Secrets of Screen Acting

By: Patrick Tucker

Narrated by: David H. Lawrence XVII

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

Hey filmmakers, this is also for you!!

So much info and very useful for those in front and behind the camera! Highly recommended!

Secrets of Screen Acting

Loving that ALL of the secrets are candidly revealed!
Everything from camera, lighting and directing cues to a full glossary of industry vocabulary.

A must read for both actors and their directors.

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!

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!

A definitive guide for anyone who acts on camera

What made the experience of listening to Secrets of Screen Acting the most enjoyable?

This book is a rare example of vital, hard won experience gained from decades of working with screen actors, given in a clear, understandable way. If you want a bunch of vague ideas about actor's motivations...this is not your book. If you want solid information about how to come on set and and know what to do to be an actor that "the camera loves," this book is priceless.

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

David H Lawrence the XVII delivers a narration that is warm, clear, and understandable. The book has a lot of references to the pdf guide and movies where one can observe the exact action being taught. He pulls this off in an engaging way. He was the idea narrator for this work.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

As I listened to the differences between performing on stage and on camera, I realized that what I had thought to be true was 180 degrees wrong. Then the book gave me a useful set of tools that took my understanding of on-camera acting to a whole new level. It was revelatory.

Any additional comments?

This book is a masterclass where one walks away knowing they have been enhanced and will never perform the same again. It is vital for anyone serious about their craft as an actor.

Amazing. please dont read!

Did the headline confuse you? Sorry about that. . I am a working actor. Only been in the biz for a couple of years. What I dont need are more talented actors vying for the same jobs as me, especially ones with the secrets in this book. so please don't make job harder by getting better at yours.

Thanks to Patrick for sharing his wealth of knowledge. I've listened to this book over a dozen times in the last month because that's how my brain works. I've been on a few sets in that time and there is a major difference in my performances.

Practice practice practice. . . .

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.

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!!!

good advice

I found it tougher to follow as an audio book to not have figures referenced

for anyone interested in making films

after making dozens of YouTube videos I've decided to make a movie. I have a screenplay and I'm so glad that I actually listened to this audiobook before I started production. this really really gives a lot of tips on not only how to act but for camera operators and for those wanting to produce to know how the shots tie in with the audio and gestures and so on and so on. if you're at all interested in making videos or movies and want to improve the quality this will definitely do that for you.