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The Hollywood Survival Guide For Actors
This text shares all of the current information an actor needs to have a successful career in film and television today.
Proofed and edited by over forty top Hollywood professionals, the book covers basics like headshots and resumes, but flows quickly into hundreds of more intricate and rarely revealed topics like audition protocols, how films are financed, how TV shows are created, how and where to network, SAG-AFTRA contract categories, on-set terminology and behavior, where legitimate film and TV auditions are sourced, and literally hundreds more pieces of knowledge that are vital for anyone seriously pursuing a film and TV career.
It is a tell-all of the insider secrets that author Kym Jackson (Criminal Minds, NCIS: LA) spent nine years researching and compiling into this one resource guide for anyone hoping to navigate the rough seas of the film and TV industry.
This 352 page text is currently in over 80 bookstores and in ebook and hardcopy via Amazon.com and sold in over 30 drama schools worldwide. While writing this book over the past years, author Kym Jackson has worked consistently as an actress, playing lead and supporting roles in film and television.
Proofed and edited by over forty top Hollywood professionals, the book covers basics like headshots and resumes, but flows quickly into hundreds of more intricate and rarely revealed topics like audition protocols, how films are financed, how TV shows are created, how and where to network, SAG-AFTRA contract categories, on-set terminology and behavior, where legitimate film and TV auditions are sourced, and literally hundreds more pieces of knowledge that are vital for anyone seriously pursuing a film and TV career.
It is a tell-all of the insider secrets that author Kym Jackson (Criminal Minds, NCIS: LA) spent nine years researching and compiling into this one resource guide for anyone hoping to navigate the rough seas of the film and TV industry.
This 352 page text is currently in over 80 bookstores and in ebook and hardcopy via Amazon.com and sold in over 30 drama schools worldwide. While writing this book over the past years, author Kym Jackson has worked consistently as an actress, playing lead and supporting roles in film and television.
- GenresNonfiction
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 20, 2014
88 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 3, 2014
Kym Jackson has written an outstanding manual that’s practical and extremely informative. If you’re interested in the acting business, this book’s for you. If you know someone—as I do-who’s interested in breaking into movies and/or television, gift them this book, as it contains all the information required to survive in Hollywood. It’s simple: Buy this book and save yourself and/or your love ones wasted time and energy navigating the system. I highly recommend this book. I rate it a perfect 5 stars!
November 2, 2018
I devoured this book in less than 24 hrs the first time through. Every time I read through it (going on 5 times now), I learn something new. I’ve even started having back up copies to hand out to actor friends of mine who need some clear, concise, and light-hearted advice and information about what could be a daunting industry.
Kym not only makes things about this immense industry seem palatable, but she does a fantastic job of making them feel achievable for anyone out there who has a dream!
My only regret is that there only 5 stars I can give this wonderful book!
For the amount you learn from this book, the investment is a no-brainer!! Word to the wise... read with a highlighter—you’ll need it.
Kym not only makes things about this immense industry seem palatable, but she does a fantastic job of making them feel achievable for anyone out there who has a dream!
My only regret is that there only 5 stars I can give this wonderful book!
For the amount you learn from this book, the investment is a no-brainer!! Word to the wise... read with a highlighter—you’ll need it.
June 9, 2014
I will admit to being a little bemused when I received this book for review, as I am not a Hollywood actor, and nor do I have any aspirations to be one. I was, however, intrigued enough by the premise behind the book to start reading...and was hooked!
The book is quite literally a "How to" guide for anyone wanting to make it in Hollywood, and covers everything from the different types of marketing materials a would be actor will need, to finding representation, as well as the audition process and how to handle the process...including when it is acceptable to get your tits out, and when it's not. The book is written in an easily accessible style and seeing as it is broken down into numerous sub-genres, then I would imagine it would be a useful reference guide to those actors that are more established, as well as those arriving in L.A, for the very first time.
