A Comprehensive Guide for Actors, Models, and Entertainers who want to jump start their careers and avoid the scams.
“NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOWBUSINESS”
Everyone wants to be in the entertainment business.Everyone!Everyone encounters disappointment, rejection, and roadblocks.Everyone!
Everyone, that is, except those who employ the services of a coach, have access to an experienced mentor, or read Cynthia Brian’s newest book, The Business of Show Business, a Comprehensive Career Guide for Actors and Models. With over 25 years experience in all phases of the entertainment industry including acting, modeling, producing, writing, directing, coaching, and casting; Cynthia brings her unique qualifications, enthusiasm, and straight forward knowledge of the industry to those who are truly interested in pursuing a life in front of the camera or microphone. She is a recognized expert assisting talent , especially young people, enter the acting and modeling profession the right way while avoiding the scams.
With a foreword by best selling author of “What Color is Your Parachute?”, Richard Nelson Bolles, this book is the actor’s and model’s bible for a career in entertainment.Readers will learn what kinds of jobs are out there, how to talk the talk, walk the walk, everything about the unions, agents, casting directors, how to write an acting resume, other avenues to Hollywood and most of all how to avoid the scams.
For parents of children who want to work as an actor or model, this book is an invaluable tool.Jam packed with all the rules, regulations, do’s and don’ts, Cynthia’s sound advice will help families make an informed decision on how to proceed with caution and integrity.
The Business of Show Business is the ultimate guide for getting into and profiting from the entertainment industry.As make-up artist, Denise Johnson says, “This book is your toolbox for success!”Anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in this field will find this book the best investment ever made.Now everyone can have a mentor and personal coach with The Business of Show Business.
The Business of Show Business, a comprehensive career guide for actors and models
By Cynthia Brian
ISBN 0-9721140-0-9
304 pages$19.95
E-Book Available. $27.99
ISBN# e-book: 0-9721140-1-7
HStarstyle® Productions, llc
PO Box 422
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Excerpt
An Expert says,
Cynthia Brian
The Business of Show Business.
www.CynthiaBrian.com, www.bethestaryouare.org
“There are no limits except those you create for yourself.”
HOW TO GET AN AGENT AND ACE THE INTERVIEW
1. Be introduced through a friend who already is represented by this agent or be referred by a casting person or producer.
2. Invite the agent to a play or production in which you have a lead role and hope that the agent is pleasantly impressed with your work and wants to represent you.
3. Find out which agents are franchised by SAG and AFTRA. Send these agents a short cover letter requesting representation along with a resume with your current 8x10 color headshot Don’t send out photographs that you want returned, as agents are busy and don’t have time to sort through the mail to determine what needs to be returned. Make sure you have included a phone number and email address where you are reachable. Expect to wait two to eight weeks for an answer.
Most actors get their agents by using scenario # 3. Agents are careful about only representing talent that they feel are bookable at this time. This doesn’t mean if you are rejected by one agent, that another agent won’t want you. Keep submitting until you find an agent who is willing to give you a personal interview. When you do get an interview, remember that appearance and good grooming are very important. You only have one opportunity to make a first impression. Hair, face, clothes and shoes must be clean and appropriate. Wear clothing that makes you feel comfortable. Do not be too dressy. Do not wear jeans and a T-shirt. Do not try to look sexy. Look professional, casual, and commercial-like. You want the agent to be thinking about projects to cast you in, not where you purchased your clothes.
Beauty is not that essential. What is important is your personality and high energy looks that come from being healthy and happy. Look like the photograph you sent in the mail. You were called in because of your look on the picture, make sure that photo represents you NOW. All the materials you will need to present yourself as a professional are your responsibility, including your photographs, resumes, and demo reels.
Bring with you any pertinent information such as a portfolio of headshots or a voice or acting demo. Do not bring in family snapshots or a home video of a recital or production. Be prepared to answer the most asked question in the business: “Tell me about yourself.” Be passionate and succinct.
Once the agent has agreed to represent you, don’t sit back and wait for the phone to ring. You have to take responsibility for your own career. Be informed. Get into workshops, sharpen your skills. Also, follow up with a photo post card thank you note.
In order to be successful, you will need to have a good working relationship with your agent. Many actors are under the impression that once an agent is secured, that the actors’ work is finished and that the agent will do it all. NOT TRUE! It is essential for the actor to market voraciously and to keep in contact with the agent. Promote yourself and let your agent know what you are doing to further your career. If you should be contacted directly from a casting person or producer for a job, call your agent and have your agent negotiate the deal. Having your agent negotiate for you usually gets you bigger fees. I once was booked on a print job for three hours that I had anticipated charging my usual $200 per hour. When I asked my agent what she had negotiated, she said $2500 for the three hours! Obviously I was delighted and surprised. This was a definite indication of the power of the negotiating skills of my agent.
Now go out into the world and be the star you are! Best of success-break a leg!
Professional Reviews
The Midwest Review
Review of The Business of Show Business, a comprehensive career guide for actors and models
By Cynthia Brian
ISBN 0-9721140-0-9
304 pages $19.95
E-Book Available@ $25.95
ISBN# e-book: 0-9721140-1-7
“Want to be an actor, but don’t know how to break into the business with the right approach? You can’t go wrong with-and shouldn’t go without-Cynthia Brian’s The Business of Show Business: A Comprehensive Career Guide for Actors and Models.
The author has a background in producing, directing, acting, hosting, and consulting, and has coached kids and adults alike. From learning what kinds of jobs are out there to learning about agents, auditioning, rules for child actors and working on the side, this is the ‘insider’’ guide to the industry which should be in the hands and on the minds of any aspiring model or act
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