Robert Cohen writes a guide book for inspirational people looking to turn pro. In this book he states the reality of the acting business and the blunt truth. No lies, no beating around the bush. Robert Cohen just comes right out and says it all. He does not write about it to put you down or to ruin your dreams but only to make you open your eyes and to really see if this is what you really want. He also gives plenty of advice for acting. I want to share a little about his book with you.
Getting into the acting business is real tough. Most likely the toughest profession to get into. Robert Cohen does not consider the acting business to be a profession but instead a club. He calls it a club because only a handful get the chance to make it in. It is a very slim chance for anyone to get into the acting business. It's a cold hearted "club". Actors get paid thousands/millions just for starring in a film and millions more for starring in Academy Award winning films. It's a lot of money to live of off, but the people who get paid big time money are big time people. Big time movie stars. Superstars to be exact. As a beginner you won't be making that kind of money any time soon. Your basically at the bottom of the food chain and you will stay there until you get this gig or cast that will help you make a name for yourself. Not even just getting a name for yourself is enough. You could get into the business but who knows for how long. Your position isn't stable it's always up and down-in and out.You got to be everything they're looking for. Robert Cohen says " The number of people who actually become self-supporting through acting alone is probably no larger than the number who win the lottery or a seat in the U.S. Senate. Acting is one big competition and you do have chance at it as much as everyone else.
If your going to be try and be in this "club" then you got to know how to take criticism and how to handle rejection and stress. You also need to know how to pick yourself up. Nobody out their is going to be able to hold your hand anymore and show you the way. No body's going to be their to tap you on the back and say good job at your audition and keep up the good work. There won't be anyone to help you point out what your doing wrong and what you need to fix or work on. Your going to be all alone in this business. You got to know how to make it on your own.
You have to be passionate about this career and you have to really want it. You have to be willing to make sacrifices. Shockingly Robert Cohen says "wanting success isn't enough, studying for it isn't enough, and no amount of dedication or commitment will, on it's own, get you into the casting office"."No. you're going to have to work harder than you ever have on your acting, and to work even harder on learning how to present yourself-and represent yourself-in the job market". Hello. Are you awake yet. I hope you have opened your eyes wide and started to pay attention because this guy's serious. Well that was a short summery in the book on chapter one-The Way It Is. If you are really serious about acting then i suggest you buy this book and read it before you find out the hard way.
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