Getting Free Actors
- Thread starter Woodson
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Barry_Green
Moderator
Re: Getting Free Actors
You can get free actors all day long, but they may not be the best actors. Go to acting training schools, university and high school theater departments, put up notices on indieclub.com or various other casting boards. Tell them exactly what you're doing: making a short, no pay but food & copy. If you present yourself professionally, you'll get lots of actors to choose from. New actors need material for their reel, so they'll sign up. You should always feed 'em and if you can thrown 'em $10 to $20 to cover gas, that'd be nice.
Talent agencies are another source -- I've had them send actors my way who they think are really promising, but they really need some footage for their reel. Just make sure you keep their name/address and actually send 'em a copy when it's done.
You can get free actors all day long, but they may not be the best actors. Go to acting training schools, university and high school theater departments, put up notices on indieclub.com or various other casting boards. Tell them exactly what you're doing: making a short, no pay but food & copy. If you present yourself professionally, you'll get lots of actors to choose from. New actors need material for their reel, so they'll sign up. You should always feed 'em and if you can thrown 'em $10 to $20 to cover gas, that'd be nice.
Talent agencies are another source -- I've had them send actors my way who they think are really promising, but they really need some footage for their reel. Just make sure you keep their name/address and actually send 'em a copy when it's done.
Re: Getting Free Actors
You can get very good actors at no charge -- like you, we're working on our careers too. One of the problems that we actors have when working for free (which we frequently do, much to our agents' chagrine) is having to deal with numbskulls on the other side of the camera.
Let me offer these tips:
1. Be honest up front if there is no pay.
2. Treat actors with the same respect you treat the rest of your crew.
3. Be organized -- know what the hell you're doing. Just because you can afford that expensive video camera doesn't mean you know how to direct a movie. You don't want your time wasted with bad acting; don't waste a good actor's time by not having your act together.
4. Hold a casting session; this is good for you and the actors.
5. Be a good communicator -- this is important when dealing with actors and the rest of your crew. If you can't effectively articulate your desires, you're in the wrong business.
6. Follow Barry's advice and make sure you "pay" the actor with a copy of the project. It doesn't hurt to send a Thank You note to the actor's agent as well; agents can be immensely helpful to no-budget filmmakers if treated well.
I know that my posts sound defensive, but frankly I'm a little tired of the prevailing attitude that actors don't know or do anything. Our craft is hard too; and expensive to pursue (but almost all of our work is NOT seen by anybody but us and our coaches). I spent as much on classes, photos and other things last year as I did on my DVX100A.
We all have the same goal: to make great movies. We're here to help you, because helping you is in our best interest.
You can get very good actors at no charge -- like you, we're working on our careers too. One of the problems that we actors have when working for free (which we frequently do, much to our agents' chagrine) is having to deal with numbskulls on the other side of the camera.
Let me offer these tips:
1. Be honest up front if there is no pay.
2. Treat actors with the same respect you treat the rest of your crew.
3. Be organized -- know what the hell you're doing. Just because you can afford that expensive video camera doesn't mean you know how to direct a movie. You don't want your time wasted with bad acting; don't waste a good actor's time by not having your act together.
4. Hold a casting session; this is good for you and the actors.
5. Be a good communicator -- this is important when dealing with actors and the rest of your crew. If you can't effectively articulate your desires, you're in the wrong business.
6. Follow Barry's advice and make sure you "pay" the actor with a copy of the project. It doesn't hurt to send a Thank You note to the actor's agent as well; agents can be immensely helpful to no-budget filmmakers if treated well.
I know that my posts sound defensive, but frankly I'm a little tired of the prevailing attitude that actors don't know or do anything. Our craft is hard too; and expensive to pursue (but almost all of our work is NOT seen by anybody but us and our coaches). I spent as much on classes, photos and other things last year as I did on my DVX100A.
We all have the same goal: to make great movies. We're here to help you, because helping you is in our best interest.
Josh_Boelter
Well-known member
Re: Getting Free Actors
Don't worry about sounding defensive. It's important to have an actor's point of view in these discussions. I would hope that most directors realize that acting is a creaft and most of the actor's work is done before he/she arrives on set.
