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Instincts of a Talent Agent: Entrepreneurial Takeaways from an Industry Insider
"This is a bold and outrageously frank book from a super-agent on how to conquer the entertainment industry using an entrepreneur's specific skill set. The author shares deeply personal experiences from the trenches with names like Lauren Bacall, Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Christopher Reeve, Quentin Tarantino, Whoopi Goldberg, J.J. Abrams, Dr. Phil, and others, what he learned, and how to apply those principles. There are cautionary tales and hilarious moments, all of which contribute to a book that tells it like it is, for those who are truly serious about a career in entertainment. Highlights include: Tips for breaking into the business and immediately making your mark; How to claim and cultivate your own niche; Establishing and building your brand; Navigating cutthroat players and other survival and growth strategies; How to make social media a powerful and efficient creative tool. Includes practical take-aways at the end of each chapter and a comprehensive Reader's Guide"
128 pages, Hardcover
Published March 15, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 5, 2022
Instincts of a Talent Agent is an entrepreneur’s guide to a successful career in entertainment. Whether it be a career in music, film, or behind the scenes, Marc Guss offers advice along with personal stories from his own experience.
Instincts of a Talent Agent was a quick and easy read that offered very straight forward advice for those who are looking to work in the entertainment industry. I’ve always been intrigued by the business and it was wonderful reading about Guss’ personal experiences. I enjoyed the take away section at the end of each chapter which summarized key points. I also appreciated the “put it all into practice” section of the book. It’s a chapter by chapter guide that offers a brief summary of things to remember.
The most important take away from this book is to stay true to who you are. Guss emphasizes the importance of never sacrificing your authenticity, and I think that’s a beautiful message. If you are interested in working in the business or are curious like me, I highly recommend this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Cypress House for a copy of this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Instincts of a Talent Agent was a quick and easy read that offered very straight forward advice for those who are looking to work in the entertainment industry. I’ve always been intrigued by the business and it was wonderful reading about Guss’ personal experiences. I enjoyed the take away section at the end of each chapter which summarized key points. I also appreciated the “put it all into practice” section of the book. It’s a chapter by chapter guide that offers a brief summary of things to remember.
The most important take away from this book is to stay true to who you are. Guss emphasizes the importance of never sacrificing your authenticity, and I think that’s a beautiful message. If you are interested in working in the business or are curious like me, I highly recommend this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Cypress House for a copy of this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 1, 2023
Wow. This book. Where was this book when I first embarked on my journey into the entertainment business?? Marc speaks so many essential truths in this book - ones that I had to learn the long and hard way.
First of all - Marc did a fabulous job narrating his book. I loved hearing his story through his own voice, and highly recommend the audiobook experience. I found myself wanting to highlight and revisit sections of the book, so I bought the hardcover edition as well!
Early in the book, he mentions the all-too-familiar calling to the entertainment business. This is something I felt deep in my soul early on... but knowing exactly how to go after it (while balancing this thing called life) is the big question for everyone. Lucky for Marc, he was able to witness the spirit of entrepreneurship early on from his mother. Being an entrepreneur is the core of pursuing a career in entertainment, and Marc makes that a major principle of his book.
Though I had the ambition, work-ethic, and tenacity required from the beginning, I had to stumble my way into figuring out what entrepreneurship meant to create my own opportunities in this cut-throat business. It's something I wish I would have figured out earlier. I’ve spent my life training for a career in acting, and, while I took several “business of acting” classes, they mostly focused on headshots, resumes, etc…. I don’t think entrepreneurship was ever really the focus. I love that Marc honed in on this principle from the start.
Like Marc, I started out in the pursuit of a career film and television, but found my home in Voice-Over. But I think this book is relevant and valuable for anyone pursuing a career in the entertainment business, whether you’re an agent, talent, producer, or any other piece of the puzzle.
So many points are spot on. Here are some of my favorite takeaways from “Instincts of a Talent Agent:”
- Never sacrifice who you are (know your values, priorities, and boundaries, and stick to them, or you’ll lose yourself in this business)
- We all screw up, but your reactions and attitude means everything
- Persistence is key
- Listen to your gut (I’ve made my biggest mistakes in this industry by ignoring my gut feeling. This is HUGE.)
- Be a human being, not a human doing
- Have a great attitude and gratitude, keep your ego in check, don’t take things personally, be authentic, and have integrity
- Never make excuses. Be accountable. Show up. Do the work.
