Casting an A-list Actor

[IslandFilmmaker]

What would be a good rate to offer an A-list Actor for a one-day cameo appearance in an indie film? I was thinking $3,000 per day.

Also, once cast, would the production have to pay for the flight and hotel of both the actor and a manager or just the actor?

 

[starcentral]

Obviously I don't know the complete details of your project, or your status in the industry but I've "heard" that getting an A-list actor has very little to do with money, and more to do with relations, who you know, and quite frankly if you even manage to get your script in front of the actor, if its even something they would consider being in.

 

[keithlango]

Cameos are not an equitable exchange of value. What's in it for them? You (the unknown indy producer) stand to gain way more out of that deal than they do. You'll ride their name, etc. Meanwhile the actor takes on all kinds of reputational risk. If you aren't a known entity to the actor (either through experience, reputation or relationship) then they have no way of knowing if appearing in your film is a career liability or a benefit.

You can get a known actor to play a role (maybe not A list, but perhaps recognizable). The trick is to offer them a role that is interesting, artistically challenging for them. That's not a cameo- that's a multi-day part of a main-ish character. Maybe not your lead, but someone who shows up through out the story. This podcast touches on a LOT of super helpful info on how to go about getting a known actor in your film (among other things)...
http://www.filmspecific.com/public/...ndent-Films-Case-Study-With-Adam-Cultraro.cfm

An A-list actor is, by default, a SAG-AFTRA actor. Which means you'll be looking at becoming a SAG Signator and operating under the low-budget, modified low budget or ultra low budget agreements. In all three of those agreements (which you can download in PDF form from SAG's site) they stipulate pay, travel, lodging, etc requirements. From my reading the travel, lodging, food etc. is only applicable to the actual actor, not their entourage (whomever that may be). Now the actor may demand that you do that, but that would be an addendum/side deal, just as any adjustment to the day rate would be.

 

[hscully]

Keitlango has it right, I think. Great podcast, thanks for sharing that. To add a little bit, you can get a "face" but probably not a "name" actor. I call "face" actor someone where your audience will know they've seen him or her before but don't know their name. Name actors look for directors to work with and are highly insulated by their representation, from what I understand.

If you have the budget and you're really interested in getting high end talent, you can get a casting director. They know who can and will do your project. Otherwise, if you know people in the business who have worked with an actor you like, that's a big help. Any way you can be referred by someone they know, will increase the trust level to make it possible.

Most all working actors are SAG-AFTRA so you'll need to look into that. If it's a short, it's not a problem. SAG is really helpful with that. It gets much more involved with a feature length film.