REVIEWS |
You can see excerpts from Judy's book Acting Is Everything by clicking on the "Excerpts" links above. Here is what others have to say about Judy. 11th GOLD EDITION "THERE IS A REASON THIS BOOK IS GOLD... YOU WILL TREASURE IT! When a book this densely-packed with seriously fantastic information becomes the "go to" resource for agents, managers, casting directors, and producers in the industry, you know it is going to help actors at ANY level demystify Hollywood. With an amazingly helpful mailing list (to which you can subscribe), Judy Kerr continues to update actors with the latest information on the business of acting in Los Angeles (and worldwide). It would be a challenge to find a question about showbiz that Obviously, I'm biased, since Judy Kerr--a mentor and dear friend to me--asked me to contribute material to her wonderful book, but even before I knew Judy personally, I knew that ACTING IS EVERYTHING was the primary resource for actors looking to pursue their dreams. But now, with color --review by Bonnie Gillespie, Casting Director, Hollywood, CA "Dear Actors, Agents, Managers, A few months ago, I met with an actor who had just moved to LA from the Midwest. To my surprise, this “new” actor already had it together. After being in town for just one month, he had great headshots, meetings set with reputable acting coaches and had registered with online casting services! I asked him, “How did you do all this in such a short period of time?” He said, “It was easy. I read Judy Kerr's book." Well, I just read Judy's 11th (Gold) Edition of her book, “Acting Is Everything” and I am truly amazed! This book is an invaluable resource. The information is endless, and it's quite inspirational. Judy has put everything in this new edition from 'how to write a cover letter' to 'where to get a great haircut' to a list of the 'coolest hangouts in LA.' And this book isn't just for the “new” actor either. Even working actors in LA still need to find the best place to redo their Demo reels, get new Headshots or check out a different type of Acting Class. For every actor following their dream … this book is essential! I am very proud of Judy Kerr. For many of us, Judy has been our advisor, our coach, our cheerleader and our friend. Therefore, let us now support her. Spread the word … buy Judy's book! Thank you for your time. Warm Regards, Scott Sedita" "I talk about her and how amazing she is. I recommend
her book daily and have been waiting anxiously for the 11th and final edition
to hit the stores. ITS HERE!!!!!!! the new ACTING IS EVERYTHING By Judy Kerr is
out. So grab yourself a copy as soon as you can it is filled with some much valuable
information you can't help but succeed in the industry. You will save so much
money by not making bad choices because she has the who and where for you already
researched. Go NOW, get up and go buy it before your competition does." "One of my favorite books is ACTING IS EVERYTHING by Judy Kerr. The new 11th edition is out and Actorsite is very much featured and we want to THANK JUDY KERR for helping enlighten so many actors by publishing this fabulous book. If you don't have a copy of the the new edition, it's time to get one right away. It's by far the most comprehensive and reputable resource book in Hollywood. I always respect any actor who has the intuition to read this fabulous book. Just so you know, Actorsite has been featured in BACKSTAGE MAGAZINE, on ENtertainment Tonight, The Insider, and countless other publications and magazines, and I have to say, the ONLY publication that we get great referrals from is Judy Kerr's book ACTING IS EVERYTHING, because each person who reads that book KNOWS how hard it is to build a career in Hollywood and is READY for the hard work that we encourage you to do to build a solid creative career. Thank you again, Judy Kerr!" "If anyone has their finger on the pulse of showbiz, it's Judy Kerr. "Acting is Everything", says Judy, and EVERYTHING you need to know about an acting career in Los Angeles is contained within this book. At ActorsLife.com, we receive a lot of books about acting. Many of them are helpful, but none of them are nearly as comprehensive as this tome. It is, rightly so, considered by many to be the "Bible" for actors in or moving to Los Angeles. It is clear from page one that Judy is not just a coach, not just a flavor of the day "guru"... she cares passionately about actors, and providing them with the best tools and techniques they need to succeed in Los Angeles. If you dream of one day moving to L.A. because you think it might be "neat" to be on TV, this book is not for you. This is a hardcore resource for the serious actor. Step by step instructions for... -what to do when you arrive What I particularly appreciate about this book is the emphasis on developing the "whole person" with a recognition that each actor is different. She reminds us that choosing to act is courageous, and that we should be guided by our love of the art, not just the need to "succeed". However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't behave like a professional, and this book will show you what the professional standards are in the hyper-competitive L.A. market. 