Are you an animator looking to get your foot in the door to the top studios? It's tough if you don't have a demo reel and portfolio that reflects your unique style and incredible talents. The reception of that reel will make or break you; so it's no wonder that creating a demo reel can be such a daunting task. Reel Success by Cheryl Cabrera can help. This book guides you into putting the right content into your portfolio, how to cater to the right audience, and how to harness the power of social media and network effectively. Accompanied by case studies of actual students' demo reels, this book teaches how to develop a critical eye toward effective and ineffective demo reels. Looking to get your foot in the door? Break it down with Reel Success.

A comprehensive look at how today's Hollywood works -- who has the power and how deals are made. Drawing on interviews with more than 200 Hollywood insiders -- writers, directors, performers, agents, producers and journalists -- Litwak leads us through the maze of Hollywood politics. Well written and filled with case histories of specific films, Reel Power ears down myths and reveals the inner workings of the Hollywood film business.

In this instant New York Times bestseller, Angela Duckworth shows anyone striving to succeed that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent, but a special blend of passion and persistence she calls “grit.” “Inspiration for non-geniuses everywhere” (People). The daughter of a scientist who frequently noted her lack of “genius,” Angela Duckworth is now a celebrated researcher and professor. It was her early eye-opening stints in teaching, business consulting, and neuroscience that led to her hypothesis about what really drives success: not genius, but a unique combination of passion and long-term perseverance. In Grit, she takes us into the field to visit cadets struggling through their first days at West Point, teachers working in some of the toughest schools, and young finalists in the National Spelling Bee. She also mines fascinating insights from history and shows what can be gleaned from modern experiments in peak performance. Finally, she shares what she’s learned from interviewing dozens of high achievers—from JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon to New Yorker cartoon editor Bob Mankoff to Seattle Seahawks Coach Pete Carroll. “Duckworth’s ideas about the cultivation of tenacity have clearly changed some lives for the better” (The New York Times Book Review). Among Grit’s most valuable insights: any effort you make ultimately counts twice toward your goal; grit can be learned, regardless of IQ or circumstances; when it comes to child-rearing, neither a warm embrace nor high standards will work by themselves; how to trigger lifelong interest; the magic of the Hard Thing Rule; and so much more. Winningly personal, insightful, and even life-changing, Grit is a book about what goes through your head when you fall down, and how that—not talent or luck—makes all the difference. This is “a fascinating tour of the psychological research on success” (The Wall Street Journal).

Within Authentic Confidence, Ben Fauske incorporates successfully proven strategies based on research and real-life stories that guide leaders to a confidence breakthrough. Ego, arrogance and narcissism commonly describe ineffective leadership. Nobody likes a show off, but it also doesn’t work to shrink into the shadows. Ben Fauske had significant confidence issues early in his career and he was miserable. After years of struggle, he discovered a pattern that some of the greatest recording artists have used to overcome confidence issues and find success. He called it Authentic Confidence, and the process dramatically improved his career. Since, Ben has taught thousands of leaders the step-by-step instructions to find and communicate confidence in every situation. He shows readers these instructions and communication strategies in Authentic Confidence. It includes a self-assessment called the Authentic Confidence Quotient along with a career building tool called the Career Confidence Guide. Authentic Confidence has been proven to elevate the influence of leaders and enhance employee engagement at all levels.

Scholars of film and television history as well as cultural studies will enjoy this significant volume.