Searching for Actors

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Sajc05

Active member
I'm shooting in a month, and i still haven't cast my lead actor. which is ok, it's a very short short that i'm planning to shoot in one day possibly two.

films i've done before i'm, lucky to know a good stage actor who's always willing to be in my films and get me in touch with his acting friends for other roles. but this role is a very specific 45 year old plus.

anyway, where do most of you go for actors? do you go to craigslist, mandy? i know it depends on the budget. but I'm offering some compensation and of course food and travel. is craigslist the best route.
 
Sajc

Where in the world/country are you? Is there a film school anywhere near by? Stage actors are wonderful (i trained there myself), but for film you need to find camera actors OR stage actors who know the difference in style and can make the transition.

Craigslist is one way to go but depending on your location, you might post at a College...or in a local 'rag mag' and a few other locations too. I don't know where you are!!
 
Sajc05 said:
anyway, where do most of you go for actors? do you go to craigslist, mandy? i know it depends on the budget. but I'm offering some compensation and of course food and travel. is craigslist the best route.
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As Michele asked, where are you? How you find actors is going to depend a lot on where you are as to what your acting assets may be.
 
If you're around the major markets Actors Access, NYCastings, LACasting are your best choices. Craigslist and Mandy are considered rank amateurs. It is also considered very dangerous to trust who you are dealing with on those sites. But if you are outside of the previously mentioned markets, (check out the websites) Craigslist and Mandy may be your only choice.
 
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DadinWestchester said:
If you're around the major markets Actors Access, NYCastings, LACasting are your best choices. Craigslist and Mandy are considered rank amateurs. It is also considered very dangerous to trust who you are dealing with on those sites. But if you are outside of the previously mentioned markets, (check out the websites) Craigslist and Mandy may be your only choice.
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ditto...Dad nailed it! especially the danger in using CL and Mandy if you do have the possibility of using the legit sources!
 
For actors, I wouldn't use Craig's List most likely, but that site is great for crew. I don't think it'd be fair to bash it for that, and tons of professionals search Craigslist, god knows why because most of the rates are awful, but that's how I found my various DPs, and while a few are in the newer ranks, they are still excellent, and my primary DP who I've worked with three times now is highly professional, shot 5 or so features, 60 shorts, I think 30 music videos, tons of commercials, he's been in the industry for more than ten years and has lots of great connections. He works constantly. So there are a lot of very professional people who check out Craigslist, at least in Los Angeles.

I just don't think actors look at it much. I fortunately have some acting connections now who could probably put me in touch with others, etc., so that's helpful at least.
 
i'm currently in nyc. I know there's a million actors in the city. but i just was wondering the best route to go about finding them here. I'm shooting a half hour outside the city. thanks for the suggestions. I've never been to NYCastings or nowcasting, but i'll check them out.
 
Sajc05 said:
I'm shooting in a month, and i still haven't cast my lead actor. which is ok, it's a very short short that i'm planning to shoot in one day possibly two.

films i've done before i'm, lucky to know a good stage actor who's always willing to be in my films and get me in touch with his acting friends for other roles. but this role is a very specific 45 year old plus.

anyway, where do most of you go for actors? do you go to craigslist, mandy? i know it depends on the budget. but I'm offering some compensation and of course food and travel. is craigslist the best route.
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lacasting.com
 
Even with a short-short, shot over the course of a day or two...a month seems really up-and-coming for not having your lead actor.

Don't know your budget and/or the "seriousness" of the project...but I've spent longer than than JUST on casting...for an eventual weekend shoot.

Don't mean to discourage or anything...but while the short-reply answers are correct (I have had success with Actors Access and NYCastings)...having been in a similar boat not too-too long ago...I'd suggest, if you can, slowing things down to assure yourself a shot at the best talent you can find.

Can probably provide a few more pointers, if you want...others probably could too...but if all you really need to know is what you asked...then I will shut up!
 
NYC?

Heck..place a small cheap add in the back of BackStage....more than theatre actors read it and some theatre actors do film too!
 
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