Book Review - So You Want to Be in Show Business
Title: So You Want to Be in Show Business
Author: Steve Stevens Sr. with John D. Cady
ISBN: 1-58182-453-X
My Advice: You’ve got to check this one out…
“I’ve always wanted to be an actor.”
How many times have we heard that in our lives? Of course, where I’m from, that sentence is usually followed by looks of consternation and dismay from whoever happened to hear it. And after that, it’s usually followed by advice for that person to stay in school and get good grades and to become a[n] [doctor/lawyer/nurse/auto mechanic/salesman].
This book makes the case that it doesn’t always have to be this way! Mr. Stevens has put together a book that is filled with the simple tasks and information that anyone can do to have a successful career in the entertainment business. Everything from getting an agent, auditioning, meeting with casting directors, getting headshots, and getting into and working with the unions.
His advice is well founded. Mr. Stevens has had a long career in The Business since he was thirteen. He’s been an actor, producer, casting director, and finally, an agent. He’s worked with pretty much every Hollywood “name” that you can think of and has “discovered” and represented a great deal of them along the way.
I must admit, I was skeptical about this book when I looked at the title. There are so many of these books on the shelf of your local bookstore that it seems that everyone has the knowledge of how to make it in this business. There’s only one little problem: If they know how to do it, why aren’t they out there doing it, right? Why do they need to write a book talking about it rather than actually doing it?
Mr. Stevens is the exception. He has done it! He provides information from pretty much every angle you can imagine. And he transitions from giving advice as an actor seemlessly into giving you advice as an agent. In fact, some of his best advice is on how to work with your agent once you get one. His advice is most worthy because he has experienced both sides of this relationship.
If you are just getting into the business and really want to know what type of work you will really be doing, you should pick this book up.