How to Succeed in Hollywood without really Acting

by Peter Skagen

A renowned working actor, writer, producer and ‘un-acting’ coach shares with you the inside secrets of how to master the screen actor’s career in the twenty-first century, including how to break in, what they're looking for, film vs. theater acting, how to identify and promote your brand, how to set up shop, how to understand story and screenwriting, how to conquer auditions, and how to work on set. It encourages you to stop thinking like an actor, and start thinking like a filmmaker.

This witty, easy-to-read, action-packed how-to also includes: rants, grudges, jokes, quotes, tales from the trenches, insider secrets, tricks of the trade, lists, exercises, examples, trick questions, the top fifty audition mistakes, the top four on-set mistakes, complete instructions on how to become inevitable, and most importantly, how to stop acting and start working.

Students, parents, stage and screen actors, comedians, filmmakers, theater professionals, television presenters, writers of all kinds, movie buffs, even corporate sales professionals (because the world is a stage) can all benefit from this charming, inspirational, and incredibly informative book that finally explains the Business, and how to make it YOUR business.

317 pages, Paperback

First published January 5, 2015

About the author

Peter Skagen – the un-acting coach -- is a working film and theater actor, screenwriter, playwright, producer, director and coach with an MA in screenwriting from California State, Northridge. Through his wildly successful in-person courses, he has helped countless actors achieve their dream of becoming not just screen actors, but working screen actors. He focuses on story, craft, business, and real-world technique -- the 90% of the business that doesn't take talent.

Reviews

[Wildman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Author draws upon his actual experience to provide advice for Actors


Starting off with stories about his past experiences with actors that didn't show up not because they were sick but because they were afraid of getting sick... and moving along what you have here is a collection of both general and detailed tips.

- Are you what Hollywood is looking for?... Explaining that you have certain qualities and how to present them to the best of your ability

- Are you "Destined" to be a success? Maybe... the author has certain theories about what makes a pretty much guaranteed star...

- Be a Pro... Care about the movie you are making and the people that are putting up the money to produce it.

- What is the image you are projecting or what makes you unique? KNOW why they should hire YOU. Perfect the things that make you stand out.

These are some of the things that are discussed in the book.
* I was provided an advance copy for review and want to thank those involved for it.*

In conclusion, what you have here is a lot of real world advice and not some theoretical thought piece.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to work in the movie industry as an actor, get a copy of this book right now!

Every business has its own language, rules, and etiquette. Unless you have contacts (i.e. family) already working on films, you are apt to make mistakes that label you as a throw-away newbie. You can avoid a lot of missteps and be ready when opportunity knocks using the information author Peter Skagen has shared. Kagen, an actor, writer, and producer, explains necessary audition skills and how to behave on set once you are cast. Highly detailed, the book is also very readable. I have worked in live theater all my life and had no idea how different working in film was. I have already shared this book with several talented young friends who want to 'make it' in Hollywood. This is required reading.

[Denise Berndt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not an actor but a writer and got this book because of its chapter on the understanding of story. I found it very useful and inspiring to read how a screenplay is to be analyzed by an actor. Seeing it from this perspective will definitely help me with my own writing.
Since the book was written in a very engaging style I read the whole thing from cover-to-cover and not just the part that was relevant for me.
I will definitely recommend this to friends who are working as actors or writers.

[Justen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming from a theatre background and just starting in TV/film, I found a lot of the technical and practical information in this book helpful. If you do have some training and experience behind you, you may find the scriptwork sections a little redundant but a nice reminder. There are definitely some things I disagree with when it comes to his view on one's attitude to a career and how one should (according to him) be pursuing it, but it's easy to ignore that and find the useful information throughout.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A straightforward, no-nonsense approach to the industry and the techniques an actor needs to succeed. Having mostly worked on stage, I found much of the author's advice about the audition and work on the set useful. I was appreciative of the way he spelled out the steps and gave interesting anecdotes.

If you're looking for a useful (and entertaining) guide to navigating the industry, make sure to pick up a copy of Peter Skagen's "How To Succeed in Hollywood Without Really Acting."

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great beginner's guide to becoming a Hollywood actor/actress.

Full review coming soon!