Scoring a name actor for a cameo one day shoot?

[Azmyth]

Whats the best way to go about it, and are there many that do?
Of course this would be paid, but it IS low budget...

Its a horror film, so I was trying to look at people who are big in that genre.

[Cassius]

If they're a big name they won't do it just because you pay them. Big names take a risk with the project, if it sucks they look bad. And they have plenty to do with their days, so the project had better be awesome. If it is, a b-movie actor might well be up for it.

[Azmyth]

well when I said "name" I don't mean denzel washington or Julia Roberts. I mean someone attainable that would actually DO something like this.

I'm a huge fan of this one horror actress, who has been in dozens and dozens of low budget horror, and is most known for her stuff for Troma. I contacted her agent to see if she's available.

[Cassius]

That's what I figured, but some people expect otherwise. So I needed to be sure. Someone who works with Troma is more likely, not just because of the genre. From what I understand the company has a culture that is really supportive of similarly minded filmmakers on a budget, and I'd guess an actress who spends enough time with them would catch some of that attitude.

As for best way to do it, the only way is to contact the agency like you already have. Proper channels matter. Make sure you have all of your papers in order to look fully prepared and to make what you're asking seem as easy as it should be.

[Barry_Green]

You could always just contact an agency and say "I've got five grand for someone for a one-day shoot in a micro-budget horror film. Who do you have who will do it?"

Then let them throw out some names. You might get nothing, or you might get surprised.

[Azmyth]

Thats not a bad Idea either Barry.

[Starshine Video]

I was Camera Op on a low budget shoot a few years ago that scored Linnea Quigley for a day. Now many people might not know her but if you are into horror I bet you do. Anyhoot the producer for that film simply called up her agent and inquired about availability, sent the script and waited.

[stan harrington]

Names will work for no budget and low budget films but you have to offer them something worthwhile if there is little or no cash...If it is a cameo, or you label it so, you shoot yourself in the foot because it reeks of do something for me...if its a great role or offers something that they haven't done before they will do it...not all, but some...its about content and the approach.

I'm talking from experience for those not familiar with me. I do it regularily and my documentary "So You Want Michael Madsen?" is about exactly that.

Good Luck and don't lose hope!

[DadinWestchester]

It would help if you worked with someone in the past and built a relationship. My son is working the people on his current film for when he becomes a director.... Several have said they will talk to him when he gets there.

[lambert]

Listen to Stan, its almost never about the money with name actors at low budget levels. Many would be filmakers approach actors as fans instead of as peers. All the directors I know want to work with great actors and if they happen to be stars, fine. Not the other way around.

[RockmanX3]

I was Camera Op on a low budget shoot a few years ago that scored Linnea Quigley for a day. Now many people might not know her but if you are into horror I bet you do. Anyhoot the producer for that film simply called up her agent and inquired about availability, sent the script and waited.

I'm a Rick Sloane fan, so I definitely know who she is.

I always thought you had to be a big studio to get real "name" actors.

[JonathanLB]

We have a casting director who is helping us out a bit (sort of a cross-project situation, the production company has her hired for another project) and I definitely want to be able to score some names for a few of my roles that can shot out fairly quickly. They are good roles, they are not cameos, so that's kind of tough too. I mean our pay is minimum, sure if it's the right person we may be able to pay a little bit but basically we need people who are free for 2-4 days and think it would be a fun opportunity. It's a good script, these producers have done a lot of bigger projects, they have the connections, so we're hoping to get a few.

For me, it's very important. I want to make sure that we get a few people who are somewhat names or who at least add some sort of marketable factor to the film. I'm spending too much money not to have that. It's one thing to make a $30,000 or $50,000 film and have no names at all, because you aren't spending much and you may want to put it all into making the best film you can. But if you're going to be spending anywhere upwards of let's say $100,000 or whatever, you probably want to see if you can secure a name or two even if it is just for a day.

[Nathyn]

Find out what Laurene Landon is doing right now. I'm sure she'd be down for something like this. Also try some of the bigger scream queens like Debbie Rochon. She's on Facebook and very approachable and so is April (Chainsaw Sally) Burril. Monique Depree is there too. And if you get one, they can direct you to others because they all know each other. And they're inexpensive enough to shoot with for a few days.

Another thing to do is go on LA Casting (http://www.lacasting.com) and basically say what you're looking for. List the role and say you want a known actor to shoot two days (always add an extra day) for $5000. You're going to have to pay airfare and room and board mind you. They'll give you their IMDB which should list everything they've been in. (At least the things they've been in that make them "name" actors). Apparently word travels fast in the dessert, particularly if the price tag is $1000 or more for a day, trust me. Believe it or not, even Craigslist is useful at that rate. Remember, the economy is piss poor, take advantage of it. Somebody wants the gig.

-Nate

[Azmyth]

Thanks Nathyn.

I emailed the agent of one of the actresses I wanted. www.screamshepis.com and to my surprise she personally emailed me back, and even went on to say that she loved movies with similar plots and used to live in GA for a spell. Her rate is 1500.00 a day, not including accomodations and airfare.

[Nathyn]

Thanks Nathyn.

I emailed the agent of one of the actresses I wanted. www.screamshepis.com and to my surprise she personally emailed me back, and even went on to say that she loved movies with similar plots and used to live in GA for a spell. Her rate is 1500.00 a day, not including accomodations and airfare.

If she's worth it, good work.

-Nate

[Azmyth]

I added debbie rochon as well. She'd be great to have too.. I bet she's more expensive than 1500 a day though.

[Nathyn]

Debbie will work with you, she's a sweetie. Tell her your situation and make her an offer and see what she says. Tell her I sent you her way.

-Nate