An Actor's Guide--Making It in New York City

For any actor in or on the way to New York City, this is the definitive source for advice, winning strategies, marketing techniques, and invaluable insights to being a successful New York actor. Aspiring and established professionals will find this thorough and up-to-the-minute volume chock full of resources and advice about auditioning, making professional connections, promoting one's self, seeking opportunities in nontraditional venues, finding an apartment, securing "survival jobs," understanding actor unions, getting headshots, and furthering one's actor training in New York. This guide also details working as a film extra, careers in print modeling, scams and rip-offs to avoid, opportunities for actors with disabilities, and using the Internet to the fullest advantage. Included are in-depth interviews with legendary show business figures such as actor Henry Winkler, casting director Juliet Taylor, and theater director Joseph Chaikin as well top talents from the fields of film, television, stage, commercials, and talent agencies. Written by a professional New York actor with over thirty years of experience, this meticulously researched guide will give actors the tools they need to survive and thrive in New York show business. 6 x 9, 288 pages; Paperback, ISBN 1-58115-213-2.

by Laurie Scheer. In this candid guide, an entertainment industry veteran offers a witty and informative inside look at the primary professions in the movie business. Through the study and observations of hundreds of films about working in Hollywood, this volume provides a compelling portrait of the Hollywood work culture. Readers will discover real-life, yet upbeat portraits of the "shredder" jobs of the industry, such as assistant or d-girl, and how they can lead to "keeper" jobs of actor, agent, or studio executive. Each career overview features a clever analysis of the classic film characters who memorably played these jobs on screen; an insightful rewards-risks assessment of the job; and a brief look at such essential job qualities as durability, length of stay, "Food Chain Value," desirability factor, and prerequisites. Part how-to guide, part historical document, and part social commentary, this book will delight career-seekers, Hollywood insiders, and film aficionados alike. 6 x 9, 240 pages; Paperback, ISBN 1-58115-243-4.

Edited by Nicole Potter. In this rich resource for American actors, renowned movement teachers and directors reveal the physical skills needed for the stage and screen. This collection of essays explains not only particular disciplines and why the skills involved are valuable to performers, but also provides ready-to-use exercises and approaches for actors. Experts in a wide array of performance fields provide remarkable insight into the Alexander technique, the use of psychological gesture, period movement, the work of Rudolph Laben, postmodern choreography, and Suzuki training, to name but a few. Those who want to pursue serious training will be able to consult the appendix for listings of the best teachers and schools across the country. This inspiring collection is a must-read for all actors, directors, and teachers of theater looking for stimulation and new approaches. 6 x 9, 288 pages, Paperback, ISBN 1-58115-233-7.

By Dina Appleton and Daniel Yankelevits. Two entertainment attorneys and Hollywood insiders explain all the ins and outs of negotiating in the movie industry, including back ends, gross and adjusted gross profits, deferments, box office bonuses, copyrights, and much more. This easy-to-follow reference--written clearly, without confusing legal jargon--is packed with expert insights on istribution, licensing, and merchandising. The book's invaluable resource section includes definitions of lingo for acquisition agreements and employment deals, twelve ready-to-use sample contracts, and a directory of entertainment attorneys in both New York and Los Angeles. With the negotiating tips in this guide, agents, writers, directors, actors, financiers, and filmmakers will save thousands of dollars in attorney fees. 6 X 9, 256 pages; Paperback, ISBN 1-58115-228-0.

By Marc Ferrari. A successful rock guitarist shares with musicians at every level firsthand knowledge of how to endure and triumph in the music industry. Rock-and-roll dreams become realities with this guide--the only book on becoming a success in the business written by a successful, real-life rock star. Aspiring music professionals will learn to negotiate contracts, evaluate releases and options, and consult with management. They will also find expert advice from entertainment attorneys and promoters, distinguishing between income generated by publishing, merchandising, and endorsement deals. This guide includes special sections on choosing the right city from which to launch a career, staying afloat during lean times, supplementing one's income, and avoiding the pitfalls of life on the road. Whether one is a member of an unsigned band or an established professional, here is a treasury of inside information not available anywhere else. 5 1/2 X 8 1/2, 176 pages; Paperback, ISBN 1-58115-227-2.