Secrets of Screen Acting

Publisher's Summary

When it was first published in 1993, Secrets of Screen Acting broke new ground in explaining how acting for the camera is different from acting on stage. Reaction time is altered, physical timing and placement are reconceived, and the proportions of the digital frame itself become the measure of all things, so the director must conceptualize each image in terms of this new rectangle, and actors must "fit" into the frame. Based on a revolutionary, nonmethod approach to acting, this book shows what actually works: how an actor, an announcer - anyone working in front of the cameras - gives excellent performances on screen.

Instead of starting with what is real and trying to wrestle that onto the screen, Patrick Tucker explains how to work with the realities of a shoot and work from there toward the real. His step by step guide to the elements of effective screen acting is an extension and explanation of a lifetime of work in the field, containing over 50 acting exercises and the tried-and-tested screen acting checklist.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2015 Patrick Tucker (P)2015 Patrick Tucker

Just great!

This was on Backstage's top ten list of books about acting for film. I cannot tell you how thrilled I was to find it on audible.
Great content and performance!

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

A MUST HAVE FOR EVERY ACTOR

What did you love best about Secrets of Screen Acting?

This book goes well beyond the typical screen acting text that either focuses on the business aspects (extremely important, don't get me wrong) of the business or is over simplified fluff about pictures and resumes. This book gets technical iand deep into its examination of the camera, the actor and the visual language of screen acting. It might be a bit of a challenge as an audiobook as there are many references to visual examples in the book. Do get the accompanying PDF. David H. Lawrence XVII, an accomplished actor himself, brings clarity to the text and his narration is top drawer. The great thing about audiobooks is that you can listen at will and the material in the hard copy gets reinforced and even illuminated. This is definitely a book every actor, especially the beginning 'film' actor needs to have in his/her library. The material bears repeated examination and the audiobook version helps make that an easy task.

Any additional comments?

My suggestion: whether you're transitioning into screen acting from drama school or you've been on your own actor's journey for some time, this book is more than a worthy addition to your library. Having is available as an audiobook just increases its value. So just get both versions and know you've made a good decision.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Best Book On Acting for Screen EVER

Where does Secrets of Screen Acting rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Top of the list. Best yet.

What other book might you compare Secrets of Screen Acting to and why?

This book is the best of the books I've listened to because its chock full of detailed information that is seldom (if ever) available to the novice actor. Its a LOT of information but its narrated in such a way as to keep an audience interested.

Have you listened to any of David H. Lawrence XVII’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Secrets of the Pros for Screen Actors

Any additional comments?

Every actor should listen to this book.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Put a Few (Dozen) Gems in Your Acting Toolkit!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this audiobook to every actor on the planet who has not already heard it. Even if you've read the book (which I had), hearing it spoken was like having a private Master Class in the highest level of screen technique. Some of the techniques I was (thankfully) intuitively using, and there were several others I simply cannot wait to actively add to my performances.

What other book might you compare Secrets of Screen Acting to and why?

There are enough books on screen acting already in world libraries to circle the globe multiple times (not verified--and, my strong intuition :). Many of them are quite good. As a working on-camera film and television actor, I have read hundreds of them. Not one of them, however, gets into the nuts-and-bolts of what an actor must do, at each possible point of the screen adventure, to the extent that SOSA does. The practical detail is mind-blowing. This audiobook really stands alone, because it gives translatable steps for the actor to both maximize their own storytelling abilities and to service the overall story beautifully.

What about David H. Lawrence XVII’s performance did you like?

David's tone was both soothing and commanding, very easy to listen to and understand. I found his pacing excellent--just enough time to absorb complex points before moving on.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I did have an extreme reaction! It was along the lines of "So THAT'S what they're doing!", as literal secrets were revealed: things that made so much sense after they were explained it seemed impossible to not have known about them previously...I actually laughed out loud several times in "Eureka!" moments. AND, Mr. Tucker has a delightful sense of humor, which Mr. Lawrence brings deftly into his vocal performance.

Any additional comments?

I happened to know a little about the "back story" of this book before I heard it...David had shared the story of his very first episodic television job (HEROES), and how he completely credited the tools in THIS book with having his character go from a death scene in his first episode...to a rewrite that had him alive and kicking for three full seasons. It's what actors dream about. And not only did he give credit to Patrick and this book and these tools...his HEROES director called him out on-set for "fibbing" about this being his first television job, because he "knew too much" and was acting in a way that only very seasoned film and television actors behaved. He showed that director THIS book, which was well-worn and in his backpack. The "Glossary" of film/television terms towards the end of the book is a treasure, and ought to be required listening for acting students anywhere. I wish I had discovered this book (in ANY format!) at the START of my acting career! If you are an actor, or KNOW one--give yourself/them a HUGE gift and listen!!!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Even the Glossary of Terms was fascinating!

