Philip Carlson was the first agent to sign Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Billy Crudup, Liev Schreiber, Claire Danes, Idris Elba, Kyra Sedgwick, Adrien Grenier and Paul Giamatti. He has represented Viola Davis, Kathy Bates, Brian Dennehy, and W.H. Macy among many and gifted others. He shares his practical trade secrets in this extraordinarily comprehensive guide on how to get into show business. Topics include: The Schools • The Business • Showcases • Casting Directors • Agents • Auditions • Which Coast? • Producers • Staying Real • Negotiating 101 • Where Do I Fit? • Movies • TV: Where the Real Money Is (These Days) • and more!His clients rave:“He saw more in me than I saw in myself.” – Kyra Sedgwick“A great and resonant canyon of thanks to Philip Carlson for his invaluable work with a generation of young talent – including me.” – Billy Crudup“Philip Carlson is one of the wisest people on the subject of building a career that will last. Luck didn't have him representing New York's top character actors; wisdom, intelligence, patience and loyalty did. He was, and is, as good as it gets.” – Tim Blake Nelson“Philip Carlson was my 'Guide in shining armor!' Smart, honest and hardworking, this book is his thinking and experience on a shelf.” – Idris Elba“I was so fortunate to have found Philip when I did. I can't imagine a better introduction to the world of acting and the business of getting there.” – Liev Schreiber