Veteran Hollywood Casting Director Offers Aspiring Actors & Parents Keys to Show Biz Success, in From Start to Stardom

unnamed (2)What do Miley Cyrus, Jonah Hill, Megan Hilty, Selena Gomez and Mariska Hargitay all have in common?

They were all cast, or discovered by veteran casting director Lisa London, some of whose casting credits include: Miley Cyrus in the pilot of Hannah Montana, Jonah Hill in Grandma’s Boy, Emma Stone and Katherine McPhee in House Bunny, and the first Ellen DeGeneres TV series Ellen. London has found future stars for more than two decades as principal of London/Stroud Casting, working on over 50 television shows, movies and pilots.

Her book, From Start to Stardom: The Casting Director’s Guide for Aspiring Actors, is a step-by-step guide for aspiring actors and their parents. London writes about how children, teens, and young adults with an interest in Hollywood careers can get started and the key to having the best shot at stardom. She lays out what you need to know about what makes for an effective headshot, how to find and work with an agent and/or manager, how to get auditions, and what to do, and not to do to get cast. She also reveals details and insider secrets about what happens behind casting directors’ closed doors.

“I wrote the book, because, I love seeing new actors succeed,” London said. “And because so many people over the years have asked me questions about helping their children, even college grads have asked me how to get into movies and television. Drawing on years of casting experience, I have a good understanding of the process and the pitfalls, and I hope my insights and observations can make the journey easier.”

From Start to Stardom includes interviews with some of today’s hottest teen stars, leading managers and agents, photographers and directors, as well as sample acting resumes, and practical, actionable advice for aspiring actors and their parents.

 

“Best book ever! There’s so much to learn when getting started in Hollywood, and this book is smart, concise and very insightful! A true must-have for every parent and actor.” – Tish Cyrus (Miley’s mom)
“I wish this book was available when I graduated from college and started auditioning. It’s so great to hear this advice from a casting director’s perspective. And Lisa is the best! I should know, she gave me my first TV job, and we’ve been friends ever since!”– Megan Hilty (Sean Saves The World, Smash and Broadway musical Wicked)

From Start to Stardom 
By Lisa London
Publisher: From Start to Stardom Press (April 2014)
Pages: 166
ISBN-13: 978-1493771448 / ISBN-10: 1493771442
Available: paperback ($19.95), Kindle ($9.95)
http://fromstarttostardom.com

ABOUT LISA LONDON (http://fromstarttostardom.com)
Daughter of one of Hollywood’s most successful TV directors, Jerry London, Lisa London grew up on her father’s sets, experiencing the demands of directing and acting first-hand. She has worked with major studios and networks, including Sony Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Happy Madison Productions, Disney Channel, Nickelodeon, VH1 and many more.