Working Actor, David Dean Bottrell
Working Actor, David Dean Bottrell
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Working Actor
Breaking in, Making a Living, and Making a Life in the Fabulous Trenches of ShowBusiness

Author: David Dean Bottrell

Narrator: David Dean Bottrell

Unabridged: 7 hr 26 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 02/19/2019

Synopsis

Veteran character actor David Dean Bottrell draws on his 35+ tumultuous years of work in the entertainment industry to offer a guide to breaking in, making a living, and making a life in the fabulous trenches of show business. Covers every facet of the business, including: 

-        Capturing the perfect headshot
-        Starting (and maintaining) your network
-        Picking an agent
-        Audition do’s and don’ts
-        Joining the union(s): SAG-AFTRA and Actors Equity Association (AEA)
-        On stage vs on screen
-        Paying the bills
-        Self-promotion
-        Late bloomers
-        When to get out 

David Dean Bottrell has worn many different hats during his decades in showbiz: television actor with appearances on Boston Legal, Modern Family, The Blacklist, Mad Men, True Blood, NCIS, and Days of Our Lives; screenwriter for Paramount and Disney; respected acting teacher at UCLA and AADA; and regular expert columnist for esteemed acting site Backstage. In Working Actor, Bottrell offers a how-to manual jammed with practical information and insider advice, essential reading for any artist (aspiring or established) in need of insight or inspiration. Mixing prescriptive advice ("Getting Started," "Learning Your Craft," "Finding an Agent") with wisdom drawn from Bottrell's own professional highs and lows and those of his acting compatriots, this book's humorous, tell-it-like-it-is tone is a must-have guide for anyone hoping to successfully navigate show business.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Armand on March 18, 2019

I'm not an actor. I have no intention of being one. Why did I read this book? Because my nephew wants to become an actor and make a living at it. I know it's a one in a million shot for the kid, but after reading this book and then giving it to him, I know he has a better shot. The information is co......more

Goodreads review by Sparkie on February 21, 2021

I received this book as part of a giveaway. Actor/ Author David Dean Cottrell has written an entertaining guide to life in show business. Whether you're interested in a career as an actor or any other part of the entertainment industry this is a great read. Each chapter focuses on a different aspect......more

Goodreads review by Christine on May 13, 2019

This book is not only instructional; it's very entertaining. David Dean Bottrell knows his stuff and if you want to be a professional actor, you really need to get this book. I'm not pursuing a career in acting, but I enjoyed reading about David Dean Bottrell's journey. He's a terrific writer, as we......more

Goodreads review by Tl on March 02, 2019

This is a sorely needed book for all aspiring actors. it is not about craft or imagination or anchoring or emotional recall or any other of the acting tricks. It's about how to survive in today's market. The difference between New York and Los Angeles. How to network. When to walk. Remaining sane. P......more

Goodreads review by Steve on August 15, 2022

It's so good when talented artists also have the ability to teach and communicate about their creative pathway. The anonymous insights from the author's colleagues also added a lot of value to the book. Some things I noted: 1. In every scene ever written, somebody wants something and something goes w......more

Quotes

“Witty, candid and compact…A kind of start to finish-line approach to handling everything from auditions, agents, classes and networking to self-promotion, self-preservation and self-esteem.”  --The Los Angeles Times 

"Witty and honest . . . a must-read for anyone pursuing this crazy profession.” --Margo Martindale, three-time Emmy Award[-]winning actor of Justified, The Americans, and Bojack Horseman
 
"If you're looking for guidance, here it is. David is not some guru teaching something he hasn’t directly experienced himself. If you’re serious about learning about the reality of working in this business . . . read this book."--Brian Fagan, director of professional programs at the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television
“It’s like practical magic…a deeply personal, yet universal guided tour into the world of acting and the business of show.  Loaded with lessons for the beginner and reminders for 'the vet'" 
--L. Scott Caldwell, Series Regular on ABC's Lost, and Tony-Winner for August Wilson's Joe Turner's Come and Gone. 

“A witty and honest peek inside the world of show business, through the eyes of actor/comedian/storyteller, David Dean Botrell, as he recounts his three decades in the business. It’s a must read for anyone pursuing this crazy profession.” --Margo Martindale, Tony Nominee, 3-Time Emmy-Winner, Justified and The Americans

“David has assembled a wonderfully personal and universally useful aide for the challenge of thriving as a performing artist. ‘Working Actor’ is both a practical handbook and a good read.  Survival requires a sense of humor and Mr. Bottrell is a sage storyteller.  I’ll return to it from time to time I know to be reminded of how much I enjoyed those unpredictable years when I loved the craft but was dumbfounded by the business.  I could have used these priceless insights then.” --Stephen McKinley Henderson, Tony nominee, Obie-Winner, film credits include Fences, Manchester by the Sea and Lady Bird

“’Working Actor’ is a thorough guide about the ups and downs of the entertainment industry and a walk down the path of David Dean Bottrell’s journey through it.”--Pauley Perrette, “Abby” on CBS’ NCIS

“Oh, how I wish this book existed 40 years ago when I first dared even to imagine being an actor.
DDB has provided all aspiring actors exactly what they need: wisdom from experience, all of it bracingly true and clear-eyed, and leavened with much humor and wit. Reading this book is like having an older, very funny and wise friend who has already blazed the trail. You still have to find your own way, but at least now you have a map.” --Christian Clemenson, Emmy-winning actor, Boston Legal

“David’s in-depth personal experiences and bite-sized nuggets from friends who are also “making it” in “the business” are invaluable. If you wanna play with the big dogs, READ THIS BOOK!” --Cady Huffman, Tony-Winner, Mel Brook’s The Producers, Sheila on CBS’ Blue Bloods

“David Dean Bottrell’s book ‘Working Actor’ should be an essential guide for anyone even remotely considering a career as an actor.  He delivers loads of practical advice in a completely entertaining way.” --Dan Jinks, Oscar-Winning Film and TV Producer, American Beauty and Milk

“I wish I had this gem when I was starting out. David Dean's book is personal, funny, honest and required reading for the serious actor.” --Diarra Kilpatrick, Actor and Show Creator, 2017 Emmy nominee for American Koko


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