Acting Is Everything: An Actor's Guidebook for a Successful Career in Los Angeles, Expanded Gold,   ISBN:9780962949661

Customer Rating: 

This was the first book I bought upon arriving in LA to chase the dream, and I am very thankful for the wealth of information included in this Hollywood "bible"! As a matter of fact, I wish I'd read it way before I got here, as I would've been much better prepared for the business that is this show business. I highly recommend it to anyone who's ever dreamt of making it in Hollywood, especially for those who are planning on moving here. So many budding actors come having no idea what to do once they get here, and especially of the expense involved in establishing yourself, finding representation, networking, and taking various classes, workshops, and seminars to boost your resume and get your name out there. This can be a tough town, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed at times, but any and all planning you can do in advance to allow you to be smarter and more strategic about your career is absolutely beneficial, and I feel this book is without a doubt a great first step in what will hopefully be an exciting and fulfilling journey. Thanks so much Judy!!

Customer Rating: 

I could barely make it through the first few pages of this book. There is so much name dropping and quoting that it's hard to slog through. In the first 50 pages, there was nothing helpful at all. It was just the author saying "so-and-so says this about acting" and then writing a long-winded quote from some well known actor. That's ok once or twice in a chapter, but when there are 3 pages of nothing but actor quotes, it gets monotonous and boring.

Another part of this book that I don't like it how it's all in point form. There's no paragraph structure, no movement. Just a bunch of bullet points and, as I mentioned before, long winded quotes that have nothing do with teaching you how to actually break into the acting business. I recommend Self-Management for Actors by Bonnie Gillespie, and Acting -- Make It Your Business by Paul Russell. Your money would be much better spent on those books than on this bit of pompous arrogance in book-form.

Customer Rating: 

This is The Yellow Pages for Actors and then some. It's a must have for every emerging actor in Los Angeles. Judy hits on every question an actor has from, "Should I lie about my age?" to "How to approach a general meeting?" The personal comments, advice, and stories from actors and agents are incredible. Straight up, inspiring stories right from the horse's mouth! Get this book and save yourself years of heartache and headaches, trying to go it alone.

Dallas Travers, Author of "The Tao of Show Business - Actor's Edition"

Customer Rating: 

This was my textbook in a class in college. Boy, was I lucky. This is the single greatest resource I've ever had for my career in the biz.

When I moved to LA after college, I had a career consultation with Judy. She set me on the perfect path for me, helping me plan my next steps well into the future - and she was TOTALLY right.

I've been lucky to find quite a few honest and genuine people in LA, and it all started with Judy. Were it not for her, I would have wandered in the wilderness for quite some time.

I know that if I ever have a question about anything biz-related, I can pull out Acting is Everything and find either the answer or the source for the answer. I recommend it to everyone I know who wants to work as an actor. It is, quite simply, a must-have.

Customer Rating: 

I must say I was pleasantly BLOWN AWAY with the massive amount of information in this little gem! This book deserves the full 5 star rating it is getting, and then some! It has info on every aspect of the biz, from how to act, to getting photos, to agents, business manager, money management, wardrobes, casting directors...plus there are dozens of interviews and inside scoops on everything. For example, in the section on casting directors, she brings in 2 or 3 casting directors into the book, with their comments and suggestions--it's like getting the benefit of actually interviewing these folks!! And there are dozens of experts she quotes throughout the book, along with her own considerable expertise as well.

Not to mention, at the end of every section is a list of resources: who to call, how much to expect to pay, why she recommends them...This is really 3-4 books in one at over 600 pages. In fact, the ONLY negative about this book is how darn HEAVY it is! It's hard to hold it for long periods of time (Judy, an audio version? Hint hint!)

I can't say enough about how fabulous this book is; a REAL eye-opener. My respect for actors and what they go through has jumped immensely, and I have a much better handle on what it's going to take to create a successful career for myself. Thank-you Judy!!!!