- Know when to let go (Oof - this one hit hard for me. I spent YEARS working on producing films in a toxic environment… I should have let go sooner)
- KNOW YOURSELF. Choose a partner who complements and enriches you
- Find balance
I am incredibly grateful to Marc for graciously detailing some of his mistakes and pitfalls in his journey and all the valuable lessons he learned. These humbling mishaps happen to everyone, and it's encouraging to hear the stories from successful entrepreneurs like Marc who learned from his mistakes and KEPT GOING, found balance, and maintained a great attitude. That’s something we should all aspire to.
I feel that this is a manual for success in entertainment. Not a formula or how-to, but an approach to a healthy and sustainable life and career, which I think is the most valuable thing of all. I plan to keep it in my recording booth and refer back to it often.
First of all - Marc did a fabulous job narrating his book. I loved hearing his story through his own voice, and highly recommend the audiobook experience. I found myself wanting to highlight and revisit sections of the book, so I bought the hardcover edition as well!
Early in the book, he mentions the all-too-familiar calling to the entertainment business. This is something I felt deep in my soul early on... but knowing exactly how to go after it (while balancing this thing called life) is the big question for everyone. Lucky for Marc, he was able to witness the spirit of entrepreneurship early on from his mother. Being an entrepreneur is the core of pursuing a career in entertainment, and Marc makes that a major principle of his book.
Though I had the ambition, work-ethic, and tenacity required from the beginning, I had to stumble my way into figuring out what entrepreneurship meant to create my own opportunities in this cut-throat business. It's something I wish I would have figured out earlier. I’ve spent my life training for a career in acting, and, while I took several “business of acting” classes, they mostly focused on headshots, resumes, etc…. I don’t think entrepreneurship was ever really the focus. I love that Marc honed in on this principle from the start.
Like Marc, I started out in the pursuit of a career film and television, but found my home in Voice-Over. But I think this book is relevant and valuable for anyone pursuing a career in the entertainment business, whether you’re an agent, talent, producer, or any other piece of the puzzle.
So many points are spot on. Here are some of my favorite takeaways from “Instincts of a Talent Agent:”
- Never sacrifice who you are (know your values, priorities, and boundaries, and stick to them, or you’ll lose yourself in this business)
- We all screw up, but your reactions and attitude means everything
- Persistence is key
- Listen to your gut (I’ve made my biggest mistakes in this industry by ignoring my gut feeling. This is HUGE.)
- Be a human being, not a human doing
- Have a great attitude and gratitude, keep your ego in check, don’t take things personally, be authentic, and have integrity
- Never make excuses. Be accountable. Show up. Do the work.
- Know when to let go (Oof - this one hit hard for me. I spent YEARS working on producing films in a toxic environment… I should have let go sooner)
- KNOW YOURSELF. Choose a partner who complements and enriches you
- Find balance
I am incredibly grateful to Marc for graciously detailing some of his mistakes and pitfalls in his journey and all the valuable lessons he learned. These humbling mishaps happen to everyone, and it's encouraging to hear the stories from successful entrepreneurs like Marc who learned from his mistakes and KEPT GOING, found balance, and maintained a great attitude. That’s something we should all aspire to.
I feel that this is a manual for success in entertainment. Not a formula or how-to, but an approach to a healthy and sustainable life and career, which I think is the most valuable thing of all. I plan to keep it in my recording booth and refer back to it often.
Read
January 5, 2023Christmas present from my mom after I got my job in ⭐️show business⭐️. Good read
June 6, 2022
This book is for all entrepreneurs, not just talent agents. There were principles that you can apply to all areas of business. There are examples of mistakes and lessons from Marc's experience as a talent agent. So many great takeaways that will equip you with the tools you need to succeed in business.
July 7, 2022
The title says it all. And the key is this is advice for all entrepreneurs. Buy it, take it home, mark it up, then go examine yourself critically and map out a plan for making your mark--"stop, think, envision, and act." This is a quick and engaging read. Marc has a talent for sharing life lessons without talking down. Highly recommend.
November 27, 2023
Cool book. Fast listen.
July 26, 2024
I wish I read this in college as part of my music business degree. It's a light read but full of advice and real stories that inspire me to take the next steps of my entertainment industry career.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews