Can't seem to get started...

M

Microload

New member
[FONT=verdana,arial][SIZE=-1] Hey everyone. A little background:
I live in Southern California. I'm a senior in high school and will be going to college next year, working towards getting my MBA. This is my realistic goal, however filmmaking (more specifically writing) has been a passion of mine for some time now.

In the past 2 years I've written maybe 35-40 short screenplays, and have 11 of them which I am extremely proud of. 2 of them I feel can even be motion pictures. I would like to start making movies but can't seem to get started. I have a very limited budget, I work at a job everyday and now have enough money to buy a digital camera (used dvx100a). However, I don't have any actors to work with.

I am an only child, so no siblings to work with. Family members laugh at the prospect of me getting into this line and my parents strongly discourage it.

My friends are either unwilling, or can't act period. (I had a few that were willing to work with me, but they were horrible and couldn't even keep a straight face). What do I do here? I don't have enough money to hire actors.

[/SIZE][/FONT][FONT=verdana,arial][SIZE=-1]Is there a website that actors 'advertise' on? I checked craigslist but it was mostly 'want actors' ads.

(I tried googling it, but i just got agencies that did head shots...)[/SIZE][/FONT]
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Microload said:
...I checked craigslist but it was mostly 'want actors' ads.
Click to expand...

Did you try posting on Craigslist? "Actors wanted. Work for free. Will feed, etc."

(maybe not those exact words but you get what I mean)
 
You say your passion is specifially writing then why bother with actors and trying to make a short movie? Take the 2 ideas you are most proud of and write full lenght features. When you are finished those start another one. Writing and movie making are two very different careers. If you are capable of doing both that is great but if you dont have the funds or friends with funds to do the latter, the writing can be done for the cost of a pen and paper. Get your first script sold and produced and your family may change their perspective on your choice of career. Good luck!
 
Obviously your interest ranges beyond writing alone. you need to make contacts within your area outside your existing circle. Video clubs, drama clubs, school/college drama and performing arts courses, anywhere where you will get the opportunity to get together with aspiring directors, cinematographers, art directors, actors etc etc.
 
Find someone who is already an Indie producer who will do your script. Or check the local theater depts of universities, I've gotten great talent from there, and often for free. Advertise in the school's news paper. See if there's a local meet up group for actors and/or producers locally. What city are you in?
 
It's a shame that your family isn't supportive of your passion for filmmaking, but don't let that deter you from pursuing your goals.

Luckily, living in So Cal gives you access to countless aspiring actors, many of whom would be more than willing to act in a short or feature, often for free, as they try to build their resume and reel, and gain experience.

Some good places to start are:

www.actorsaccess.com

www.backstage.com


Craigslist isn't bad either. Also drama departments of high schools and colleges.


Best of luck in your filmmaking endeavors.
 
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