In other words ... if he's right for the character ?
Making Cast Look Older
- Thread starter Ki-Ki
- Start date
Kegan
Spam Assassin Mod
I thought we had established it's not only the looks but the behavior, voice (which is a big one), mannerisms etc? Sure it might be a great actor, but is the character a young 30 year old whose voice hasn't changed, whose still acts as if he was 18, etc? If so and the 18 year old fits the part...yes, then that could work. It's all really semantics now and I guess we each have our own opinions on the subject. Offering constructive advice to the OP is what we should be doing...
-Kegan
-Kegan
I agree. I just don't know what that constructive advice is other than don't do it.
Not being a wise ass. Really. I mean short of hiring a professional makeup person? Yeah some sttipling will help, the way they dress. Look at their hair cut now if it's really short on the bottom or buzzed or something let it grow into whatever a person of the age they are playing with the job they are playing would have. But short of hiring a professional makeup person their's not much more you can do and even then, for the reasons we've discussed, probably won't get you that far.
Not being a wise ass. Really. I mean short of hiring a professional makeup person? Yeah some sttipling will help, the way they dress. Look at their hair cut now if it's really short on the bottom or buzzed or something let it grow into whatever a person of the age they are playing with the job they are playing would have. But short of hiring a professional makeup person their's not much more you can do and even then, for the reasons we've discussed, probably won't get you that far.
filmguy123
Veteran
Ki-Ki, what kind of movie are you making, what is your budget, and what are your goals?
Some time back we were trying to make a serious action scene in a factory, and this milk factory said we could use their place. Well we later found out, we had to wear hair nets everywhere. So we adapted, and changed to a more goofy/slap-stick action scene.
Perhaps you may need to do something of that sort.
Some time back we were trying to make a serious action scene in a factory, and this milk factory said we could use their place. Well we later found out, we had to wear hair nets everywhere. So we adapted, and changed to a more goofy/slap-stick action scene.
Perhaps you may need to do something of that sort.
The easiest way to add production value to a no budget film is to cast appropriately. It doesn't cost you anything more than time and effort. That doesn't mean it is easy because nothing is easy when making films, but it is the easiest.
I can't imagine any 18 year old passing for 30. The maturity that happens over those years is uniform across the general population, much more so than say a 40 year old passing for 50 (which is still difficult). So many things change, the level of energy, speech pattern, skin. Having said that, there are things you can do to put a few years on the actor.
1) make sure the actor goes to a professional barber and gets an age appropriate hair cut. None of this shaggy hairstyle that seems to be popular again.
2) make sure the wardrobe is more conservative. A suit can put a few years on someone for instance. No skinny lapels and ties.
3) Don't cast someone who is thin, weight puts a few years on someone. If you are really lucky maybe the actor is going prematurely bald.
4) If the person has the ability to grow full facial hair, then have them go unshaven.
All of these together MAY get you early to mid 20's IMO but that also means you are dealing with someone who is also really talented. Often in indy filmmaking where you have to cast out of the range, that is not the case.
I would really hesitate to do heavy makeup in High Definition. Many times I have seen "professional" make up done and it is so obvious the actors are wearing it that it took me right out of the story. If you do apply makeup, make sure you turn the detail level down.
I can't imagine any 18 year old passing for 30. The maturity that happens over those years is uniform across the general population, much more so than say a 40 year old passing for 50 (which is still difficult). So many things change, the level of energy, speech pattern, skin. Having said that, there are things you can do to put a few years on the actor.
1) make sure the actor goes to a professional barber and gets an age appropriate hair cut. None of this shaggy hairstyle that seems to be popular again.
2) make sure the wardrobe is more conservative. A suit can put a few years on someone for instance. No skinny lapels and ties.
3) Don't cast someone who is thin, weight puts a few years on someone. If you are really lucky maybe the actor is going prematurely bald.
4) If the person has the ability to grow full facial hair, then have them go unshaven.
All of these together MAY get you early to mid 20's IMO but that also means you are dealing with someone who is also really talented. Often in indy filmmaking where you have to cast out of the range, that is not the case.
I would really hesitate to do heavy makeup in High Definition. Many times I have seen "professional" make up done and it is so obvious the actors are wearing it that it took me right out of the story. If you do apply makeup, make sure you turn the detail level down.
Last edited:
Ki-Ki
Veteran
Okay I was going to reply, but then seen that there was a hell of alot more feedback than I could have ever imagined. Thank's for everyones views and feedback, I think it's been one of the most interesting thread's I've seen in a long time. Alot of people have alot of various views, and I can't coomment on every post. Well I would, but by the time I'd get to the last I'd forget the first.
