About the Book:
Nothing is more frustrating than talent unrealized, and every
actor struggles with bitterness when they aren't working to their
full potential. One Less Bitter Actor offers sage, pragmatic,
anxiety-calming advice on how to succeed in acting from one who has.
Markus Flanagan offers encouraging, highly useful pointers on
such vital matters as:
• How do you combat getting typed?
• Understanding the people you are auditioning for
• Bad habits to avoid in the audition waiting room
• The two deadliest questions you may be asked before starting
your reading
• What are they looking for in the call back?
• Dealing positively with rejection
• Finding the spirit to go on
One Less Bitter Actor is an invaluable reference for anyone who is a working actor, or
wants to be. Learn how to make it in the day-to-day business of
acting and stay sane and focused while attempting to merge art and
commerce. This book covers everything the author wishes someone had
told him about how casting decisions are made, what rejection really
means, how to behave on a set, the two factors the business is built
on, and much more.
What people say:
"Markus Flanagan's
One Less Bitter Actor
is one of the most clear and honest books about show business. It
will guide you through not only the steps that it takes but also the
mind set that you must have to build and sustain a long, successful
acting career." — Ellie Kanner, casting
director for Friends, Dawsons Creek, Sex and The
City, and director of Crazylove
"Filled
with practical nuts-and-bolts information, this is a terrific book
for any man or woman brave enough to take the plunge into show
business. It's also a terrific book for anyone who wants to know what
it truly means to be an actor. Markus
Flanagan
puts it all down with clarity, empathy and humor."
— Buzz Bissinger,
Pulitzer Prize winner, author of Friday
Night Lights, and former co-producer,
NYPD Blue
"Markus Flanagan
has pulled back the curtain on the process, changing the equation for
actors breaking into the business. His insights are keen and his
wisdom inspirational." — Karen Kehela Sherwood,
Co-Chairman, Imagine Films (The DaVinci Code, Cinderella
Man, A Beautiful Mind)
"One Less Bitter Actor
puts down in writing every good habit every actor should have. I have
seen bitterness sour the best of them. It might also be titled One
Much Better Actor because if you take this book to heart you're sure
to put your best work out." — Denise Chamian,
casting director for Saving Private Ryan, Pirates of the
Caribbean 2 & 3, and Big Fish
About the Author:
Markus Flanagan is an
American actor who studied with Sanford Meisner in the last class he
taught at the Neighborhood Playhouse Acting School in New York City.
He has never needed to hold a day job throughout his 20-year acting
career. Right out of acting school he starred in Biloxi Blues
alongside Matthew Broderick. His first TV pilot audition landed him a
series with George Clooney. So far he's starred in 3 prime-time
series, made 50 guest TV show appearances, and acted in 10 feature
films, 5 stage plays and 5 movies of the week. He lives and teaches
acting in Los Angeles.