Named talent

Belief Pictures

Belief Pictures

Active member
Hey,

I have a named actor who is interested in reading my script. She is looking for a very specific type of role and script. Depending on the level of interest what kind of compensation do you think they'd be wanting to secure for themselves?

Chris
 
Belief Pictures said:
Hey,

I have a named actor who is interested in reading my script. She is looking for a very specific type of role and script. Depending on the level of interest what kind of compensation do you think they'd be wanting to secure for themselves?

Chris
Click to expand...

Have you been in contact with her personally or have you contacted her agent or manager?

The agent or manager should be able to give you her quote, unless they want you to give them an offer first.

Is the movie financed allready, or do you hope to get pre-sales or investments with the help of this name?

Would you mind telling us who the actress is?

Also what genre is the script and what is your budget going to be?
 
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I am in contact with this actress over Twitter. The project is not financed as of yet. If I can get her to agree to be attached say for a year or so I think we could attract an investor.
 
I dont know what kind of budget range you are trying to work under, but a good place to start (if you think it is feasible based off of your plan to obtain financing) is to put together an offer of SAG-AFTRA minimum plus 50%. That's at least a good 'jumping off point'. I worked talent management (on the music side) for a while, and I can tell you, that if you request a quote, her agent is going to throw you a number that is probably ten times higher than you could afford to pay her. They are agents, that's their job. If you send a reasonable and respectable offer her way, than you have at least initiated a negotiating point, and also given her representation a clue of what you're capable of. Of course, I would hold of on talking anything financial until the talent expresses legitimate interest in the script. Passion and interest are the biggest sellers. If she likes the project, and is something she would truly like to do, than compensation is nearly a technicality. Actors have often accepted significantly less money than their usual quotes for projects that they are really interested in...so, sell her on the project first, then worry about an offer.
Also...Im sure that she is aware that this is an independent film project, and being so, is obviously going to be tightly budgeted. Don't be afraid to offer a good bit of "Back End Points" (residual) to help sweeten the deal. Also, you could throw her a producers credit, and other additional 'bonuses', if you will, that will help make up for what you can't cover out of pocket.

Good luck with the film!
 
NBside said:
I dont know what kind of budget range you are trying to work under, but a good place to start (if you think it is feasible based off of your plan to obtain financing) is to put together an offer of SAG-AFTRA minimum plus 50%. That's at least a good 'jumping off point'. I worked talent management (on the music side) for a while, and I can tell you, that if you request a quote, her agent is going to throw you a number that is probably ten times higher than you could afford to pay her. They are agents, that's their job. If you send a reasonable and respectable offer her way, than you have at least initiated a negotiating point, and also given her representation a clue of what you're capable of. Of course, I would hold of on talking anything financial until the talent expresses legitimate interest in the script. Passion and interest are the biggest sellers. If she likes the project, and is something she would truly like to do, than compensation is nearly a technicality. Actors have often accepted significantly less money than their usual quotes for projects that they are really interested in...so, sell her on the project first, then worry about an offer.
Also...Im sure that she is aware that this is an independent film project, and being so, is obviously going to be tightly budgeted. Don't be afraid to offer a good bit of "Back End Points" (residual) to help sweeten the deal. Also, you could throw her a producers credit, and other additional 'bonuses', if you will, that will help make up for what you can't cover out of pocket.

Good luck with the film!
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Thanks for your help! It was really helpful actually. I agree for her it will be the selling point.. the script!
 
No problem! I hope that it all works out! But absolutely...selling the script is fundamental. Also, always remember that passion is transferable. The more passionately you speak of the script, her role, and how great she is for the part (without sounding like a kiss a$$ that is lol), the more excited you will make your future star. Again, assuming that she has a genuine interest in the project.

Let us know how it goes!
 
Hey! I'll let you know how it goes. I think I can sell the idea to her. She is a Christian and wants to do a 'Soul Surfer' type role. That's my selling point. Do you think I'll be able to attract investors if I have a named actress?
 
Good luck to you, I hope it works out.

To be honest, having even an A-List named actor attached to a film doesnt guarantee it will get financed. Even in the major Hollywood system, there are many films that have multiple named actors, directors, and etc attached that still dont get financed and produced. There are a million variables involved, and like I said....it all comes down to risk vs. reward.

What type of people are you looking to for investment? Family friends, local business owners, investment companies, established film producers, and so on...?

Your best chance at getting your film financed is to ensure that everything involved in your project is in perfect order.

Your script needs to be solid... not good, not even great...but damned near magical lol Your script is the basis for your entire business plan. Your production is the business, and your script is the product, and your product has to be 100% if you intend on anyone buying it.

Secondly, make sure that your packet is complete, detailed, and well thought out. You should have solid information about your film, your intentions, your budget, your marketing plan, your distribution plan, and etc. The more detail, research, and information that you can put together into a good looking packet, the better. One of my partners is an independent producer who finances major Hollywood films. When I put my first investment packet together a few years back, he gave me a packet for a major film to reference. The packet was over 175 pages, and contained more detailed information than you could imagine. Not only did it contain their business plan for the film, but copies of every related document pertaining to the film... Contract and letters of intent from their named talent, product placement agreements, biographies of every major crew member, detailed financial reports for a dozen similar films, a completely itemized production budget, mock ups of promotional and marketing materials, copies of communications between relevant individuals, and etc. You would not believe the level of detail.
That being said, you definitely dont have to go to that extent...lol BUT...my point is, the more detailed information and accurate plan that you can put together, the better your chances. Also make sure that you put together the most flashy and good looking showreel of your work possible. Your investors are going to want to see what you can do.

But, like Ive said before...it all comes down to risk vs reward. Your investors are going to want to know when they can see a return on their investment, and how that is going to happen. If you can prove your case, than you should have a good chance if everything else is in order.
 
I'm not looking for guarantees. There are none in this business. I am looking at stepping things up a notch and going in a different direction as least with the casting. I'm moving away from no budget indies. Inexperienced theatre actors who cannot really act. If I can sell people on this it will work. Script is great. It's wonderful in fact. Commercially viable. I know it will work!

Thanks everyone for your tips and advice! I'll let you know how it goes.

Chris
 
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