Don't worry about sounding defensive. It's important to have an actor's point of view in these discussions. I would hope that most directors realize that acting is a creaft and most of the actor's work is done before he/she arrives on set.
Barry_Green
Moderator
Re: Getting Free Actors
JonnyMac, your posts are always superb. You don't come off as defensive, you come across as informative. I hope all aspiring indie directors will read and understand what you say.
JonnyMac, your posts are always superb. You don't come off as defensive, you come across as informative. I hope all aspiring indie directors will read and understand what you say.
Woodson
Well-known member
Re: Getting Free Actors
Ya, catering is all I can afford for the actors, and ofcourse, a copy, credit, experience and fun!
Thank you JonnyMac, Actors perspectives are very important to me, great advice.
This is going to be my first short. Working with the actors is very important to me. If could I would definetly pay them. The money that I have is going for making the film, equipment rentals. My crew is working for free. I hope one day I will be able to pay my actors, they deserve every penny.
The best I can do is to have a great experience with them on the shoot, giving them credit and maybe getting them recognized at film festivals.
I posted a ad, and getting emails arleady. WOW, thought this would be harder. We'll see how the auditions go.
Ya, catering is all I can afford for the actors, and ofcourse, a copy, credit, experience and fun!
Thank you JonnyMac, Actors perspectives are very important to me, great advice.
This is going to be my first short. Working with the actors is very important to me. If could I would definetly pay them. The money that I have is going for making the film, equipment rentals. My crew is working for free. I hope one day I will be able to pay my actors, they deserve every penny.
The best I can do is to have a great experience with them on the shoot, giving them credit and maybe getting them recognized at film festivals.
I posted a ad, and getting emails arleady. WOW, thought this would be harder. We'll see how the auditions go.
Re: Getting Free Actors
You can visit our site for a project I'm working on to see how we're going about it. A radio station and newspaper are also providing "free" advertising.
www.radiomechanics.com
You can visit our site for a project I'm working on to see how we're going about it. A radio station and newspaper are also providing "free" advertising.
www.radiomechanics.com
Re: Getting Free Actors
FYI -- I recently posted a casting call on indieclub.com and got a near-immediate response. Could be a lot of factors involved with that, but it sure got someone's attention right away.
FYI -- I recently posted a casting call on indieclub.com and got a near-immediate response. Could be a lot of factors involved with that, but it sure got someone's attention right away.
Re: Getting Free Actors
[quote author=Woodson link=board=Directing;num=1087969706;start=0#6 date=06/23/04 at 11:56:14]Thank you JonnyMac, Actors perspectives are very important to me, great advice.
... If could I would definetly pay them. The money that I have is going for making the film, equipment rentals. [/quote]
You're welcome.
You know what? We understand that and are on your side; completely. We'd rather you spend the money you have to make a project look good and get seen (helping us) than get paid a pittance for a piece of work that goes nowhere. Again, we're all in the same game and filmmaking is a team sport.
Judith Weston's book may help you since this is your first time out as a director. As I stated in another post, if you also wrote the script, then you must be prepared to answer any question about the character (and his history and motivation) that an actor may ask; and trust me, if you get good actors, they will ask. Honestly, anybody can say lines, but to live truthfully -- and do it on demand take after take -- that takes an actor. ;D
I hope the project goes well for you and your cast and crew.
[quote author=Woodson link=board=Directing;num=1087969706;start=0#6 date=06/23/04 at 11:56:14]Thank you JonnyMac, Actors perspectives are very important to me, great advice.
... If could I would definetly pay them. The money that I have is going for making the film, equipment rentals. [/quote]
You're welcome.
You know what? We understand that and are on your side; completely. We'd rather you spend the money you have to make a project look good and get seen (helping us) than get paid a pittance for a piece of work that goes nowhere. Again, we're all in the same game and filmmaking is a team sport.
Judith Weston's book may help you since this is your first time out as a director. As I stated in another post, if you also wrote the script, then you must be prepared to answer any question about the character (and his history and motivation) that an actor may ask; and trust me, if you get good actors, they will ask. Honestly, anybody can say lines, but to live truthfully -- and do it on demand take after take -- that takes an actor. ;D
I hope the project goes well for you and your cast and crew.