But before I really start replying, want to answer this first since it was the only post I think that had a Direct question back to me, may be wrong, but I need to answer it first anyway.
The Movie; A group of men have to infiltrate a building and secure certain 'hostages' before the threat goes red. If they don't they'll all die and a virus wont be contained.
The Budget; The i- sod it, I google translated it or something. At the moment I have;
$317.4956 - Don't..ask me to simplify that, I think it's - $317.50
With a further $99 coming in on monday, and another $99 a month from now, adding up to - 260 British Pound. So really at the end that will be the final budget, however that is in USA Dollars?
The Goals; To entertain someone. I also want to get a b@starding film out there for once and dig myself out of this god for saken hole that I'm in at the minute. I want to entertain people & enter Time-Fest basically. Making something that I can be proud of.
I'll go back to your other posts later, but I don't want to consider adaping the film into a comedy. I've done a few comedy's and they came out okay. I've always had more of a vision for Action / Drama and I'm not the only one to really say it. Even if this does turn out like a comedy and make people laugh when I'm done I'll have a clear mind. (Couldn't spell conciouns =] )
To Jack,
I really value your input and thoughts, more than you imagine. I look up to what you say in thread's alot and really do appreciate your views on things, without sounding like a complete suck up.
When I look at your original first post,
I would, but this is one of the more formal, proper films I've done. I've done a few of those crappy college video's where your parents think its cute and people 'rofl' online and tap you on the back, since comedy is the ultimate answer if your normally a young filmmaker [or horror].
But this is something I really want to get out of the shadow's and say this was my first film where I actually hauled ass.. even if it still present's itself shi*.
The basic concept is a 4 man team going into a structure. Think SWAT I guess. Main actor is aroudn 50, the next guy would be the 21 year old I'm trying to make look older. The others face would be mainly obscured due to what there wearing. One of the main reason's why I think it'd fit is because of costume design. Hence a post later you mentioned;
That's right, I'm not aiming for a miracle. Though it would be nice.. I wish the;
'The audience see what there meant to see, you show them a fake gun, they get the idea, they see a weapon.'
Would apply here.
They are friends, a couple of old school teachers and that's it. I don't have the luck, of casting anyone for a film. Hell I don't even have casting calls. Imagine the Scottish Isles, full of hills, water, grass for hundreds of miles. I'm pretty much that guy next to the sheep in the middle of the lake.
We're not completly film deprived here, hell no, far from it. Though when our town, city, village, country whatever the heck you want to call it comes to actually backing Independant / Amateur filmmakers your more screwed than Paris Hilton. I did numerous research on how I can find sponsors, car companies, internet, telephone companies as sponsors. Nothing.
Went on to find out how I could possible even find out about Grant's & Funding. Reality is no matter how hard you try, people arent interested, and there definitly arent interested unless you got experiance under your belt. We don't have Casting Calls, because no one's interested in being casted.
I get out the 'cell phone' ring around a few mates, ask them how there doing, then to shut up, and if they want to be in a film. I'll say I'll buy everyone a round in the pub, order some Domino's. Some say yes, some say f- off, but back on topic. We've tried the 'Spam the library' approach, the car washes, phone boxes, various things. Some people just don't care, and the ones that do have like no limb's and long hair, something that's always cocked up out of the very few. I'm not fussy, but I want it to go right to. I want a family feeling on set not an awkward yeah..stand there please feeling. I may not be Tom Cruise or J.J Ab's but I'm working with what I have to the best of my abilities.
I've casted an 18 year old because he's one of the only people whose interested and being a good mate. He can't act for sh!t, he's great with comedy, but drama / action no. Though we're working on it.
We are doing it for fun, but we're also doing it because we want to finally feel good about ourselves and stop saying we'll make something then wake up the following morning forgetting all about it. This was actually a 'Drama-Fest' plot that I'm re-writing to fit our resources for Time-fest.
I want that 50 Quid. >
I'll come back to a quote from you later.
To filmguy123
Your first post made me smile, thank's for the story.
By the way, I'm trying to make a 22 year old look 30
Think I misled people or they got confused, I'm not sure, anyway.
I'm not actually sure if i need to comment on your posts you came up with point's that didnt prompt me to reply, couldn't raise a comment against them. Thank's for your comment's and input. =)
To brianluce
I keep thinking your Bruce Lee.. don't ask, I really..have no idea, think it's the name. I'm like 'Oh Bruce Lee replied' I don't even know who he is, I know he's important somewhere I reconise the name, anyway. Sorry.
