Know Small Parts

Based on 20 years in the industry as an actor, producer, writer and director, Know Small Parts is real life advice from someone who's lived it. The Foreword is written by Academy and Golden Globe Award winner Richard Dreyfuss and the book contains behind-the-scenes stories of Quentin Tarantino, Leonardo DiCaprio, Shirley MacLaine, David Carradine and Tony Scott, among many others. This clear-eyed, realistic step-by-step guide offers wisdom on breaking down a scene, standing out at an audition, talking to celebrities, how to work without representation, developing marketing materials, landing commercials, creating your own momentum, what to do when it all goes wrong, working outside Los Angeles, surviving rejection, how to get clothing for the red carpet and much, much more. With information for beginners and pros alike, it's not just invaluable insight for actors looking to mark their mark in the industry, it's great advice for anyone looking to take control of their destiny. Filled with specific examples from movies and television, the book also reveals personal, often funny, stories from the author's own journey through successes and blunders turning minutes into moments and moments into a career. "She is a role model... and a true leading lady. Enjoy what she has to say and see if you can see yourself in her journey." Kevin Costner (Academy and Golden Globe Award Winner) "She's nailed the daily life of an actor in LA about as perfectly detailed as it gets." Richard Dreyfuss (Academy and Golden Globe Award Winner) "She has literally figured out a way to bottle lightning. I'm sure that her observations and guidance will be invaluable to the actor who is looking to make his or her mark in the film world and to build a career, moment by moment." Lou Diamond Phillips (Golden Globe Nominee) "She knows what a director wants and what an editor needs to tell the story. She's the real deal." Dennis Christopher (Golden Globe Nominee) "Laura has strength, courage and the conviction and - pardon my French but, the balls - to hold on to her place in this business. Read her book and you'll find out how." Joanna Cassidy (Golden Globe Winner) "After 30 years in casting....I feel like Laura was sitting on my shoulder all these years. She has expertly explained key notes for an actor to know and understand pursuing their career. An Actor is in "SHOW" and 'BUSINESS." This book helps the Know How!" Victoria Burrows (Casting Director: Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies, Cast Away) "Laura Cayouette is a working actress that also has a happy, well-balanced life. Figuring out how she manages this feat is certainly worth a read." Reginald Hudlin (Producer: Django Unchained; Director: Boomerang) "I write off most of these books. But this one I can't. It stands far above most giving smart, logical, realistic and poignant advice." George W. Perkins (Executive Producer: Desperate Housewives, 3-time Emmy Nominee) "Laura's smart, sensible and no nonsense step by step approach to achieving a career as an actor is certain to be the new bible for everyone yearning to break into the biz." Adam Rifkin (Writer/Director. Showtime's Reality Show, Detroit Rock City, Mousehunt) "A must read gift for actors. Laura Cayouette, a successful actor and renowned journalist thoroughly lays out a path to artistic fulfillment and success. Bravo! The Dude Abides." Jeff "The Dude" Dowd (Producer, movie marketing maven) "A clear eyed, detailed, no nonsense guide to the often mysterious world of TV/Film auditioning and performing. Laura's experience as an actor and producer gives her a 360 view of the process which she shares in the voice of your audition guru; she's been to the mountain and returned with all the wisdom you'll ever need." Alicia Ruskin (Agency Partner: Kazarian/Spencer/Ruskin & Assoc.)