'Acting is living your life,' writes Judy, 'then using those experiences to enable the audience to experience their own lives and emotions.' Often we lose sight of what originally drew us to a career in acting... the simple joy of it. This book serves both to show actors a direct path to success, as well as remind us that this is, after all, supposed to be fun! " -- Karl Waddell, actorslife.com A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to you on a tremendous new edition!!! As hugely informative, inspiring and thorough as your incredible book has always been, you have outdone yourself with this new Gold edition. I am amazed by how much hard work, research, dedication, care and attention to detail must have gone into creating it. It is truly a labor of love. I cannot thank you enough for that, and for the incredible service it provides to countless actors. As you may be aware, your book is required reading for all of my clients. And I constantly recommend it to all actors I meet, regardless of whether they are/will be my clients or not. There is no other book that comes even close to accomplishing what yours does. --Jake Azhar, "There is only one career guidebook I have recommended to all my students since it first came to my attention in 1997. Although especially invaluable for those relocating to Los Angeles, the information presented in Judy Kerr's ACTING IS EVERYTHING applies anywhere in the country where actors at all stages in their careers can find work. Can't find a good photo duplication service in St. Louis? Open your copy of ACTING IS EVERYTHING to find world class photo duplication services in Los Angeles that will duplicate your photos (usually at a much lower cost) and ship them to your front door with no time lost because of distance. My praise of ACTING IS EVERYTHING would fill a book the size of ACTING IS EVERYTHING. Everything the actor needs to know is right there, beautifully presented with the actors' success foremost in mind. ACTING IS EVERYTHING is the only book you will need for career advice, period. This "Gold Edition" is the final edition of this Golden Resouce. I can't imagine there will be another career guidebook to replace it anytime soon, if ever. People in our business who are motivated by a sincere desire to help others in our business are very, very rare. Judy Kerr is one of a kind." -- Harry Governick, Artistic Director, TheatrGROUP PREVIOUS EDITIONS "If show biz had a good mother... it would be Judy!" "Judy is an inspiration and a love. Every set should have a Judy." "I wish I had one of these books when I first came to Los Angeles,
it could have saved me from getting ripped off many times.” "A must for anyone thinking of getting into show business. It is
more than a guidebook...it is a Bible.” “Judy Kerr’s book will help you get jobs and grow as an artist.” "I wish I had this book when I was first starting out. In all the
years I spent studying acting, I was never taught about the business.” “Offers more real help per page than stacks of other books on the
subject!” “Rich with the wisdom of a dedicated professional.” “Don’t make the mistake so many actors make. Read this book.” “Excellent. Helpful and direct.” “Practical information and sound advice. I use it myself.” “A great handbook for every actor, beginner or pro!” “A must-read for actors who are serious about a career.” “For any actor who wants to know the who’s, what’s and
where’s of L.A.” “If you really want to know how to make it in Los Angeles, this
book is a must.” “An actor’s roadmap to the ins and outs of what truly is a
business.” “Very informative—a must for all actors.” "It took me fourteen years to discover the Hollywood secrets that Judy
Kerr gives you." Opinion by Bob Fraser – reprinted from ACTORS INK a nowcasting.com publication: In my unrelenting (and sometimes Sisyphus-like) quest to find the best information, advice and motivation for my fellow actors – in order to motivate them to take action – I have started to put down my thoughts regarding a few books I like. Books I consider vital to every actor's success and deserving of a place in an actor's library. A few weeks ago I talked about David Mamet's crucial treatise, True and False – a book I think every actor needs to read (and really
think about) in order to understand the mental part of the acting business, and