Woodson
Well-known member
Re: Getting Free Actors
JonnyMac... thank you for the encouragement. Don't get that alot from people in my city, some people just discourage me, I wanted to start filmmaking between the ages 17-19, taking workshops at the film group and doing some shorts, but I was to weak and defeated by other people but now I'm stronger at age 23. Directing is my passion, and I'm going to do it no matter what anyone says.
Another question concerning auditions,
How do you guys do your auditions? What steps do you take?
Do the actors improv stuff for you, do they read your script?
And also for the actors, tell us about your experiences with auditions?
JonnyMac... thank you for the encouragement. Don't get that alot from people in my city, some people just discourage me, I wanted to start filmmaking between the ages 17-19, taking workshops at the film group and doing some shorts, but I was to weak and defeated by other people but now I'm stronger at age 23. Directing is my passion, and I'm going to do it no matter what anyone says.
Another question concerning auditions,
How do you guys do your auditions? What steps do you take?
Do the actors improv stuff for you, do they read your script?
And also for the actors, tell us about your experiences with auditions?
Josh_Boelter
Well-known member
Re: Getting Free Actors
There's also the deferred payment option. I'll be making my first feature later this year and also can't afford to pay my actors (though I will feed them and try to give them some money for gas). But I intend to include deferred payment in their agreements so that if by some miracle we get distribution and get money back, I'll be happy to pay everyone who helped out.
And JonnyMac, your posts are excellent. However, just thought I'd mention that every time I see your name on a post, I have flashbacks of John "Johnny Mac" McEnroe berating umpires and throwing tantrums on the tennis court!
There's also the deferred payment option. I'll be making my first feature later this year and also can't afford to pay my actors (though I will feed them and try to give them some money for gas). But I intend to include deferred payment in their agreements so that if by some miracle we get distribution and get money back, I'll be happy to pay everyone who helped out.
And JonnyMac, your posts are excellent. However, just thought I'd mention that every time I see your name on a post, I have flashbacks of John "Johnny Mac" McEnroe berating umpires and throwing tantrums on the tennis court!
Re: Getting Free Actors
Woodsen: I've only been acting professionally for five years, but in that short time I've seen every manner of audition. Since I also write and have directed a few projects, I'll offer these thoughts:
The process (it is a process, not a competition) is designed for everyone to succeed, so set-up your auditions for success. How? When you're looking to attract actors start with a proper break-down (of the characters in your script) that you can post or give to local talent agencies. My agent routinely forwards [proper] break-downs to her talent. Yes, you will sometimes get somebody who sees themselves in a part where you don't, but I really think this won't be the norm. When it does happen, the least stressful thing you can do is let them read and leave (I have done this).
Provide sides in advance, and if possible, background information that may affect the sides (for big leads, providing the whole script is very helpful for the actor, and therefore to you). Yes, this is work, but what you're trying to do is give the actor every bit of ammunition you can so that he/she can give you his/her best. Don't be seduced into thinking that you find the best actors by reading them "cold" (hire a newsreader if that's the skill you want). You certainly wouldn't expect a DP to shoot brilliant footage with a camera he's never seen, why should you expect brilliance from an actor who's never seen your script?
Be organized. Actors are used to waiting, but that doesn't make it right. When you're asking actors to work for no fee, you've really got to respect their time. That said, don't rush actors that are doing well and you want to see more from. If you get a golden actor, give them new sides and send them back to the waiting room to work on them. Trust me, you'll make that actor's day, and you won't be forcing them to read cold while others are waiting way past their scheduled audition time.
Improv? This can be tricky for new directors. Why? Well, if you ask actors to start improving, strong actors are simply going to improv everything if they don't like your script and you could lose control. You're hiring actors to act, not to rewrite your script. I've only gone "off book" once in an audition, and it was for a call-back where the script was written with a lot of planned inter-cutting between different locations, so a lot of my character's dialog was missing (it was never planned to be onscreen, so the cut-up material was tricky to audition). Since it was call-back and I'm a pretty good writer (I think), I wrote fill-in material to make my audition dialog flow more smoothly. When I got there they told me to feel free to add. Luckily, I had worked all that out in advance and it went very well. I just heard at lunch today that I'm one of the finalists for the part (Wish me luck, gang ;D). Save the improv stuff for when you have your cast together and are working -- that's when it will be valuable, because it can be a good tool for getting to the core of the scene. You may even adjust a scene based on the improvs.
