There's No Business Like Soul Business: A Spiritual Path to Enlightened Screenwriting, Filmmaking, and the Performing Arts

Derek, First let me complement you on your book. I really am inspired by every word. I did the visioning exercise today on the industry. I've know for some time that my purpose as an actor and writer is to wake people up to their humanity through the emotions evoked in my performances or my writing. Today I got so clearly that the essence of the industry is love and connectedness. Thank you! INSPIRED in 2007, Traci Dority

Derek Rydall must be a visionary. Soon after his book was published we are seeing evidence that many souls in the Entertainment Business are committed to doing business differently. "American Idol Gives Back" has just proven the huge win/win available for ABC Network Television, viewers and the world. They took entertainment and added heart and soul and in just two hours raised over 35 Million dollars for feeding the sick and impoverished in Africa and here at home. This was brilliant. Derek talks about the need for approaching business from soul-centered passion and the inevitable win/win that can bless us all. I am glad I read this book. It is inspiring and insightful. Tina Lifford

I am in no way connected to the "business of Show." Alas, I'm a lowly Desginer wandering an industry that is Hollywood in miniature. But the Ego's are about the same size. That's why the title of this book struck me when I saw it. Any industry book courageous enough to use the word "Soul" deserves more than a passing glance. I mean, lets face it. Cynicism is as American as ApplePie to-go at McDonalds. It's so much a part of our culture that a fast track to infamy (a second-cousin of fame) is to parade around town with optimism. The great thing about this book is that you don't feel like gagging on the spiritual talk. Derek Rydan does the impossible by keeping his hopes high in the clouds with his feet firmly on the ground. Everything he says remains accessible to those of us who are, for the most part, spiritually-average (a term Rydan would probably discourage). That doesn't mean the book will escape the cynical rolling of the eyes from a few readers. But screw 'em. One reason a Graphic Designer on the opposite coast of Hollywood could be caught reading this book, is because what he says doesn't just apply to would be actors, producers and directors wanting to be recognized -- or even better, wanting to be stars. This book is realy about self-discovery. It not only takes you beneath the layers of yourself, but asks you to, eventually, remove them. M. Night Shyamalan called this "trying on personalities" when we present different personas that are anything but our true person or true self. It's an unnerving experience to be unravelled and its usually life that does the pruning. Very few of us voluntarily strip down the armour. So it makes me wonder what kind of journey Rydall walked to develop such incredible insight. One of the stand-out installments of this book is when Rydall talks about the opinion of self, the opinion of others and the opinion of the spirit within. It's almost instinctive to care about what others are thinking, and it's cliche to advise one to care only about one's own opinion. Rydall goes a step further by suggesting that while your own opinion does matter, it isn't very dependable. He proposes that the little voice inside you, which is probably your Higher Power talking, is the only opinion that is truly consequential. And it's not a critic looking to disempower you. It's an ally looking to empower your talent and self-worth. Don't worry if this is a spoiler because Rydall writes it better than I just did. His version is less corny. This book is a must have for anybody, but is a definite keeper for everybody in any type of creative business. Even the Foreward written by the Producer of "Crash" was a great primer for what comes after it. I keep this book in my car for every moment that I either crash into my own ego or the ego's of others.

Everyone knows that the best stories, movies, TV-shows or entertainment of any kind "gotta have heart." Yet, ironically, most writers and creators focus so much attention on the structures, plots and other ingredients that make up the "skin and bones" of their projects that they end up with Frankenstein-like results, and, sadly, careers that don't make it far from the lab. Finally, script doctor Derek Rydell guides you on a step-by-step journey for restoring the heart and soul of your creative projects by getting to the heart and soul of you! Tapping into this elixir has the alchemical power to turn your projects into gold. This book is a one-of-a-kind treasure map that helps you unearth the one-of-a-kind treasure that is YOU! It's the first time I read a "Hollywood How-To" book that gave me more than a fraction of a useful, implementable idea...WAY MORE. If you like 'movie-style' pitches: It's kinda like "The Secret" meets "The Artist's Way." You're attracted to it! Admit it! Get it! -Bill Lae, Writer, Director, "SuperGuy: Behind the Cape" Superguy: Behind the Cape

Rydall's book opens your mind, heart and soul to the new spiritual consciousness growing in Hollywood today. A very hip, enlightening journey for anyone who truly loves movies and making them." -- Katie Torpey, screenwriter, The Perfect Man, Truth About Kerry