how it relates to success. Judy Kerr's Acting Is Everything has one of the most apt titles out there. This massive work of research and writing deserves to be called "The Actor's Encyclopedia." I believe there is no subject that relates to an actor's life, which is not covered in this huge 600-page book (with 9 point type). Judy has looked into, written about, and listed so many resources; it is hard to imagine that there isn't something in this book to cover every conceivable circumstance in an actor’s professional life. Now in it's 10th edition (I got the 2nd edition some 22 years ago for my own use. My eldest daughter took it with her when she move out and married that guy so I had to get the new one.), Judy's book is subtitled "An Actor's Guidebook For A Successful Career in Los Angeles." Again, this is a perfect description of the book. If you are in Los Angeles to pursue an acting career, working hard and hoping for a successful outcome – then, in my opinion, Acting Is Everything is a book you must have in your library. First, let me assure you – Judy is a generous and personal writer. This makes the critical information she is passing along, fun to read and easy to grasp. She has been maintaining and adding to this book for two and a half decades and, like a well-tended garden, it is a thing of beauty. Acting Is Everything has probably been read (and used) by tens of thousands of actors over the years and quick peek inside the front cover – where some very famous actors recommend the book – will convince you that I'm not blowing smoke here. Like any encyclopedia, this volume covers so many different subjects, that to attempt a listing would be futile and way too much typing for me. Suffice it to say, that from one of her first exhortations; "This is a workbook. Mark it up." – all the way through to her suggestions about starting in other cities, Judy takes you gently by the hand and points out all the highways, byways and cul-de-sacs in this magical, mythical land called Hollywood. Her research is impeccable and you can be sure that the resources and businesses she is willing to list in her book are vetted and checked. She even encourages readers to let her know if any of her "recommends" are less than expected. The section about acting teachers and coaches is one of the best pieces I have ever seen on this subject – and it alone is worth the price of the book. An actor looking for training can save many false steps (and therefore many precious pictures of past Presidents) through the use of this excellent guide. Similarly, she has a section about headshots that is one of the most comprehensive anywhere. She advises on photographers, looks, preparation, costs, styles and tactics – and she provides a series of comparative examples (actual headshots) which de-mystify the process of getting a good result when you are ready to invest in this most basic actor's tool. Judy helps you with ALL the things that will need to get done – if you are to have any expectation of good results. As mentioned, getting photos – but also workshops, mailings, casting directors, on the set manners, how to pay the bills, getting an agent, staying 'scam' free and practically every other detail of running your acting career here in LaLa Land. By the way, if you live somewhere else and are thinking of coming to LA – don't continue that thought until you've read this book. I doubt that there is a single volume about acting that can boast the sheer breadth of Judy's 'baby.' She even has a section about cool places in LA to hang out (And I can personally attest to the fact that she knows this stuff. We had coffee at a place she suggested and I ran into an old friend of mine from The Groundlings days, Suzanne Kent, whom I had not seen in more than a decade. It was a delightful reunion – and all because Judy knows these 'cool' places.) For me there is one over-riding issue here – it is abundantly clear to me that this is a book written and published with a loving hand. It has been my experience (speaking, now, as an old-timer, you understand) that the best products are made by those who care about making the best products. Believe me, Judy Kerr cares – and the result is self-evident. Do yourself a big favor, take a nice drive over to Samuel French or Larry Edmund's and get yourself a copy of Acting Is Everything. It is as essential to the LA actor as Backstage, Now Casting and The Thomas Brothers Guide. Amazing - I think I got six plugs in that last paragraph and, somehow, neglected to mention my own book. I must be slipping. Reprinted from ACTORS INK a free online Magazine from www.nowcasting.com Bob Fraser writes the book YOU MUST ACT! http://www.youmustact.com – free downloads. |
© Judy Kerr 1999 - 2010.
