getting actors

L

LloydC

Veteran
I need to start getting full fledged committed actors instead of using my friends. My buds aren't serious about it and takes forever to get a half decent performance out of them

so... I'm wondering where I can get started in trying to get some actors for up coming projects. I tried going through the theatre program at school, but after 3 times going back, I still haven't gotten a call from the office (I plan on going back every week to ask :))

How did you guys get actors for your projects? mainly actors you've never met before.

Also, how do you get respect when you're probably going to be 2,3,4+ years younger than the actors?
 
Re: getting actors

[quote author=LloydC link=board=Offtopic;num=1106631218;start=0#0 date=01/24/05 at 21:33:38]
How did you guys get actors for your projects? mainly actors you've never met before. [/quote]

Auditions. That's how I got mine. Or I know a friend that knows a friend that wants to act.

Also, how do you get respect when you're probably going to be 2,3,4+ years younger than the actors?
Click to expand...

If you give repsect, you'll get respect. :)
 
Re: getting actors

I don't kow if this will help...But years ago I used to work in restaurants in the downtown core (the chains like Old Spagetti Factory and Organ Grinder and such) I never ran in to so many actors and musicians in my life. And the reason I don't mention which downtown core is because I lived in many and the situation was always the same. It wasn't like that in the subburbs, they were mostly students in universities and the like. Just came to my mind. So maybe you might want to try hangin at some of those restaurant holding lounges for a couple of beers and put your ears up.
 
Re: getting actors

[quote author=BLUESPIDER link=board=Offtopic;num=1106631218;start=0#1 date=01/24/05 at 21:40:15]

If you give repsect, you'll get respect.  :)
[/quote]

Failing that, cash. ;)
 
Re: getting actors

[quote author=LloydC link=board=Offtopic;num=1106631218;start=0#4 date=01/24/05 at 21:42:58]did you post classifieds somewhere Spider? [/quote]

I just make flyers and post them at schools, college campuses, resturants, or just anywhere that is populated.

classified adds will also work. Becareful, the freaks will show up.
 
Re: getting actors

[quote author=pookie link=board=Offtopic;num=1106631218;start=0#3 date=01/24/05 at 21:42:53]

Failing that, cash. ;)
[/quote]

Pookie, I have nothing but respect for you. You're a certified steadycam operator for crying out loud. ;)

Like I said, if you give respect, you'll get respect.
 
Re: getting actors

I had a bit of luck in my case when we were "casting" my short film...

I mined the great resource of theatre students at my university... if you know of a school around you or near you that has a theatre program... ask to post some flyers etc...

Students wanting to become film actors will most likely work for free.. just for the experience....

If you go this route you run into the free vs paid... ie... how far can I push my actors for performance.. a fine line I say...

my 2 cents
 
Re: getting actors

I had done a google search in my area a year or so ago. Something like "actors denver" or some such combination. It linked me to 2 websites of local actors/filmmakers/screenwriters. I posted a casting call on those sites and had more actors respond than I could audition. SInce then, I have a constant flow of new (as well as the original) performers to work with. The great thing about that (versus universities) is that you do get older performers. Casting age appropriate actors might seem obvious, but I've seen people miss that boat. A 24 year old playing the father of a 22 year old doesn't help suspend that necessary disbelief.

As far as age/respect, it's never been a problem. Actors show up because they want to act. They know that some of the people they work with are going to be younger and older, with varying degrees of experience. I agree with pooh that if you give it, you will probably get it. Conduct yourself in a professional manner, without pretending that you are something you aren't. You'll find that everybody is pretty much in the same boat.
 
Re: getting actors

I never had a committment problem with actors whom I cast through an audition. All of them were very serious. I have had problems however with actors who I cast because they were friends.

Actually, an actor's committment was typically the least of my problems in making a film. Now getting a decent performance, that was a different matter.
 
Re: getting actors

Take an acting class.
Thats what I am doing right now, and I have already meet a bunch of people who are willing to act in any upcoming productions I have. It's a cool way to meet other actors and learn a thing or two about acting yourself
 
Re: getting actors

Yes, the added benefit to that truly is understanding the craft better. It can't help but make you a more effective director.
 
Re: getting actors

Also, I'm not sure if you have a local listing website such as craigslist.com or mandy.com . Alot of people submit to ads looking for talent. Like Jim said, Google it a bit and see whatcha come up with.
 
Re: getting actors

hmm.. I like the acting class idea... I'll definately do that next semester

thanks for the input guys!
 
Re: getting actors

If you're doing low-budget, low-paying stuff, I've had great success going directly to private acting coaches and asking them for recommendations. I've found some incredibly talented actors this way. The acting coach loves it because I'm able to get their students real jobs on a real set, while the coach understands that I understand that these are students so I will be helping them "learn the ropes" before they get tossed into the competitive fire of competing for a job, and working for someone who doesn't know or care that they're students. (and by students, I don't mean young, these are people who are studying to be actors, so they're all different age ranges, etc).

These students are usually very grateful to have the chance to work on something/anything, and will show up on time and work hard. And I get to report back to the acting coach about how the student did, so s/he can refine their methods and give better instruction, etc. And sometimes it pays off for the student as well, one of the hosts of the DVX DVD was someone I met through an acting coach.

Talent agents are another good place to go, IF you can strike up a personal relationship with the agent and they understand what you're doing, and if you're good. I've gotten some very talented actors through agents who understand that it's a low-pay ($40/day) gig or something, where the agents do the same thing the acting coaches do: send promising but unproven actors, with the goal of getting the actor some experience on-set, and getting a report back of how the actor did. Plus I always always give the actor a copy for their reel, which helps the agent get the actor another job down the road. And sometimes we get lucky and the spot they're in gets nominated for a regional Emmy or something, and that looks *really good* on the actor's resume... so it's been a win-win.

Obviously I try to pay full rate and full agent commission whenever possible, but when it's not possible, using agents and acting coaches who understand the circumstances has yielded some pretty good results so far!
 
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