"For
the first time I feel like I have a tool (besides prayer) to combat the
fear, and depression that rejection sometimes brings." Cherie P- PhiladelphiaOne Less Bitter Actor shares the advice of a well traveled friend who has found a way to reconcile art and commerce without losing a love of the craft. This new book takes a mentor's approach to helping actors address all the unforseen issues that only come from living the actor's life.
"First , let me dispel a few myths. 'Auditions are about finding the best actor for the job.' Get that out of your head..."- chapter 1, The Beginning
Good Morning Colorado-int. w/ Markus Flanagan from Markus Flanagan on Vimeo.
"I have read a few books on the subject of acting and your book is the only one I needed. It is so truthful and "Down to Earth". I think I will carry it with me everywhere I go and try to keep everything in my head during auditions."--Gail G
It is my hope that a new breed of fearless and bitter-free artists improve the level of artistry we see. Those who through having a handle on how to navigate the fickle world of "the biz", separate themselves from the long standing negative paradigm and allow their real creative self to emerge.
"Your conduct with anyone on the crew will be passed along to anyone and everyone from the caterer to the casting dept."- chapter 9- You've booked a job!
The Pat McMahon show w/ Markus Flanagan from Markus Flanagan on Vimeo.
"We drive ourselves nuts trying to apply normal logic to a business that doesn't follow any such straight line of reasoning."- chapter 1, The Beginning
This book is everything I wish I knew when I became an actor, and when I got my first job, my first series, my first movie, my third agent, etc. If I had a better mental picture, a better perspective on what those things really meant, I'm positive I would have done better work, enjoyed my time, and been more fulfilled by every part of the process.
"Thanks for the great, superbly-written, and badly needed book."- Dan T. NYC
"There is a popular movement among today's big stars to portray themselves as unwitting benefactors of the world's lust for their participation on screen. There are no reluctant stars, only ones who pretend to be."-chapter 3, Hype
Every actor is looking for the magic formula that will make their success happen faster. Bad advice is everywhere. This book dispells the annoying myths and answers the odd, nagging, intangible questions that only come up when you're in the pursuit of making a living as an actor. The things that make you lose your mind with uncertainty.
" ..it always looks like success is easier for everyone else..."- chapter 9, Advice
There is no shortage of people telling you "Hey kid, it's a tough business!", right? I find they don't always tell us why. I find the people of this business are content to leave actors in a state of constant insecurity by leaving out the part of the sentence that goes like this "Bad feedback from an audition is tough to hear, but here's the truth about feedback..." How many times have you heard a simple; "Let me help you with this..." ?
"...dealing with "rejection" is about the near impossible task of learning how to not take personally the rejection of your person. Unless you consider that's not what they're rejecting at all..."- chapter 1, The Beginning
So we look for help in books, but most acting books are written by non-actors. They are written by people who work in the business and witness what we do, but never actually stand in our shoes. It seems actors are so competitive that they really don't want to share any information that might make your rise to the top happen faster than theirs.
"What do you control in an Audition?' You can control only three things..."- chapter 8, Auditioning
I seek to undo that selfishness and talk artist to artist with the reader in a fashion that says "Please learn from my mistakes and experience." The goal of "One Less Bitter Actor" is to deepen your understanding of "the biz " so the biz doesn't overwhelm you. How much energy do we waste on just trying to figure out where we belong and what to do when we get there? How much anguish do we put ourselves through guessing "what they want?" Wouldn't it be nice to feel like you knew what your job was and what we could be expected from everyone else in the audition (Or on the set, or in an agent meeting)?
"Here is something you don't know; casting directors need to impress the Director or Producer as much as you do. "- chapter 6, Casting Directors
By positively addressing all the intangibles an actor faces, this book offers actors a way to honestly guage their progress and know their value in any situation they encounter. Anyone can tell you to "go to class, get an agent, get an audition, get famous!" This book explains how to stay sane, and remain clear on what everything that comes your way means. It's NOT a "how to get rich quick!" guide, and it's not an auditioning tricks book. It's an encouraging answer to the many negative acting books that lay out just how impossible the journey is.
Buy the book here!
