Wendy S. Kurtzman is an adjunct professor at Chapman University and Pace University, USA, guest lecturer at UCLA and NYU, and an Emmy-nominated casting director with more than 35 years of experience in television and film. Her extensive credits include Independence Day, Auto Focus, Stigmata, The Replacement Killers, and many others. www.wendykurtzman.com.
Aspiring actors will benefit tremendously from the real-world practical advice provided by Wendy Kurtzman. As a well-respected casting director with a big picture understanding of both the actor’s creative process and the nuts and bolts of the entertainment industry, she offers a holistic approach to an acting career—supporting creative passion with day-to-day achievable goals. Wendy connects the dots between artistic dreams and pragmatic results with a plan that will no doubt empower actors and hopefully guide them to fulfilment and success. * David Rubin, Emmy and Artios Award-winning Casting Director, Former President of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences * Every actor who wants to work at their craft should take the time to read and practice the concepts contained in this book. It will help lead to a very successful and rewarding career. * Sharon Bialy, Artios Award-winning Casting Director, Bialy/Thomas Casting, Barry, The Handmaid’s Tale, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul * Untold numbers of young people dream of becoming actors. Many invest good money in learning their craft. But few, if any, know how to navigate the industry once they complete their studies. Now they have a means to do so. Wendy Kurtzman’s book provides a guide to aspiring actors to take charge of their own careers rather than waiting for others to deem them worthy. * Harry Winer, Film and Television Director/Producer/Screenwriter, and Associate Professor, Kanbar Institute of Film & Television, New York University Tisch School of the Arts, USA * This book is easy to read, proactive and empowering. A must have for any artist looking to sustain a creative career. * Leslie Litt, Casting Director and Senior Casting Executive, Freevee, Amazon Studios, Friends, The Goldbergs * Acting is a business and you are the principal asset. Yes, you need to develop your craft, but that’s just the beginning. Networking is essential, but understanding the business of entertainment is even more important. You must know the player that can enhance your knowledge of the business, as well as influence the choices you make. Yes, it takes a village! This book will give you a clear picture of the steps you will need to take to have a vibrant and sustainable acting career. * Tim McNeal, Head of Creative Talent Development and Inclusion, Disney ABC Television Group *