While this book is professionally written and edited, unlike the actors that it is targeting, it's contents haven't been airbrushed, and the author is quite blunt about what is required, and what is not required. I found her direct approach appealing, and would be actors should be under no illusions about the difficulties that they will face when trying to land their big break.
While the book is obviously aimed at wannabee actors, the more I read, the more I realised that indie authors and aspiring actors aren't that different; especially when it comes to having to market ourselves, okay, so budding actors are probably by nature more in your face, but it is a fact that the most successful indie authors are the ones that have nailed their marketing...as such, this book is definitely worth a look. even if all it does is make you realise that you are going to have to take ownership of your publicity and sell yourself as a brand as well as selling your books...
The book is quite literally a "How to" guide for anyone wanting to make it in Hollywood, and covers everything from the different types of marketing materials a would be actor will need, to finding representation, as well as the audition process and how to handle the process...including when it is acceptable to get your tits out, and when it's not. The book is written in an easily accessible style and seeing as it is broken down into numerous sub-genres, then I would imagine it would be a useful reference guide to those actors that are more established, as well as those arriving in L.A, for the very first time.
While this book is professionally written and edited, unlike the actors that it is targeting, it's contents haven't been airbrushed, and the author is quite blunt about what is required, and what is not required. I found her direct approach appealing, and would be actors should be under no illusions about the difficulties that they will face when trying to land their big break.
While the book is obviously aimed at wannabee actors, the more I read, the more I realised that indie authors and aspiring actors aren't that different; especially when it comes to having to market ourselves, okay, so budding actors are probably by nature more in your face, but it is a fact that the most successful indie authors are the ones that have nailed their marketing...as such, this book is definitely worth a look. even if all it does is make you realise that you are going to have to take ownership of your publicity and sell yourself as a brand as well as selling your books...
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July 22, 2016This is the book your mom would write for you, if your mom wrote books and was very onboard with the drop-everything-and-move-to-LA-lifeplan. It's warm, pragmatic and just detailed enough.
The strength of the Hollywood Survival Guide for Actors is that Kym spends a solid paragraph telling you to "check your oil and water" when buying car, without being even a little condescending. Kym and this book want you to win at life, and will arm you with as much knowledge as they can (see:"most people tend not to bring an idiot friend to a party"). They also want you to leave all your naive in your hometown. This book loves LA, but also appreciates that it's a hub of desert exhaustion, and won't tolerate morons.
Kym knows the answers to questions you didn't even know you didn't know. Everything from SAG to how to be "consistently talented". A must for anyone that is fed up with the wish wash of evangelical acting "experts". THSGFA is smart, well researched, witty and easy to read.
The strength of the Hollywood Survival Guide for Actors is that Kym spends a solid paragraph telling you to "check your oil and water" when buying car, without being even a little condescending. Kym and this book want you to win at life, and will arm you with as much knowledge as they can (see:"most people tend not to bring an idiot friend to a party"). They also want you to leave all your naive in your hometown. This book loves LA, but also appreciates that it's a hub of desert exhaustion, and won't tolerate morons.
Kym knows the answers to questions you didn't even know you didn't know. Everything from SAG to how to be "consistently talented". A must for anyone that is fed up with the wish wash of evangelical acting "experts". THSGFA is smart, well researched, witty and easy to read.
August 11, 2016
Kym Jackson has broken down what is a MASSIVE and often overwhelming industry into digestible and easy to manage chapters. There are nuggets of gold within each chapter that will save months, if not years, for newer actors, and certainly save them money, mistakes, and heartache.
Some of the most important chapters include Marketing Materials, Representation and Networking. Actors must learn to view themselves as a business and Kym tries to enforce that notion. Understanding that Hollywood remains the epicenter of the industry, PART 3 of the book is all about getting to, and surviving in, LA.
While some of the information is targeted to foreign actors looking to come to LA, this information is easily glossed over by those of us already in the industry, or in LA. As an 11+ member of SAG-AFTRA, I still found this book useful, both for refresher information, but also for revealing information I didn't know beforehand.
