Self-Management for Actors: Getting Down to (Show) Business

by Bonnie Gillespie

No other book for actors focuses so succinctly on the business of self-management. Whether an actor has an agent or manager on his or her team, or is going it alone, this is a roadmap for surviving -- and thriving -- in the entertainment industry. This book offers a simple, self-management concept that allows an actor to handle the business of his or her acting career without losing the ability to be a creative artist, and is filled with real-world examples from working actors and behind-the-desk advice from casting directors. Includes advice about: * color headshots * online casting * online resource section * essays by successful actors

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Business

326 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2003

Reviews

[Caity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for actors of all levels in the industry. It changed how I viewed being type cast and has helped me in so many ways, not only to be more efficient with my time and marketing, but to also know things such as the proper way to do a current resume and cover letter, tricks to stand out, and it also taught me the different levels in billing titles (featured vs principal, etc) and why you must know that. Learning the tiers of the business side helps me with focusing and setting goals, and I feel like people who are already booking could learn from this too because it's directed at professionals of all tiers of success. If you are a control freak like me and hate the idea of sitting around playing the numbers game in show biz, trying to get noticed but working against the odds, it's the book for you. I feel in control and productive now, instead of self submitting and crossing my fingers.

[Lenka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful book that has taught me so much about the showbusiness in the USA and I keep recommending it to all actors I meet (no matter the country they work and live in). It's one of those books you place bookmarks and post-it notes in and keep coming back to it as you progress in your career, because it always teaches you something. I believe actors at any level of their career can find helpful information, tips and tools in this book.

I can't wait to read the new edition - http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/sel...

[Kristin Vannieuwenhoven · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible. There really aren't a whole lot of books that discuss the business side of acting. This book tells you everything you need to know. It really gives tangible career advice that you can put into action immediately. It gives you the ability to control your career, and provides a great ninja philosophy. I'm so glad I found this book and this community!

[Liquidlasagna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This brilliant book, Self Management for Actors, will give you a roadmap to the business side of acting. It covers everything from knowing your casting type to networking to producing your own work. This is essential reading for any actors who feel unsure about navigating the industry.

Why choose this book? It’s a well-rounded, thorough guide to everything business for actors.

FilmD, London

[Aisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource for any Actor who is serious about their brand and buisness

Bonnie does an incredible job of breaking down all that you need to know about the business of acting, and makes it so easy to digest. Plus she offers so many valuable tools online. This book is a must read.

[Mark Dispenza · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Roadmap to a Successful Career

Straightforward, relevant and insightful advice borne of experience about making it as a creative in a tough, uncompromising and chaotic business.

[Zoe Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a MUST READ for anyone considering a career in show business!

I cannot believe I am now only reading this incredible book. Gillespie demystifies an area that has been very confusing, arbitrary, and opinionated. I feel far more confident about my career now!

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I flipped through some chapters that didn't apply to me or lessons I've already learned, but the chapters that did apply were endlessly valuable and changed my career by also changing my perspective.

[Nicole Fairbairn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Every actor should read this one.

[Edgar · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was given to me as a gift. It has very useful information and ideas to help you in your business as an actor.

[Kate Lingoni · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hands down the best book I've read for actors looking to get started, as well as those who are already working. 💪
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🎬 Bonnie covers everything you could want to know about the industry, including major and minor markets, tangibles (headshots, resumes, cover letters, etc), branding, business plans, money management, industry relationships and even how to take care of yo damn self (read: self-care for your sensitive actor-brain). It's full of good-to-know tips and good-to-ask questions that I would never have thought of, and I especially wish that I had read it before getting my first "real" paid headshots and applying to agencies. I've learned so much that I'm ready to go back and do it all over again!

[Shantal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book to have in your career arsenal. I love the way Bonnie talks to you like a friend who cares about you but also wont take your crap. Thanks Bonnie for this book and i highly recommend this book.

[Aidan Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I was incredibly excited to start this book, the feeing subsided after the first half. While this must be helpful to the struggling LA screen actor, it was unfriendly to the NYC actor. The book is dated and the market has changed since publishing.

[Ally A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must Read For Actors!!

I really had to take my time with this book, reading and rereading, savoring every word. There is so much valuable information in here. I’m telling you, trust the reviews, this book is POTENT!!

[Derek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m only like 60% through but this seems like the kind of book I’ll return to when I need it. Very insightful and helps me explore whether acting professionally is something I’m actually interested in or not.

[Панде Најдовски · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's good

[Tim Barney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for actors everywhere.

[Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly based for actors in LA, but still very helpful

[Giovanni]

its really a good book

[David Mosca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bonnie lays down everything you need to know about acting. As someone who is very interested in pursuing a career in acting, it was definitely well worth the read

[Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learned a lot, will use as a resource for sure!

[Brenden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably out of date for some things, but the basics are solid

[Genevieve Levin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't want to be unfair to this book. If I'd read it five years ago, when I first arrived in LA, I think it would have been tremendously useful! If you are relatively new to the business, I would certainly recommend it. Where I am now, there wasn't much in this book that I haven't already come across on my own or learned about from other sources. (Dallas Travers's The Tao of Show Business - read it!)

I do definitely recommend checking out Bonnie's blog; the archives are ludicrously huge and packed to the gills with good career advice on many topics. So I certainly don't regret having bought this book, if only as a small repayment for the help she has offered me in other places! Now to find someone who's just stepped off the bus and pass this volume along to them...

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! For me, I don't see this as a cover-to-cover read, although the first several chapters should probably be read in order. After a certain point, though, I feel the rest of the material is best absorbed on an as-needed basis, and that's how I treated it after reading the first third or so. Because of that, I admittedly didn't finish reading the entire book, but I did go through all the chapters that I felt were relevant to me at this time, and I plan on reviewing the rest when the time is right. Overall, this is a great resource, one to which I'll be referring for quite a while.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a must-read for any aspiring actor in any market (though it is certainly tailored to the big move to LA). New actors, disenchanted actors, actors that feel a bit "stuck" in their career-- this is a wonderfully written, honest, and approachable collection of advice to get you in charge of your own career. Plus, Bonnie is infinitely kind and authentic, and her "ninja" community is definitely one you want to be a part of.

[Zach · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bonnie is easily one of the nicest people in the business. She works non-stop, and encourages others to do the same. She really seems to have everyone's best interest at heart, and gives you the tools to push forward in your career with virtually no fear.

[Krystelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource for newer actors or people who need to some hints on how to market themselves and manage their own careers as an actor.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

All actors should read.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very helpful!

[Oscar Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must own for actors working in the industry TODAY. Being an actor is like running a business and Bonnie shows you how to run it.