ACTION!: Acting for Film and Television

Multiple-award-winning producer and leading teacher of acting Robert Benedetti offers a no-nonsense, detailed, and clearly structured approach to the fundamentals of acting for the camera. Here's what some of today's most recognizable actors are saying about ACTION! Acting for Film and Television: Benedetti's book tells you everything you need to know about film acting; how to prepare and how to perform in front of the camera. An invaluable book -- I wish it had been around when I first started -- no would-be film actor should be without it. --Joan Plowright After this book hits the shelves don't be surprised if the quality of American film acting takes a needed step forward. Benedetti has penned a true how-to guide for actors who want to shine onscreen. He has put into doable English what should actually happen in front of the camera. What great luck for those new to the medium, and experienced actors, grab this book and earn that money you're making! --Alfre Woodard In his new book, Robert Benedetti brings his experience as both an acting teacher and a film producer to the subject of screen acting. He clearly demonstrates the need to achieve the often challenging balance between respect for craft and the dictates of the visual media. For those seeking a road map to a successful screen performance, read and enjoy! --Don Cheadle 'Beny' was one of my acting teachers years ago and subsequently went on to become an award-winning TV/film producer. He excited my imagination then, and through his books, still does. --Ted Danson This is the first book I know that recognizes the difference between acting for the stage and acting for film and television. It couldn't have come at a better time. --Ossie Davis Bob Benedetti is one of the most intelligent and insightful teachers that I know. His lifelong dedication to the field of drama along with his numerous accomplishments in film and television make this book a "must read" for actors on any level. --Noah Wyle How I wish I could start my film career all over again, with everything I now know in one hand and Bob Benedetti's book in the other. I am happy to discover, however, that unknowingly I have always been in agreement with D. W. Griffith: film acting is thinking. --Patrick Stewart Robert Benedetti was formerly Dean of the School of Theatre at the California Institute of the Arts and Head of the Acting Department at the Yale Drama School. For the past eight years he has been a film and television producer/writer, and recently won an Emmy and a Peabody award as producer of the HBO film, A Lesson Before Dying, and an Emmy award for HBO's Miss Evers Boys. Benedetti holds a Ph.D. from Northwestern University. His other published works include The Director at Work, The Actor at Work, and The Actor in You. Visit our web gallery at http://www abacon.com for further information.

Table of Contents:
All chapters conclude with a “Summary.”

I.WORKING WITH THE CAMERA.

II.PREPARING YOURSELF AND YOUR ROLE.

Robert Benedetti was formerly Dean of the School of Theatre at the California Institute of the Arts and Head of the Acting Department at the Yale Drama School. For the past eight years he has been a film and television producer/writer, and recently won an Emmy and a Peabody award as producer of the HBO film, A Lesson Before Dying, and an Emmy award for HBO's Miss Evers Boys. His other published works include The Director at Work, The Actor at Work, and The Actor in You.

Benedetti's book tells you everything you need to know about film acting; how to prepare and how to perform in front of the camera. An invaluable book — I wish it had been around when I first started — no would-be film actor should be without it. —Reviewed by Joan Plowright

After this book hits the shelves don't be surprised if the quality of American film acting takes a needed step forward. Benedetti has penned a true how-to guide for actors who want to shine onscreen. He has put into doable English what should actually happen in front of the camera. What great luck for those new to the medium, and experienced actors, grab this book and earn that money you're making!
—Reviewed by Alfre Woodard

In his new book, Robert Benedetti brings his experience as both an acting teacher and a film producer to the subject of screen acting. He clearly demonstrates the need to achieve the often challenging balance between respect for craft and the dictates of the visual media. For those seeking a road map to a successful screen performance, read and enjoy!
—Reviewed by Don Cheadle

'Beny' was one of my acting teachers years ago and subsequently went on to become an award-winning TV/film producer. He excited my imagination then, and through his books, still does.
—Reviewed by Ted Danson

This is the first book I know that recognizes the difference between acting for the stage and acting for film and television. It couldn't have come at a better time.
—Reviewed by Ossie Davis

Bob Benedetti is one of the most intelligent and insightful teachers that I know. His lifelong dedication to the field of drama along with his numerous accomplishments in film and television make this book a "must read" for actors on any level.
—Reviewed by Noah Wyle

How I wish I could start my film career all over again, with everything I now know in one hand and Bob Benedetti's book in the other. I am happy to discover, however, that unknowingly I have always been in agreement with D. W. Griffith: film acting is thinking.
—Reviewed by Patrick Stewart