Hiring actors

Ewan L

Ewan L

Active member
Here's my situation:

I'm 14 years old and looking for actors for my upcoming feature and some shorts. I've heard that there's loads of people around my age at drama groups looking to feature in some movies, whether they be big or small. I was just wondering the best way to go about this? Do I phone the theater group up? Also, is there any legal documents or anything like that that have to be filled?

Thanks!
 
Give them a call, arrange for an audition. Get them to announce it, post it up on announcement boards, etc. Write up some character breakdowns for the actors, get them (or their parents, if under 18) to sign a release form (google it), set up your camera and get each actor to audition in a separate room from the group. You can also get the actors to work off of each other - that usually works well for them, and it's speedy. You can get them to act from your actual screenplay (provide the scenes) or you could craft some scenes specifically for the audition (works well for single auditions, and can be crafted to identify certain actors strengths and weaknesses). Make sure you get them to fill in their contact details and then make your choice. You can hold callbacks if you like.

Also, your title suggests that you want to pay them - "hiring". Many actors in drama groups and such will act purely for fun and experience. No need to pay them.
 
With drama groups, so much depends on if they like you - so rather than letters and emails and phone calls, go to them on their rehearsing/group night and explain in person. Then, if they like the idea - they'll be in. If they don't like you, they can be very unreliable.
 
Do they have drama class at your school? I would start there. You might even be able to get the drama teacher help you with auditions and rehersals etc. Aproach the teacher in person first and they might be able to make some recommendations.

Good luck!!!
 
Yeah, personal connections always help. If you know actors in the groups or actual teachers then you'll be a step above.
 
I'm not sure about my school. They have a drama group but I don't think the standards are that good to be honest.
 
Ewan L said:
I'm not sure about my school. They have a drama group but I don't think the standards are that good to be honest.
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Generally, when it comes to drama groups and even drama students in university, don't set your expectations too high. Once in a while you might find a gem, but most of the time many of these guys are just in it for the fun and don't really have much acting talent (university included).
 
kylevant said:
Generally, when it comes to drama groups and even drama students in university, don't set your expectations too high. Once in a while you might find a gem, but most of the time many of these guys are just in it for the fun and don't really have much acting talent (university included).
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I'll check some of the ones in my local town. I've seen some in theater plays before and the standards a lot better.
 
Phone / email them. Put ads in your local paper. Even within your school there will be keen participants as it's very trendy. Very little paperwork will be required, maybe just release forms. But it depends on what you're doing. Good luck.
 
Carla said:
Phone / email them. Put ads in your local paper. Even within your school there will be keen participants as it's very trendy. Very little paperwork will be required, maybe just release forms. But it depends on what you're doing. Good luck.
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Ok, thanks. Hopefully the ads don't cost too much in the newspapers.
 
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