Acting for Film

by Cathy Haase

Book Overview

Aspiring film and television actors will discover exercises for relaxing the face to achieve maximum expressiveness; maintaining proper eye focus in front of the camera and conveying the "beats" of a scene, even in the shortest takes. They'll also learn tested techniques for adapting to the styles of different directors; modulating voice and breath for maximum effect; preparing for the first day on the set; enduring multiple takes and on-the-set waiting;...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1581152523
• ISBN13: 9781581152524
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: Allworth Press
• Length: 216 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Not only for actors

Though I am not an actor, I always admired the craft and wanted to know more about what an actor goes through. I also wanted to learn some of the skills actors use to create and project a persona so that I could use them in my business and personal life. Following some of the advice and techniques in this book awakened the thespian in me. I found application of the advice extrodinarily helpful when giving presentations, for example, and even in regular conversation. I especially enjoyed the practice of studying my environment, notepad in hand, and jotting notes on what I see, hear, smell, touch and taste. I am much more aware of my surroundings as a result. Auditioning is not only for actors. We all face a audition of some sort now and then. This book helped me have a greater chance of "getting the part".

Informative, thorough guide to Acting

This is one of the most comprehensive and thorough guides to Acting out there. It covers all the bases from inner voice, to auditions, to the making of a film and the performers role. By following the essentials in this guidebook, any aspiring craftsman in the performing arts will excel in their field. They will thoroughly understand how their body is the instrument of the performance and develop the skills to step into each characters skin. Highly recommended.

Practical Guide to Acting in Front of the Camera

"Acting for Film" is a very good book for actors who want to know how to act in front of the camera. It covers alot of practical knowledge such as the audition process, reading a script and creating your character. Also covered is what is expected during the film shoot both for big-budget and low-budget films. This book will teach you what acting in front of a camera is all about. A "must have" book for all aspiring film actors.

All the nitty-gritty details . . .

Acting is hard work, one of the most emotionally and mentally demanding professions in the world. This book clearly and honestly delves into all the nitty-gritty details of the actors process when acting in front of a camera (and the crew behind it). From the private moments of preparation, through collaborative efforts of production, and even the difficulties and pleasures of viewing the results, Cathy Hasse misses nothing in this informative and helpful guide. She clearly explains all of the hard "work" that goes into making acting look so easy and natural.As a filmmaker, I was really amazed at her presentation of the entire filmmaking process from the Actor's perspective. It was unique, accurate and illuminating.

NOW I'm Ready for my Close-Up!

I loved this book. There are certainly a lot of books out there that claim they can teach you what you want to know about everything under the sun, but try and find the good ones. Well, you've found one with Acting for Film. Not only does it supply you with the solution to pretty much any situation you'll come across, you get to travel along with the author on her journey of how she gathered this information, and the two of you will come out the other side of the journey longtime friends. Having myself been trained only in stage technique, I found this book incredibly helpful, as Ms. Haase's own experience embraces her own stage training into how it can work with film (or not). Developing new instincts for a new venue is rough. Many times, an author will tell you their own story, without allowing for the fact that each person's journey is subjective. Ms. Haase gracefully shares her knowledge with the reader without any condescension. Instead, you are gently held by the hand and walked around the minefields of the film profession to a safe conclusion of the trip.A great book. Everyone should have one!