For many performers, the thrill of the stage or the magic of the camera is where the journey begins and ends. However, those who aspire to turn their artistic talents into a thriving career must venture beyond the creative process. Jonathan Flom’s book “Act Like It’s Your Business: Branding and Marketing Strategies for Actors” is the guide every performer needs to navigate the business side of the entertainment industry.

A Handbook for the Modern Performer

This book is more than just a read; it’s like having a mentor in printed form. With his experience as a director and educator, Jonathan Flom packs the pages with insights that can help performers at any stage of their career. The focus is not just on the art of performance but also on the art of selling oneself as a unique brand.

What’s Inside?

The book is structured logically, step by step, making it an accessible guide even for those new to the idea of branding and marketing. Here’s a peek into the contents:

• Understanding Your Career Control: Learn what you can and cannot control, and how to use that knowledge to your advantage.
• Branding Basics: Understand what branding is, how to craft it, and how to use it effectively.
• The Six “Be’s”: A mantra to embody your brand, with principles like being authentic, bold, and true to your word.
• Real-World Issues: Tackling real-world issues such as finances, contracts, agents, and auditions, providing practical insights for the working performer.
• Location Insights: Find the right city for you with ‘The Cities Project.’

Why Every Performer Needs This Book

Many performers see their craft as purely artistic, but Flom helps break that notion, showing how business smarts and self-promotion are crucial for making a sustainable living in the performing arts.

From personal branding exercises to understanding the nuances of the NYC industry, the book covers everything a performer needs to know. Whether you’re pursuing acting for a living or looking to understand the broader entertainment industry, this book gives you the actionable steps you need.

Moreover, it’s not just theoretical advice. Flom includes ‘Performer Profiles,’ interviews with working professionals that shed light on different facets of the business. It’s a refreshing take that adds a personal touch to the learning experience.

In Conclusion: A Must-Read

“Act Like It’s Your Business: Branding and Marketing Strategies for Actors” is a highly recommended gem. It’s not just about acting; it’s about building a sustainable career, setting realistic goals, and knowing the do’s and don’ts of the industry.

The book doesn’t shy away from the challenges and tough realities of financial stability or career longevity. Instead, it provides the tools and knowledge needed to face them head-on.

Performers at all stages, from students transitioning from college to seasoned professionals, will find this book a valuable guide. Jonathan Flom’s honest, straightforward language combined with his in-depth insights makes this a long-overdue addition to the literature on careers in acting. In essence, it’s not just about acting like it’s your business; with this book, you’ll know how to make it your business. Let your artistic talents thrive, and allow your unique brand to shine.