What to pay an actor...

"$1000 isn't even $1000 for her, because her agent will want his cut, even though you dealt direct!" In the u.s. a legit agent takes 10% , a manager could be 15% (could be more) but many actors don't have managers.
Many times if its a sag shoot and scale its really scale plus ten (although this practice is changing and can no longer be counted on). I have to admit I didn't know either of these actors work.
 
Just as an actor I would say money isn't paramount, but I would like to see at least a sample of your work to get an idea that my reel would look like I was in a real production. I'd want to know that the audio and lighting was all going to be professional ..and of course the script would be key as well. If those variables were there, I think you could get good aspiring talent to work for free because afterall you are offering a significant value worth far more than $1,000 to them given that it looks and sounds pro. Actors need a good reel, period. Good headshots can easily run $500. The reel you provide is worth far more ...again, given that it looks professional. Show the talent your work. If it's good, I don't think money will be an issue.
 
Capel, in your avatar image, is that a XH-A1 that you're holding in your hand with a 35mm adapter?

I'm thinking of buying a XH-A1, I'm wondering what adapter that is that you're using with your camcorder?
 
I've made a few films, nothing great, but there are not many people that would take a 1-day shoot at $600. After you're done with travel (hours in the air and on the road back and forth) it is almost getting to the minimum wage catagory.She looks like she has plenty of work. A good dinner for 2 in NYC will run $600.

I have worked with several A and B list actors. Everyone expects the following: Limo to and from the airport EVERYWHERE. From their house to the airport and return at the end. Not a cab, a limo. Everyone wants two first class airline tickets because they all have a friend/lover/assistant. Sometimes you can get away with one first and one coach. Then they all want a suite, not a hotel room. Plus Per Diem in cash (usually $100-$200 a day) AND meals (usually Vegan or Vegetarian or something unusual like Kosher).

You gotta know, if she is a "Princess" of scream, she wants at least pay from the time she steps out her door, like a grand a day, for every day she's gone. That's if she likes you and thinks you have a great project. If she thinks you're a lost cause (no chance of distribution) you can expect a crazy money request.

But what do you have to lose.

Find her agent on IMDB, ask to talk to her. Tell the agent you will take her manager if you can't talk to her. Then tell them how talented you are and how this project will be something that she will be proud of because some of the money will go to PETA or babies with flies crawling on them. Then you got a chance. Offer her a producer credit, a story in the press, web site promotion. Anything that makes her feel like a big star. Gotta push buttons.

But then there's that 1st class airfare staring you in the face....round trip. Hey, maybe you can shoot it second unit as a cut-away on greenscreen and drop it in with a body double from the back...

She has to want to do you this favor or you can't afford her.

Crazy Dutch
 
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