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Great actor, teacher and coach. LA Casting Director Andy Henry (CSI) |
More reviews:
FANTASTIC BOOK!! I have been acting in New York for a while now, but still learned new things from this book. Mr. Skagen has a great sense of humor (e.g., after describing a difficult task actors have to do, he'll write, "Hey, you're the one who wanted to be an actor"), which makes his very, VERY straightforward advice go down easy. I found this book particularly valuable as a theater actor transitioning to on-camera work; where was this book 3 years ago!? ;) I cannot recommend it enough, and actually kept this book on my desk after finishing it (and before letting a fellow actor read it), so that I'd remember to write a review on Amazon. Fantastic book.
Maayan Schneider, Actor NYC
If you want to work in the movies as an actor, get a copy of this book right now! Even if you are just curious about how things work in the industry, you should read this book! You can avoid a lot of missteps and be ready when opportunity knocks using the information author Peter Skagen has shared. Skagen, 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, full of personal anecdotes and stories about well-known actors with some great quotes thrown in. I have worked in live theater all my life and had no idea how different working in film was. This is required reading, and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to those interested in film acting.
Ann Holt, Professor of Theater, Carnegie Mellon University
I have had the immense pleasure of working with Peter in the classroom and I can confidently say that this book captures his brilliance. It is a no-nonsense, rock ‘n roll ride through the actor's work in the art and business of film, and a fantastic companion handbook for any actor.
Cindy Christensen, Founder and Director of Neighborhood Playhouse (North)
I don’t particularly like the phrase, but I have to say that Peter’s book is eminently readable. He gives it to the burgeoning actor like it is, with no holds barred, and he does it with friendly, amusing, and incredibly accessible language. Found myself laughing again and again, and taking notes. As someone who’s working in both publishing and Hollywood, I know how difficult it is for artists, authors, entertainers, and actors to build their brand, stick to it, and make it successful. But Peter gives his readers a step-by-step guide to doing so, and actually makes it sound … reasonable. I’m insisting that all my authors buy and read this book! -- Carrie White-Parrish, Publisher/Editorial Director, Glass House Press
Peter Skagen's manuscript is a winner on so many levels, and should be required reading for any student of acting. While the title implies the craft of film acting, many of the lessons are of universal importance, whether acting for film, stage, or promoting a stand-up act. If you cannot actually take class with this man, buy this book.
Dr. Reid Spencer, Mount Royal University
I must say that I am INSANELY jealous because Peter has successfully done what I had fantasized about doing...writing a useful, informative book on film acting. It’s brilliant.
Larry Reese
Head of Acting, R D C Motion Picture Arts Program
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.
Denise Berndt, Independent Reviews
Packed with anecdotes, insider tips and quotes, How to Succeed in Hollywood is a must-read for aspiring actors. Describing it as ‘the easiest job in the world’, he then continues to show how acting requires absolute commitment and dedication - but surprisingly, the one thing you must never do is ‘act’. Peter Skagen draws widely on his personal experience of the profession, and explains, ‘Hollywood doesn’t really want actors. It wants the guy from the story to walk in the door, being the guy, saying what the guy says, doing what the guy does, willing and able to do it for the camera.’ I was fascinated by the ‘behind the scenes’ secrets. A day’s television shooting can include as many as forty set-ups, at an average of half an hour a time, so it can be a long hard day for everyone concerned. The book also recognises the huge team, always there to support actors in every way from the writers coming up with great lines to specialists in everything from props to lighting and make-up. Even if you never dreamed of becoming an actor, this great book will help you understand those who do. I’ll leave the last word to Peter: 'You wanted to be an actor. Welcome to the show!'
Tony Riches -- Movie Blogger
This book is a must have tool for those aspiring to be, as the book calls it, a BFS (Big Fat Star). This book effectively informs the reader of the ins and outs of becoming a screen actor. As a current drama student at Chico State University, I have heard very similar things to the topics covered in the book from a seasoned professional. Even if you have the slightest inkling to become a screen actor it is imperative to know the business before deciding if its right for you. The book mentions multiple times that you need to "keep this book under your pillow" at all times as one of your many sources of knowledge. I wholeheartedly agree with this statement and I hope this book is sold in stores everywhere so I might be able to pick up my own copy to keep under my pillow! It is the perfect mentor that you can carry around anywhere you go! I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who wants to effectively join the whirlwind of show biz.
Hailly Detterich -- Actor
You must read this book. There are many reference books out there on so many aspects of acting, but this is unique in how it tells you about the "secret etiquette rules" of the movie industry. It lets you know about the blunt realities of the business, without being needlessly cruel. In fact, I found it riveting! I have taken numerous notes and have plans for how to move forward in the business of my acting career. As a theatre performer moving into on-camera work, I found this book to be enormously helpful as the two media and businesses are simply different. After reading Peter Skagen's clear and concise book, I have a clear sense of what technique I need to work on and what I bring to the table. I now feel confident and prepared for on-camera work and to build this aspect of my career.
Siobhan Richardson, Actor
Fabulous, honest, relatable, real, fun, inspiring, useful, SO informative, love the antecdotes/first-hand accounts, cheeky, conversational/easy to read and comprehend, visual, very funny, step-by-step-all-encompassing how-to, entertaining, great behind-the-scenes practical knowledge/tidbits, so funny, brilliant, sassy, commanding, encouraging, creative, empowering. You covered it from soup to nuts as they say. There are thousands of bright-eyed wannabes all over the world who would benefit tenfold from reading this book. Everything they need to know is all there - right at their fingertips.
