Fascinating

Thoroughly enjoyed it. Very informative for a working professional like me but also highly entertaining.

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Best Actors Guide to the industry EVER

Philip Carlson has become my beacon of hope and light.
Thank you sir.
For ANY ACTOR looking for fair, frank, yet encouraging insight on the industry as A WHOLE. LISTEN TO THESE generous words

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The best career workshop you ever attended...

This book is simply remarkable. From the outset, author Philip Carlson grabs your attention and doesn't let go for one second.

Told from the point-of-view of a Talent Agent, the focus of this book is not how to be an actor, but how to approach the business of creating an acting career, which Carlson covers via a series of pseudo-workshops, in which he takes an imaginary group of students through the challenges of working in the modern world of Theatre, TV and Film. He discusses and explains the various pitfalls and strategies to Getting an Agent; How to behave at an Audition; Securing your next Job: Using Social Media; and many, many more.

Every chapter is gold-dust, and although primarily aimed at young actors on the verge of their working life, the subjects covered resonated very much with my 60yr-old actor's brain, and have already made me revise my approach to the whole business of finding work.

His teaching style is direct but supportive, so that even when the student's approach is flawed, he can suggest alternatives to make this more effective without making them feel bad.

If I have one slight observation, it's that this book is almost wholly US-focussed, focussing on New York for theatre, and Los Angeles for TV and film. London theatre gets a mention now and then, but that's about it. That slight niggle aside, this is easily one of the best books I've ever listened to.

Overall, this book really gave me pause for thought, and made me re-assess my current approach to the acting profession. That said, many of Carlson's ideas and strategies translate easily into other industries; Know your market and your place in it; Understand where you want to go, and be honest with yourself; Realise the areas you cannot go and concentrate on those where you can make an impact.

Highly recommended for any aspiring actor or performer

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Gerli

Great book when you are starting your career in Acting. Inspiring and very logical explaining all the necessary and unnecessary in the industry.

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Helpful on a level I never imagined.

This book has changed my entire way of thinking. It's something that I'll use throughout my career. Priceless information.

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Awesome

Great insight into the industry - must listen for actors who are looking for an agent or struggling with their current one.

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