Acting in Television Commercials for Fun and Profit

Starred review from February 1, 2009
With a résumé that boasts principal credits in more than 3200 television commercials throughout a 40-year career, Fridell, an omnipresent pitchman who has been on television hawking some product or service virtually every day, is arguably the industry's most prolific and successful actor. Now in its fourth edition and completely updated to include, among other things, obligatory Internet and cell phone ramifications, his guide is the definitive text for both aspiring and established actors seeking commercial work. A cornucopia of practical information is disseminated in two evenly divided sections, the first focusing on preparations necessary to secure an agent (e.g., head shot, résumé, training, unions, agents) and the second on the nuts and bolts of commercials (e.g., auditioning, technique, callbacks, the nature of the work, and money). Written in a friendly and encouraging can-do acting-mentor style (the author is also an esteemed theater educator), Fridell's book offers valuable vocational information and entertaining anecdotes accrued over an extended career that in its longevity is nothing short of amazing. A no-brainer acquisition for every collection supporting the textual needs of neophyte and working professional actors.Barry X. Miller, Austin P.L., TX

Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.