Kim Clackson, Actor
Indispensable advice for the screen actor with great insight for writers and those interested in a behind-the-scenes look at the film industry. Skagen's frank, no BS, approach keeps the pages turing and makes it a fun, fast-paced read about the realities of show business.
Diane Belchase, Independent Review
Maayan Schneider, Actor NYC
If you want to work in the movies as an actor, get a copy of this book right now! Even if you are just curious about how things work in the industry, you should read this book! You can avoid a lot of missteps and be ready when opportunity knocks using the information author Peter Skagen has shared. Skagen, 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, full of personal anecdotes and stories about well-known actors with some great quotes thrown in. I have worked in live theater all my life and had no idea how different working in film was. This is required reading, and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to those interested in film acting.
Ann Holt, Professor of Theater, Carnegie Mellon University
I have had the immense pleasure of working with Peter in the classroom and I can confidently say that this book captures his brilliance. It is a no-nonsense, rock ‘n roll ride through the actor's work in the art and business of film, and a fantastic companion handbook for any actor.
Cindy Christensen, Founder and Director of Neighborhood Playhouse (North)
I don’t particularly like the phrase, but I have to say that Peter’s book is eminently readable. He gives it to the burgeoning actor like it is, with no holds barred, and he does it with friendly, amusing, and incredibly accessible language. Found myself laughing again and again, and taking notes. As someone who’s working in both publishing and Hollywood, I know how difficult it is for artists, authors, entertainers, and actors to build their brand, stick to it, and make it successful. But Peter gives his readers a step-by-step guide to doing so, and actually makes it sound … reasonable. I’m insisting that all my authors buy and read this book! -- Carrie White-Parrish, Publisher/Editorial Director, Glass House Press
Peter Skagen's manuscript is a winner on so many levels, and should be required reading for any student of acting. While the title implies the craft of film acting, many of the lessons are of universal importance, whether acting for film, stage, or promoting a stand-up act. If you cannot actually take class with this man, buy this book.
Dr. Reid Spencer, Mount Royal University
I must say that I am INSANELY jealous because Peter has successfully done what I had fantasized about doing...writing a useful, informative book on film acting. It’s brilliant.
Larry Reese
Head of Acting, R D C Motion Picture Arts Program
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.
Denise Berndt, Independent Reviews
Packed with anecdotes, insider tips and quotes, How to Succeed in Hollywood is a must-read for aspiring actors. Describing it as ‘the easiest job in the world’, he then continues to show how acting requires absolute commitment and dedication - but surprisingly, the one thing you must never do is ‘act’. Peter Skagen draws widely on his personal experience of the profession, and explains, ‘Hollywood doesn’t really want actors. It wants the guy from the story to walk in the door, being the guy, saying what the guy says, doing what the guy does, willing and able to do it for the camera.’ I was fascinated by the ‘behind the scenes’ secrets. A day’s television shooting can include as many as forty set-ups, at an average of half an hour a time, so it can be a long hard day for everyone concerned. The book also recognises the huge team, always there to support actors in every way from the writers coming up with great lines to specialists in everything from props to lighting and make-up. Even if you never dreamed of becoming an actor, this great book will help you understand those who do. I’ll leave the last word to Peter: 'You wanted to be an actor. Welcome to the show!'
Tony Riches -- Movie Blogger
This book is a must have tool for those aspiring to be, as the book calls it, a BFS (Big Fat Star). This book effectively informs the reader of the ins and outs of becoming a screen actor. As a current drama student at Chico State University, I have heard very similar things to the topics covered in the book from a seasoned professional. Even if you have the slightest inkling to become a screen actor it is imperative to know the business before deciding if its right for you. The book mentions multiple times that you need to "keep this book under your pillow" at all times as one of your many sources of knowledge. I wholeheartedly agree with this statement and I hope this book is sold in stores everywhere so I might be able to pick up my own copy to keep under my pillow! It is the perfect mentor that you can carry around anywhere you go! I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who wants to effectively join the whirlwind of show biz.
Hailly Detterich -- Actor
You must read this book. There are many reference books out there on so many aspects of acting, but this is unique in how it tells you about the "secret etiquette rules" of the movie industry. It lets you know about the blunt realities of the business, without being needlessly cruel. In fact, I found it riveting! I have taken numerous notes and have plans for how to move forward in the business of my acting career. As a theatre performer moving into on-camera work, I found this book to be enormously helpful as the two media and businesses are simply different. After reading Peter Skagen's clear and concise book, I have a clear sense of what technique I need to work on and what I bring to the table. I now feel confident and prepared for on-camera work and to build this aspect of my career.
Siobhan Richardson, Actor
Fabulous, honest, relatable, real, fun, inspiring, useful, SO informative, love the antecdotes/first-hand accounts, cheeky, conversational/easy to read and comprehend, visual, very funny, step-by-step-all-encompassing how-to, entertaining, great behind-the-scenes practical knowledge/tidbits, so funny, brilliant, sassy, commanding, encouraging, creative, empowering. You covered it from soup to nuts as they say. There are thousands of bright-eyed wannabes all over the world who would benefit tenfold from reading this book. Everything they need to know is all there - right at their fingertips.
Kim Clackson, Actor
Indispensable advice for the screen actor with great insight for writers and those interested in a behind-the-scenes look at the film industry. Skagen's frank, no BS, approach keeps the pages turing and makes it a fun, fast-paced read about the realities of show business.
Diane Belchase, Independent Review