After the audition is done, no matter how it went (good or bad), thank the actor for their time. For actors, no news is bad news, so you don't have to call to tell us we didn't get the part. When you do call the actors you've cast, be upbeat and confident and let them know you're looking forward to working with them. Be genuine, of course, I'm not talking about blowing smoke up anybody's skirt. Your enthusiasm (or lack thereof) will have an effect on your cast and crew, so why not start on a good note?
Make sure you keep the rest of us posted on your how your project proceeds. I'm sure that you sharing your experiences will help us all.
Woodsen: I've only been acting professionally for five years, but in that short time I've seen every manner of audition. Since I also write and have directed a few projects, I'll offer these thoughts:
The process (it is a process, not a competition) is designed for everyone to succeed, so set-up your auditions for success. How? When you're looking to attract actors start with a proper break-down (of the characters in your script) that you can post or give to local talent agencies. My agent routinely forwards [proper] break-downs to her talent. Yes, you will sometimes get somebody who sees themselves in a part where you don't, but I really think this won't be the norm. When it does happen, the least stressful thing you can do is let them read and leave (I have done this).
Provide sides in advance, and if possible, background information that may affect the sides (for big leads, providing the whole script is very helpful for the actor, and therefore to you). Yes, this is work, but what you're trying to do is give the actor every bit of ammunition you can so that he/she can give you his/her best. Don't be seduced into thinking that you find the best actors by reading them "cold" (hire a newsreader if that's the skill you want). You certainly wouldn't expect a DP to shoot brilliant footage with a camera he's never seen, why should you expect brilliance from an actor who's never seen your script?
Be organized. Actors are used to waiting, but that doesn't make it right. When you're asking actors to work for no fee, you've really got to respect their time. That said, don't rush actors that are doing well and you want to see more from. If you get a golden actor, give them new sides and send them back to the waiting room to work on them. Trust me, you'll make that actor's day, and you won't be forcing them to read cold while others are waiting way past their scheduled audition time.
Improv? This can be tricky for new directors. Why? Well, if you ask actors to start improving, strong actors are simply going to improv everything if they don't like your script and you could lose control. You're hiring actors to act, not to rewrite your script. I've only gone "off book" once in an audition, and it was for a call-back where the script was written with a lot of planned inter-cutting between different locations, so a lot of my character's dialog was missing (it was never planned to be onscreen, so the cut-up material was tricky to audition). Since it was call-back and I'm a pretty good writer (I think), I wrote fill-in material to make my audition dialog flow more smoothly. When I got there they told me to feel free to add. Luckily, I had worked all that out in advance and it went very well. I just heard at lunch today that I'm one of the finalists for the part (Wish me luck, gang ;D). Save the improv stuff for when you have your cast together and are working -- that's when it will be valuable, because it can be a good tool for getting to the core of the scene. You may even adjust a scene based on the improvs.
After the audition is done, no matter how it went (good or bad), thank the actor for their time. For actors, no news is bad news, so you don't have to call to tell us we didn't get the part. When you do call the actors you've cast, be upbeat and confident and let them know you're looking forward to working with them. Be genuine, of course, I'm not talking about blowing smoke up anybody's skirt. Your enthusiasm (or lack thereof) will have an effect on your cast and crew, so why not start on a good note?
Make sure you keep the rest of us posted on your how your project proceeds. I'm sure that you sharing your experiences will help us all.
Re: Getting Free Actors
[quote author=Josh_Boelter link=board=Directing;num=1087969706;start=0#11 date=06/24/04 at 04:51:14]And JonnyMac, your posts are excellent. However, just thought I'd mention that every time I see your name on a post, I have flashbacks of John "Johnny Mac" McEnroe berating umpires and throwing tantrums on the tennis court![/quote]
As an actor, I'm certainly "emotionally open" though I tend to save my outbursts for effect or for the camera.
I was given the nickname Jonny Mac by a guy at a local TV station, and it sounded so cheeky that I adopted it, completely forgetting that the moniker really belongs to John McEnroe. I hope he doesn't get angry and wrap a racket around my head....