I already knew this book was an amazing prep for on-camera work because I had read an earlier edition. David H. Lawrence xvii narrates this edition to full effect which kept me engaged and entertained. The pace and inflection of the narration was perfect for absorbing the information. I never thought I would enjoy listening to someone narrate a glossary of terms until now! The book comes with a downloadable set of PDF's helpful for visualizing certain camera shots described in the book. A great read for actors at every stage of their career!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Fantastic!

Would you consider the audio edition of Secrets of Screen Acting to be better than the print version?

I prefer the audiobook version to the printed version because it is easier for me to access.

What did you like best about this story?

The amount of information provided was mind-boggling for a newer actor like myself. I feel very fortunate to have this much information available to me in order to become a better actor.

Which scene was your favorite?

David H. Lawrence XVII's letter at the end of the book gave me chills. And hope.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Watch. Learn. Apply. Succeed.

Any additional comments?

Patrick Tucker has provided invaluable experience to actors of all types. He shares his experience and knowledge in a clear-cut, straightforward manner that makes it very easy to understand. David H. Lawrence XVII's narration was fantastic! He delivers the information in a beautiful presentation that is perfectly-paced and makes it a joy for the listener. I am so grateful to have this information available to me. Bravo, Gentlemen!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Extremely enjoyable and informative!

Would you listen to Secrets of Screen Acting again? Why?

Absolutely! I like knowing that if I need a refresher, it's right there to listen to again. It's a wealth of information masterfully written and narrated by the best in the business!

What about David H. Lawrence XVII’s performance did you like?

David H. Lawrence XVII has a voice that you want to keep listening to. I felt as if I were listening to a personal coach or friend give me advice. It flowed and time sped by.

Any additional comments?

I would highly recommend this audible book to anyone in the entertainment realm or those seeking to enter. It's comprehensive, concise and very well done all around!

6 of 7 people found this review helpful

The "SECRETS OF SCREEN ACTING" made interesting...

Patrick Tucker does a great job of revealing the "Secrets of Screen Acting" by providing valuable insight into all aspects of acting for the "Camera".

David H. Lawrence XVII does an outstanding job of adding life to the subject matter. His voice is pleasant to listen to, his enunciation is flawless and his delivery has a flair that holds your interest and keeps you listening.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Not Just for Actors, Incredibly Informative

While I'll likely never be in front of the camera, I've always enjoyed the behind-the-scenes specials and the audio commentary on DVDs and such. This book was a fascinating look at what's going on behind and around the camera.

Helpful examples, the glossary, the fair examination of other schools of thought - all this and more are included in a well-organized and interesting format. I can't imagine any actor picking up Tucker's book and not at least be refreshed on a strong point if not outright learning something new. Listening to this book has changed the way I'll be watching TV for a while.

David Lawrence did a fine job reading this book. Also, if you're getting the audio version of Secrets of Screen Acting, be sure to download the included PDF for visual references!

--I received a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.--

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A must read for any screen actor!

Would you listen to Secrets of Screen Acting again? Why?

Not only would I listen again, but I will be listening again... and again.

Who was your favorite character and why?

n/a

What does David H. Lawrence XVII bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

David H. Lawrence XVII does a great job of interpreting the author's personality - adding a touch of humor where it is called for, using sarcasm where appropriate, and changing tempo to bring an educational book to life.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. There really is too much to consume all in one sitting. This is more of a textbook rather than a novel and if you're using it as designed you probably would not be able to get through it in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

I was given this book for review by the narrator, but as an actor myself I am glad it is now in my library. This book could be used to teach a full-length course in a classroom on screen acting. The first couple chapters alone more than pay for it by explaining fully the true differences between acting for stage, television, and screen - all of which require different approaches. I also found it extremely insightful regarding the volume of voice you should use in each scene based not on the location of the camera or other actors, but on the position of the microphone picking up my voice. It was interesting listening to this book to see where I accidentally was already doing some things right, but then in other areas where I thought I was doing things correctly, I was doing things wrong. This book comes with a companion PDF with diagrams and photos which, while not required, would likely be extremely helpful in absorbing all of the information presented. This is a book that can and likely should be listened to over and over again to retain the information is provides, and that is exactly what I plan to do. I will also be recommending this audiobook to other actors in my circle of influence.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Amazing

I loved the pragmatical approach to acting, which is something you kinda don’t get to experience when learning acting in academic circles.

The technicalities that Tucker explains are really helpful. Even tough I don’t have much experience on sets, I could look on the minimum work that I have done in the past and was able to observe faults and possible ways of improving my craft after reading this book.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in pursuing an acting career!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful