Starting Your Film Acting Career

This two volume set probably presents all of the vital information a person contemplating a career as an actor would need. Filmed at the American Studio of Acting in Wilmington NC, the program features intelligent testimonials from a casting director, talent agent and acting coach, who offer frank, practical information about virtually every aspect of mastering and maximizing that odd blend of insecurity and audacity that makes for an actor. Although it is basically just a talking head production, it nonetheless presents important guidelines on resumes, producing demo reels, conducting yourself at an audition, getting into the union, dealing with casting directors and maintaining your poise in the face of rejection. Unlike other tapes covering this subject, Starting Your Film Acting Career manages to impart general and very specific information at the same time. For instance, it gives excellent advice about how to prepare yourself for an audition (walk in, blow them away, be flexible and professional, be friendly but don't schmooze, walk out) but also tells you how to sign into the session on the clipboard! Also covered: why you should never dress for the exact role you are auditioning for, how to treat your agent as your employee, how to negotiate without appearing to be the bad guy, and finally, what to do when you finally get work. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (R. Ray)