Some of the most important chapters include Marketing Materials, Representation and Networking. Actors must learn to view themselves as a business and Kym tries to enforce that notion. Understanding that Hollywood remains the epicenter of the industry, PART 3 of the book is all about getting to, and surviving in, LA.
While some of the information is targeted to foreign actors looking to come to LA, this information is easily glossed over by those of us already in the industry, or in LA. As an 11+ member of SAG-AFTRA, I still found this book useful, both for refresher information, but also for revealing information I didn't know beforehand.
May 25, 2014
This is a straight to the point guide that helps you navigate L.A. as an actor. Probably one of the best books I've read on the business of acting. It's written by an actor, not a casting director or an agent, but a working actor that gets it. I don't live in L.A. but it will even help me in my market. I Highly recommend it and think it should be required reading for graduates of acting programs.
November 2, 2018
I have read this book a couple times, and it is truly invaluable for any actors, not only from Australia but from all parts of the world to read when first getting set up in L.A. Kym shares her years of valuable experience, secrets to success, and really delves in deep into the nuts and bolts of the L.A film and entertainment industry. I am so glad I picked up this book when I first moved to L.A from Australia :)
October 2, 2014
The interesting thing about this book is that, unlike the ones written by many casting directors, this one is the first I've read by an actor. The cover is basic, no flash or razzle-dazzle on the surface. The cover has a well worn feel to it, like it's the perfect reference book, which it is. It's more modern, with social media, web series, casting office staff & what they do added to it. The ones I've read/skimmed from all sorts of places were from decades ago, but for the most current resource, this is like a newbie going to a seasoned pro. In show business, books like these help guide a newbie or even someone who thinks they know it all. I'm reading it cover to cover then dipping into it for what I need. Sometimes talent isn't enough. It's also not enough to want to be an actor. Oh yeah, a reference book like this, you don't stop reading it. You visit it for reassurance, for an update. I also hope that Kym does come out with newer editions.
February 9, 2019
I carelessly two-starred this one before and wanted to change it to more accurately reflect that this book accomplishes what it sets out to do -- if you are coming in new to "Hollywood" take the advice to heart that the author provides. There's nothing like experiencing the real thing but this will give you a good grounding in what to expect as you try to beak into the business. There's no false promise of "stardom," just the nuts and bolts of what you'll need to consider if pursing acting in the film industry. Spoiler alert -- it ain't easy!
September 21, 2017
Have you thought of a career in the TV or film industry? Want to make it big in Hollywood? Eh...maybe you should read up on it first.
The Hollywood Survival Guide For Actors reads like "What To Expect When You're Expecting" and that's a really good thing. When going into the unknown, I like to research it (to death), gaining every bit of information and detail. I don't like to jump in head first because invariably, I'm caught off guard on something I could have easily been prepared for. For me, this book is an actor's valuable resource holding all of that sage advice in one spot, while wisely referring the reader to applicable websites and companies.
Kym's down-to-Earth writing makes this read informative and yet enjoyable at the same time. Though my career is completely unrelated to this industry, I still found it an interesting read. Not only does she cover the important basics (resume, representation, marketing, etc), but she also points out attitude and character (reliability, honesty, respect, consideration). It really was refreshing to read an actor actually supportive of these characteristics. As an outsider, I view the industry as vain, superficial, backstabbing and selfish, so it's nice to see the author is encouraging qualities that will hold the reader to a higher standard.
Los Angeles is a tough place to live. It's often expensive, getting around can be difficult, traffic is awful, and safety can be a problem within a few blocks away. Yet, the city (and surrounding areas), house film and TV industry giants that make living here almost a necessity. Kym covers in a few pages what newcomers should know prior to arriving. As a native Californian, I can attest to the accuracy of the information.