[quote author=Josh_Boelter link=board=Directing;num=1087969706;start=0#11 date=06/24/04 at 04:51:14]And JonnyMac, your posts are excellent. However, just thought I'd mention that every time I see your name on a post, I have flashbacks of John "Johnny Mac" McEnroe berating umpires and throwing tantrums on the tennis court![/quote]
As an actor, I'm certainly "emotionally open" though I tend to save my outbursts for effect or for the camera.
I was given the nickname Jonny Mac by a guy at a local TV station, and it sounded so cheeky that I adopted it, completely forgetting that the moniker really belongs to John McEnroe. I hope he doesn't get angry and wrap a racket around my head....
Re: Getting Free Actors
McEnroe goes by "Jonny Smyth" these days . . .
McEnroe goes by "Jonny Smyth" these days . . .
Re: Getting Free Actors
For auditions, I can think of several tips:
A) Be organized.
B) Keep everything moving and try to keep on time.
C) Detail people to watch actors as they come in and have them fill out info forms, and not just accept resumes. You can ask for current contact info and, more importantly, for any conflicts with rehearsals and filming. These people can lead actors into and out of the audition.
D) In my auditions, I have them do a monologue (to see what they can do when they've prepared) and have them do a cold reading. I ALSO watch carefully and ask them to do that cold reading in a differentl way, in order to gauge how well they take to direction.
In general, you can find aspiring actors in many places. Many regions have online audition boards; certainly, the local papers will have auditions printed in them. And placing notices in the local college, community college and acting schools will also do the trick.
Pay is good, but when it's not possible, I would always try to feed them and give them a sample tape/film for their portfolio.
For auditions, I can think of several tips:
A) Be organized.
B) Keep everything moving and try to keep on time.
C) Detail people to watch actors as they come in and have them fill out info forms, and not just accept resumes. You can ask for current contact info and, more importantly, for any conflicts with rehearsals and filming. These people can lead actors into and out of the audition.
D) In my auditions, I have them do a monologue (to see what they can do when they've prepared) and have them do a cold reading. I ALSO watch carefully and ask them to do that cold reading in a differentl way, in order to gauge how well they take to direction.
In general, you can find aspiring actors in many places. Many regions have online audition boards; certainly, the local papers will have auditions printed in them. And placing notices in the local college, community college and acting schools will also do the trick.
Pay is good, but when it's not possible, I would always try to feed them and give them a sample tape/film for their portfolio.
Josh_Boelter
Well-known member
Re: Getting Free Actors
When you give the actors a video or DVD do you give them the complete film, or just their clips? Obviously you could compile their clips on a DVD long before editing and post production is finished on a feature.
When you give the actors a video or DVD do you give them the complete film, or just their clips? Obviously you could compile their clips on a DVD long before editing and post production is finished on a feature.
Re: Getting Free Actors
You should give you everybody that works for you a copy of the completed piece, and you will be a hit with actors if you can pull their clips and provide them separately. Most actors do not have their own edit systems (I only know two or three other actors in Dallas that also shoot and edit), so this would be doing them a very big favor. This may be a simple thing for you to do and an easy way for you to attract actors to your future projects.
You should give you everybody that works for you a copy of the completed piece, and you will be a hit with actors if you can pull their clips and provide them separately. Most actors do not have their own edit systems (I only know two or three other actors in Dallas that also shoot and edit), so this would be doing them a very big favor. This may be a simple thing for you to do and an easy way for you to attract actors to your future projects.
Josh_Boelter
Well-known member
Re: Getting Free Actors
Well, yeah, I'd give them a completed DVD when it's finished, but that might be several months after principal photography is finished. I was thinking I would quickly compile their own performances before editing the flick so that they could have the clips before the feature is finished.
Well, yeah, I'd give them a completed DVD when it's finished, but that might be several months after principal photography is finished. I was thinking I would quickly compile their own performances before editing the flick so that they could have the clips before the feature is finished.
Barry_Green
Moderator
Re: Getting Free Actors
If you did that, it would put you far ahead of most of the producers who use free actors. Give 'em both, that'd be very responsible of you...
If you did that, it would put you far ahead of most of the producers who use free actors. Give 'em both, that'd be very responsible of you...