Product Description

Refreshing in its informal approach and full of instructive anecdotes, Secrets of Screen Acting is an invaluable guide for those who wish to master the art of acting on-screen.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #35685 in Books
• Published on: 2003-09-17
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

From the Back Cover
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 film frame itself become the measure of all things. In this updated edition, Patrick Tucker explains how digital video introduces yet another secret (and solution): the proportions of the digital frame are different from that of traditional film stock, so that the director must conceptualize each image in terms of this new rectangle. Actors now fit into the frame in a slightly different way. Based on a revolutionary non-Method approach to acting, Secrets of Screen Acting shows what actually works: how an actor, an announcer--anyone working in front of the cameras--gives excellent performances on screen.

In this new edition, Patrick Tucker retains the engaging style and useful structure of the first edition while addressing significant changes in current technology, ensuring that this volume will remain an indispensable resource for contemporary students of screen acting.
Updated for a new decade of screen performance possibilities, Secrets of Screen Acting is a magician's box of acting tricks for today's performer. thought, there still exists no single method for screen work. In this book, Patrick Tucker makes the distinction between acting for the stage and for the screen. He explains that the actor, instead of starting with what is real and trying to portray that on screen, should work with the realities of the shoot itself, and then work out how to make it all appear realistic.

Tucker has created and developed several screen acting of a courses, and this book is an extension and explanation of a lifetime of work in the field. Containing over 50 acting exercises, this book leads the reader step-by-step through the elements of effective screen acting.

Refreshing in its informal approach and full of instructive anecdotes, Secrets of Screen Acting will be an invaluable guide for those who wish to master the art of acting on-screen.

About the Author
Patrick Tucker is an accomplished director of the screen and stage. Since his first professional production in 1968, he has directed more than 200 plays in all forms of theater, from weekly repertory to the Royal Shakespeare Company. He was accepted by the BBC Television Directing program in 1976 and has subsequently directed more than 150 television dramas. He has developed his unique approach to television and film acting as a separate discipline, and he has lectured and taught all over the world.

Customer Reviews

The Bible for screen actors
This book is a must for all those interested in screen acting (film and TV)or screen directing. It is the book of choice used by the Rising Stars (screen stars of the future in training at Ace Star Managements studio). Screen acting is considrably different to stage acting and this book covers all of the differences. As a director, I just wish all actors would read this book. Buy it and you will not be disapointed, but dont show it to many people or you will never have it when you want it. The only down side is that if you are into stage acting and not screen this is not for you, it is very much screen based.

Forget what you've heard before!
Tucker takes the myths about screen acting, spun time and again by Hollywood's own, and challenges them directly. Forget what you've heard about acting for the screen being more like real life. Don't beleive it when someone tells you that you have to "do less" for the screen. It only took a little critical viewing after reading this book to realize that this guy was right! That's why my acting teacher uses it as a class text. If you're serious about pursuing a career acting on the screen, then this book is essential reading.

Excellent; detailed techniques on screen acting
Includes numerous detailed techniques for film acting, such as adjusting your performance for various camera distances (master shot vs. close-up, etc.)