I admire your posts, your input. Your confidence is pushing me on to believe I can do something, so cheers on that.
I planned on writing detailed long comments on every users post, but I've got to turn the oven off before my ass catches fire & feed some people. So I just want to say;
Bosindy - Thank's, I love the barbershop idea, didn't think of that, really greatfull for your suggestions. =)
Kegan Sant - Cheers, I have no idea what to say to you though. Thank's for trying to steer the thread back on course. Came up with some cool points.
and if i've missed anyone else sod it really because i smell something burning
12quidkidinnit - loved your post, forgotten what the hell you said, but just seen your avat and remembered, thanks for whatever you said.
so just a general thanks all round for everyones views and input,
btw
Originally Posted by brianluce
Ummm it's actually been about 500 years since we've had a 15th century Samurai so that presents a small casting problem. ...
Really? No ... REALLY? I mean REALLY?
I lol'd.
sorry for spelling errors, probably are a few.
But before I really start replying, want to answer this first since it was the only post I think that had a Direct question back to me, may be wrong, but I need to answer it first anyway.
The Movie; A group of men have to infiltrate a building and secure certain 'hostages' before the threat goes red. If they don't they'll all die and a virus wont be contained.
The Budget; The i- sod it, I google translated it or something. At the moment I have;
$317.4956 - Don't..ask me to simplify that, I think it's - $317.50
With a further $99 coming in on monday, and another $99 a month from now, adding up to - 260 British Pound. So really at the end that will be the final budget, however that is in USA Dollars?
The Goals; To entertain someone. I also want to get a b@starding film out there for once and dig myself out of this god for saken hole that I'm in at the minute. I want to entertain people & enter Time-Fest basically. Making something that I can be proud of.
I'll go back to your other posts later, but I don't want to consider adaping the film into a comedy. I've done a few comedy's and they came out okay. I've always had more of a vision for Action / Drama and I'm not the only one to really say it. Even if this does turn out like a comedy and make people laugh when I'm done I'll have a clear mind. (Couldn't spell conciouns =] )
To Jack,
I really value your input and thoughts, more than you imagine. I look up to what you say in thread's alot and really do appreciate your views on things, without sounding like a complete suck up.
When I look at your original first post,
Not to beg the obvious ... but why not try to find people who are age appropriate for your roles or come up with an idea that is age appropriate for the actors you actually have access to.
Right now this will go one of two ways:
"Film is truth 24 times a second" [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Jean-Luc Godard[/FONT].
- Quote:
Originally Posted by filmguy123
... They didn't look any older, but they looked much more ridiculous. Not the effect we were going for...- It will look like a bunch of other amateur shorts where 18 year olds are trying to play 30 year olds and all the time and effort you will have put into it will be for something "cute" that doesn't really impress anyone but your parents.
If you were doing a stage play I'd say go for it. The audience is willing to suspend it's disbelief, that's part of the fun. But you cannot play "pretend" in cinema. If you do you will wind up with a "pretend movie".
So my advice, either slay the sacred cow and come up with a new idea appropriate for these actors ... or ... find actors appropriate for these roles.
Being 30 is not just about stipled sking. There's a different posture, voice, mannerisms, outlook on life that the actor can bring to the role and the camera will pick ALL of that up.
If your friends can pull of playing 30 in person, face to face, right next to someone sitting on couch, or a bench or standing on a crowded bus. Then maybe go for it. But I doubt that's the case.
I would, but this is one of the more formal, proper films I've done. I've done a few of those crappy college video's where your parents think its cute and people 'rofl' online and tap you on the back, since comedy is the ultimate answer if your normally a young filmmaker [or horror].
But this is something I really want to get out of the shadow's and say this was my first film where I actually hauled ass.. even if it still present's itself shi*.
The basic concept is a 4 man team going into a structure. Think SWAT I guess. Main actor is aroudn 50, the next guy would be the 21 year old I'm trying to make look older. The others face would be mainly obscured due to what there wearing. One of the main reason's why I think it'd fit is because of costume design. Hence a post later you mentioned;
That's right, I'm not aiming for a miracle. Though it would be nice.. I wish the;
'The audience see what there meant to see, you show them a fake gun, they get the idea, they see a weapon.'
Would apply here.
They are friends, a couple of old school teachers and that's it. I don't have the luck, of casting anyone for a film. Hell I don't even have casting calls. Imagine the Scottish Isles, full of hills, water, grass for hundreds of miles. I'm pretty much that guy next to the sheep in the middle of the lake.
We're not completly film deprived here, hell no, far from it. Though when our town, city, village, country whatever the heck you want to call it comes to actually backing Independant / Amateur filmmakers your more screwed than Paris Hilton. I did numerous research on how I can find sponsors, car companies, internet, telephone companies as sponsors. Nothing.
Went on to find out how I could possible even find out about Grant's & Funding. Reality is no matter how hard you try, people arent interested, and there definitly arent interested unless you got experiance under your belt. We don't have Casting Calls, because no one's interested in being casted.
I get out the 'cell phone' ring around a few mates, ask them how there doing, then to shut up, and if they want to be in a film. I'll say I'll buy everyone a round in the pub, order some Domino's. Some say yes, some say f- off, but back on topic. We've tried the 'Spam the library' approach, the car washes, phone boxes, various things. Some people just don't care, and the ones that do have like no limb's and long hair, something that's always cocked up out of the very few. I'm not fussy, but I want it to go right to. I want a family feeling on set not an awkward yeah..stand there please feeling. I may not be Tom Cruise or J.J Ab's but I'm working with what I have to the best of my abilities.
I've casted an 18 year old because he's one of the only people whose interested and being a good mate. He can't act for sh!t, he's great with comedy, but drama / action no. Though we're working on it.
We are doing it for fun, but we're also doing it because we want to finally feel good about ourselves and stop saying we'll make something then wake up the following morning forgetting all about it. This was actually a 'Drama-Fest' plot that I'm re-writing to fit our resources for Time-fest.
I want that 50 Quid. >
I'll come back to a quote from you later.
To filmguy123
Your first post made me smile, thank's for the story.
By the way, I'm trying to make a 22 year old look 30
Think I misled people or they got confused, I'm not sure, anyway.
I'm not actually sure if i need to comment on your posts you came up with point's that didnt prompt me to reply, couldn't raise a comment against them. Thank's for your comment's and input. =)
To brianluce
I keep thinking your Bruce Lee.. don't ask, I really..have no idea, think it's the name. I'm like 'Oh Bruce Lee replied' I don't even know who he is, I know he's important somewhere I reconise the name, anyway. Sorry.
I admire your posts, your input. Your confidence is pushing me on to believe I can do something, so cheers on that.
I planned on writing detailed long comments on every users post, but I've got to turn the oven off before my ass catches fire & feed some people. So I just want to say;
Bosindy - Thank's, I love the barbershop idea, didn't think of that, really greatfull for your suggestions. =)
Kegan Sant - Cheers, I have no idea what to say to you though. Thank's for trying to steer the thread back on course. Came up with some cool points.
and if i've missed anyone else sod it really because i smell something burning
12quidkidinnit - loved your post, forgotten what the hell you said, but just seen your avat and remembered, thanks for whatever you said.
so just a general thanks all round for everyones views and input,
btw
Originally Posted by brianluce
Ummm it's actually been about 500 years since we've had a 15th century Samurai so that presents a small casting problem. ...
Really? No ... REALLY? I mean REALLY?
I lol'd.
sorry for spelling errors, probably are a few.
Last edited:
filmguy123
Veteran
Sounds fun! The comedy idea I was referring to isn't so much "comedy" but more like, take it seriously, but not too seriously. Think Indiana Jones kind of humor in some ways, and/or a mix between Indiana Jones & Rush Hour. Just an idea. The benefit of that is, if you take the cool stuff seriously, but then throw in some stuff that is just a little over the top or goofy funny, people don't see things that don't come off as serious as you wanted as intentional and funny. And you still get to make the cool stuff cool.
Just an idea, though!
You could always consider modifying the script a bit. Why not make the 18 year old and 22 year old a few years younger; couldn't the 22 year old be 25, for example? Maybe it would mean some modifications to how they know each other or who they are, etc. but it might help suspend disbielf better and not have people discount it as amateurish (ppl will do this if they see someone obviously too young trying to play an adult role).
BUT, at the end of the day, make the coolest movie you can and good luck!!
Just an idea, though!
You could always consider modifying the script a bit. Why not make the 18 year old and 22 year old a few years younger; couldn't the 22 year old be 25, for example? Maybe it would mean some modifications to how they know each other or who they are, etc. but it might help suspend disbielf better and not have people discount it as amateurish (ppl will do this if they see someone obviously too young trying to play an adult role).
BUT, at the end of the day, make the coolest movie you can and good luck!!