful pieces of information and quickly advance to another book on acting. Boy was I wrong!
This book is overflowing with so many sources that you may as well toss out the Yellowpages. Judy Kerr did a flawless job of providing step-by-step instructions regarding the business-side of acting and how you can get started.
Sure, there are useful quotes from all kinds of big names and experienced veterans about the technique, but Judy was very wise to simply refer readers to all types of classes, coaches and workshops rather than attempt to write a book on how to act. Experience is the only way you truly learn, not by reading about others who experience it.
I'm currently saving up to take the 2-week trip to Los Angeles to research the city which is mentioned in the book with detailed stops to make.
If you're wondering whether or not this book should be on your bookshelf at home, buy it now. No, don't continue reading my review!! You're not listening and I feel disrespected. You could've been entering your shipping address and credit card info by now you lazy bum! Ya wanna act? Okay, your character is shopping for a book by Judy Kerr... ACTION!!!
I am an actress who recently moved to LA from Seattle (a tiny market compared to LA). Judy's book provided me with invaluable information preparing me for what to expect, what to do, where to look for a 'day' job, and this is only the beginning. After having the same hairstylist in Seattle for 3 years, her book even led me to someone in LA I could trust to cut my hair.
This is the most comprehensive book on building an acting career that I have ever read. The information contained in this book, is, in and of itself, worth 100 times the cost. It is true, there are lots of books out there that do provide information, but the personal quality Judy gives her book is what really makes it. The tone throughout is positive, and supportive. You feel like she really wants you to succeed in this business!
I find something new and helpful at least once a week in "Acting is Everything". I highly recommend this book to all, whether you are a working professional, or someone who is mildly interested in getting involved in acting.
Buy Acting Is Everything: An Actor's Guidebook for a Successful Career in Los Angeles Now
There is no greater source book out there. For actors and other industry professionals, "Acting Is Everything" is a magnificent compendium of information covering all aspects of pursuing your acting career from arriving in LA, to agents and managers, to your pictures and it's wrapped up with motivational and inspiring advice. I have been recommending this book to not only actors but all entertainment professionals that I speak to including seminar attendees, my UCLA Extension students, and my own clients. Owning this book is like having a professional adviser at home with you 24/7.
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The back cover of this book has a very good summary of what its all about: 'Where to Go, Who to Call, What to Spend, What Not To Do!' Acting is a really hard business. The hints & tips, things that work & those that don't, will become well known to you after a time. But when you are new and trying to break into the biz the more of these things you know the more time you'll save.
One point she makes I'd do differently. She says that it's a good idea to participate in theater and theater groups. Truth, absolute truth. Unfortunately it's not that easy. In your home town, the little theaters needed and probably eventually used everyone who showed up for the auditions. In New York and LA, it's just about as hard to get into an 'amateur' production as it is a professional one. There are so many 'currently unemployed' who want to be on stage that it's difficult. Solution start your own. Perform in your church, or the Y, or the back room of a restaurant. Just do it. As she says, you never know who will be in the audience.
Finally, the title of the book just about says it all -Acting is Everything. Acting is not something that you want to do, it's something you have to do. Use the book as you can, but go for it.
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I seldom use that word to describe any book. Bible. Not because the use of it makes me blasphemous but simply because I am a complete non-believer. So I simply don't use it in my vocabulary. But if acting was a religion or spiritual endeavor (it is actually! minus the dogma, yes?) and you were in the hard journey of pursuing it, then this book would be your BOOK OF LAW.
If you left home, from wherever to come over here and pursue this sometimes-so-close and sometimes-so-unattainable dream, without it, you don't know what you're doing. If you are already here and have not yet read it twice and kept it in your backpack you are a FOOL. This book covers EVERY question you will ever have about the aspect of being in this town pursuing this dream. No, it won't teach you acting but it will lead you the best in town, from coaches to photographers to what-to and what-not-to do when on set, to agents to the often IGNORED and NEGLECTED business aspect of this business. Yes, hello! this is a business despite the fact that some bohemian souls still believe this profession beats working or that is simply and SOLELY about having the ability to, which is absolutely essential and necessary I might add, channel the human condition.
Judy, I wish I could create a written language, compelling, convincing enough for me to THANK YOU for the monumental effort you have put and still do as we speak to compile and revise ACTING IS EVERYTHING and its, and not limited to, useful information but also the amount of wonderful advice you, and your contributors, give in this book. The amount of time and money and 405-drive-of-shames moments you saved me are incalculable. Caryn West led me to your book and you to Tom Todoroff another best-kept secret in Hollywood and so on. Your book and the wisdom in it are making my transition from Hong Kong to Hollywood very EVENTFUL; in the good sense of that word that is. So, Amen.
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I have just finished reading Saving Your Life One Day at a Time. I am often asked by patients and students where to get the information they need to help themselves. I now have a great resource to point them to. Dr. Sugarman points the way for people to begin the process of changing their life by making small changes that payoff over a lifetime. My favorite sections dealt with movement and breathing. These topics are rarely dealt with by other authors. If you want to get a head start on stopping pain and disability before they start or if you want to deal with such things right now read and follow the steps laid out in this book. That is the message I am giving to my patients.