Amusing, fascinating, informative...this book held my interest to the very end. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to make it as an actor in TV or film. Don't come to LA without first reading through The Hollywood Survival Guide For Actors.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
The Hollywood Survival Guide For Actors reads like "What To Expect When You're Expecting" and that's a really good thing. When going into the unknown, I like to research it (to death), gaining every bit of information and detail. I don't like to jump in head first because invariably, I'm caught off guard on something I could have easily been prepared for. For me, this book is an actor's valuable resource holding all of that sage advice in one spot, while wisely referring the reader to applicable websites and companies.
Kym's down-to-Earth writing makes this read informative and yet enjoyable at the same time. Though my career is completely unrelated to this industry, I still found it an interesting read. Not only does she cover the important basics (resume, representation, marketing, etc), but she also points out attitude and character (reliability, honesty, respect, consideration). It really was refreshing to read an actor actually supportive of these characteristics. As an outsider, I view the industry as vain, superficial, backstabbing and selfish, so it's nice to see the author is encouraging qualities that will hold the reader to a higher standard.
Los Angeles is a tough place to live. It's often expensive, getting around can be difficult, traffic is awful, and safety can be a problem within a few blocks away. Yet, the city (and surrounding areas), house film and TV industry giants that make living here almost a necessity. Kym covers in a few pages what newcomers should know prior to arriving. As a native Californian, I can attest to the accuracy of the information.
Amusing, fascinating, informative...this book held my interest to the very end. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to make it as an actor in TV or film. Don't come to LA without first reading through The Hollywood Survival Guide For Actors.
I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
November 2, 2018
This is my favorite book on the subject "hands down." I highly recommend it. It is loaded with great information for new and seasoned actors in Los Angeles. I revised many areas of my portfolio afte reading it - headshot, demo reel, social media, etc. I actually read the book twice because it is packed with so much content that there are details that I glossed over the first time. In short, I highly recommend it.
November 29, 2018
Hands down Kym gives you everything you need to know to truly have the career you want. I'd call it The Actor’s Bible or The Ultimate Actor Resource. I have never come across one singular book that covers it all. This book is not to be left on the shelves. Use the information because Kym gives it all here. A true must read. Thank you Kym for creating this amazing guide.
December 2, 2018
This was a clear, practical, step by step guide to the business of acting. It doesn't beat you over the head and make you feel bad in the way that some acting books do, nor does it waffle on with washy concepts. This book saved me so much time and can be applied to acting across multiple countries.
December 17, 2019
Excellent
There are a lot of books out there about acting. This one was so practical & real world advice. Easy to read and I saved so many pages to go back to for reference. Very good read for a novice actor and for anyone moving to LA!
There are a lot of books out there about acting. This one was so practical & real world advice. Easy to read and I saved so many pages to go back to for reference. Very good read for a novice actor and for anyone moving to LA!
October 5, 2020
I’ve had the pleasure of reading this wonderful book. It’s comprehensive and gives a lot of helpful tips and guidance on how to survive the tough world of Hollywood.
February 4, 2019
If you're an actor starting out or want to be an actor and could ONLY read ONE book to gain ALL the knowledge you need about being a successful actor in Hollywood - this is it!
Kym fills the book with tons of invaluable knowledge and tips including check lists, to do lists and business savvy tools that give you an enormous head start in the show business world.
Kym writes to you in a style that is assertive and educational yet she makes it friendly and warm and sprinkles in her sense of humour as well. It really feels like you have a coach there with you while reading.
This is the ONLY book I recommend to my actor friends as its a book to go back to throughout your acting career to refresh your knowledge. The greatest investment I've made as an actor so far!
Thanks Kym!
Kym fills the book with tons of invaluable knowledge and tips including check lists, to do lists and business savvy tools that give you an enormous head start in the show business world.
Kym writes to you in a style that is assertive and educational yet she makes it friendly and warm and sprinkles in her sense of humour as well. It really feels like you have a coach there with you while reading.
This is the ONLY book I recommend to my actor friends as its a book to go back to throughout your acting career to refresh your knowledge. The greatest investment I've made as an actor so far!
Thanks Kym!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews