casting for silent film

[Stephen Michael]

My friend is writing and directing a short silent film/music video (either/or, really) I will be DPing/Producing. We are in the process of casting actors at this point, but he and I were both wondering what the best way of casting for a silent film is. I suggested that, based on their headshot, we sit down with them and have a cup of coffee or something in order to get to know them and see if they make any connections with the part, while also having a camera on them to see if they're camera-friendly. Not sure if this is the best way or not, but it's the only idea I had. What do you guys think?

 

[ZazaCast]

If he looks like this...run....run away!

 

[clang]

The obvious additional issue for a silent film is whether they can express the required emotions without their voice being audible (although the audience may still see them speaking). You need to know what acting style you're looking for - anything from traditional early 20th Century silent film (which to modern eyes often looks cheesily overdramatic but may suit your film perfectly), to very naturalistic (which requires better acting than usual, and not all actors can do it).

I strongly recommend that you shoot any audition video footagewith the sound off - that will remove any unwanted accidental reactions (good or bad) to their voices when you're reviewing them later.

 

[jghenderson]

I would highly suggest doing improv with them (maybe even ask them to pantomime a few situations). Since the entire film will have to be told with their body language and facial expressions, it's very important to see that their body can come alive.

Also if possible find someone with a very interesting and dramatic face. Little anecdote: Jean Dujardin, the Oscar winning actor from The Artist, once relayed in an interview his experiences when he was first getting into film acting. Almost everyone he went to said he had no future, because his face was TOO dramatic. His eyebrows, his nose, everything about his face is full of expression. Well in a way they were right, perhaps he wouldn't be good for certain very serious roles, but he has found his place, and does it better than anyone in the world right now. The point being, don't treat it like a normal audition. There are other things you are looking for.

 

[David W. Richardson]

Don't audition "over a cup of coffee". This is a real film. Hold real auditions.

Have them perform sides taken straight from your script. See how they do. See if they take direction well. Evaluate them on how well they portray the character and the emotion of the scene.

In short, treat it like any other film audition.

 

[David W. Richardson]

Oh, and don't make even preliminary casting decisions based on headshots. I'd rather have a plain looking actor who can blow an audience away with his acting, than a gorgeous actor whose acting is just average.

Open casting calls are a great way to find hidden diamonds -- and they may be people you would have never thought of for that role. Give them a chance to show you a new interpretation.