Swain J. The Science and Art of Acting for the Camera: A Practical Approach to Film, Television, and Commercial Acting

Focal Press, 2017. — 241 p.The Science and Art of Acting for the Camera provides a precise yet practical approach to help unlock the mysteries of acting for film and television. Written by veteran actor, producer, and director John Howard Swain, the book offers a clear-cut, no-nonsense technique that equips aspiring or working actors with the necessary skills to succeed on camera. The technique teaches you how to build multi-dimensional characters; construct truthful and exciting relationships; ignite stimulating emotions; craft a series of discoveries guaranteed to energize your work; and much, much more. The book also provides instruction for actors working in commercials — from slating, to the dreaded "tell us about yourself" interview, to nailing "the tag" and embracing the cliché — and supplies sample commercial copy for students to practice.