Acting for the Camera: Revised Edition

Tony Barr has done an excellent job with this book. The acting exercises in the last chapter alone make the book worth the purchase. I have it in both hard copy and kindle form, in different editions; this edition is my favorite, mostly because of the arrangement. The first quarter of the book offers a very useful overview of listening and responding in the moment, with your whole self. Although I've learned most of this before in various acting classes it serves as a very good review; at the same time he is thorough and it could easily serve as an introduction. The next section entitled "Tools" blew my mind, a great in depth look at a few great techniques. The "rhythm and change" section gives you an incredibly insightful and useful tool, although he warns it is to be used sparingly. The chapter on "cold reading and auditions" changed the way I thought about auditioning... slightly. Then about halfway through the book he takes the time to outline the way filming is done on a professional set, how a director goes through their process, how a cinematographer sets up a shot, how to check in on set for the first time, what your employers expect from you in terms of professionalism and consistency. I won't bore you by continuing to summarize the book; know that this book is in large part a learning experience and at the same time it is an equally large reality check, the latter chapters attempt to prepare you for what you are up against when auditioning for, preparing for and performing a role, getting an agent/manager and a lot more.

This great book helps trainee actors to get to grips with working behind or in front of a camera. It takes though each and every step that you would need to have the confidence to act in front of a camera.I would suggest all trainee actors and professional actors to get this great and thought out book and learn each step that you would need to become a great actor yourself.

I obtained this book to read while taking an "Audition For Camera" class at my acting school. I'm a relative novice, but had read some books on general acting before, such as Uta Hagen's "A Challenge For The Actor," and really wanted a book that talked about specific aspects of acting in front of a camera.This book, Tony Barr's "Acting For The Camera," is a little different from what I was initially hoping it would be, in that it basically is a book about general acting, with more than the entire first half of the book devoted to that. I remember often thinking "when are we going to get to the part about camera work?"Mr. Barr's general thoughts on acting are actually quite good, though, which encouraged me to read through the whole of the first section, and I would say that there are many excellent insights there. It's also a relatively quick read, as opposed to Uta Hagen's book, for example, and many things are presented in ways I hadn't read in other books before.When I finally got to the "camera" section of the book, I sort of realized that the reason he probably spent so much time with the "general acting" stuff is because ... well, the most important part of "acting for the camera" is the ACTING, not the CAMERA! Of course there are many specifics that he addresses, but all the specifics and terminology etc. aren't going to help you if you can't act.Plus, the section on "exercises" at the end of the book was helpful to read, even though I haven't tried any of them myself yet ... they seem like well-thought out exercises to improve ones' camera work.The groundwork and advice on acting that he gives, though, is excellent all-around and seems appropriate to apply to ANY type of acting, not just camera acting.So, all in all, I'd say that the book would more accurately be titled "ACTING, with a special section on Acting For The Camera!" That isn't quite as marketable though, I suppose!!

This book along with Michael Caine's Film Acting book are 2 of my favorites. Being on set and in productions, I find these texts offer a great read. I carry them to set as well as audition.Both professionals and amateurs alike can benefit from the advice inside these pages.As a reminder of Film business protocal, it's a great reference. As a guide for the beginners, it's a life saver.Best of luck and "Break a leg".

Me llegó justo a tiempo!

This book is exceptional. I've worked on stage and on film. The first time I saw myself on film, I realize I was still trying to reach the back row of the theater. The trasition to film is described so effortlessly through out this book that It has helped me revisit my own experiences. The stories, the insights and experiences roll off the page. I keep it in my back pack to refer to. To keep it fresh.

I did not read the books. They are for a birthday gift to a ten year old starting actor.I believe they are way over his head and he will have to "grow" into them.My ratings were based on the fact that I was under the impression by the titleit was for really "young" actors.. The Acting for the camera was an extra book for him.I'm not into stage or TV acting so I can not give you an opinion of the books themselves.I received them in an appropriate time.

really helpful advice for actors