Where/How should I hold auditions?

[Denialorcoped]

I'm making my first short film. I posted a craigslist ad and, to my surprise, got 15 people wanting to audition. I don't have a crew or anything, just me and the camera. Where should I have these people audition, in my apartment???

 

[4100xpb]

You need to be careful doing it at a house/apartment - this can give a 'creepy' vibe to the audition, depending on what you're doing, which may turn some actors off. Check out some of the public buildings around town. Libraries often have rooms available for free or cheap.

For my westfest entry, I rented a room at a community centre for a reasonable price. If you're going that route though, check it out beforehand - I booked the room blind and ended up with a pickup basketball game on one side of me, and a birthday party on the other. It still worked out, but it wasn't ideal.

 

[kiyong]

congrats on starting the process of making your first short! i would agree with the last post and say not to have auditions in your home. i would suggest having at least one other person with you during the auditions. they can help you film it while you watch the actors, or they can read with the actors. they'll also give you another set of eyes in evaluating their performances.

for a space, try looking on craigslist under housing > office / commercial. do a search for "audition". good luck!

 

[Denialorcoped]

I'm trying to reserve a conference room at my work during the weekend; I think that will be perfect! This is really exciting, I can't believe so many people have asked to be in it. Craigslist rules! But, at the same time, making your first short can seem daunting...

 

[Homunculus]

well just be careful. quantity does not equal quality. craigslist is cool but from my experience out of those 15 only 1 or 2 might be useable...if you're lucky.

 

[jmoschner]

In the past we have used hotel conference rooms, libraries, and local stage/movie theaters.

I highly advise against your home. Not only is it kinds creepy, but you do not want people knowing where you live. There are more than a few crazy people out there.

 

[No Handle]

I'm making my first short film. I posted a craigslist ad and, to my surprise, got 15 people wanting to audition.

I pretty much did the same thing earlier this year, first short, craigslist, 30 or 40 responses. For me, I decided to go the inefficient route. Since I had the script mostly finished, I had a very good idea of the 'look' of the actors I was thinking of. Based on this superficial filter, I immediately ruled out 75% of the respondents, sent each an individually written thank you and tried to explain honestly why they didn't fit the role as I imagined it.

Since I have a lot of time on my hands and very little common sense (never tried to cast anyone for anything before), I decided I'd meet with each person individually. Emailed back and forth with about 10 of them to set up a series of informal one on one meetings in public places like coffee shops and bars. Then I handed them the script and let them read it while I went out for about ten minutes. Didn't have any of them read a line or anything, just talked a bit more about the project and tried to get a sense of whether 'they got' what I was trying to do, and whether they were the type of person I could work with.

This process worked great and was the least intimidating way I could imagine doing it on my own with no reputation and very little in the way of a reel. I wouldn't recommend such a time consuming method to most people, but your situation sounds kind of similar. Thought I'd mention what worked for me.

 

[Homunculus]

I pretty much did the same thing earlier this year, first short, craigslist, 30 or 40 responses. For me, I decided to go the inefficient route. Since I had the script mostly finished, I had a very good idea of the 'look' of the actors I was thinking of. Based on this superficial filter, I immediately ruled out 75% of the respondents, sent each an individually written thank you and tried to explain honestly why they didn't fit the role as I imagined it.

Since I have a lot of time on my hands and very little common sense (never tried to cast anyone for anything before), I decided I'd meet with each person individually. Emailed back and forth with about 10 of them to set up a series of informal one on one meetings in public places like coffee shops and bars. Then I handed them the script and let them read it while I went out for about ten minutes. Didn't have any of them read a line or anything, just talked a bit more about the project and tried to get a sense of whether 'they got' what I was trying to do, and whether they were the type of person I could work with.

This process worked great and was the least intimidating way I could imagine doing it on my own with no reputation and very little in the way of a reel. I wouldn't recommend such a time consuming method to most people, but your situation sounds kind of similar. Thought I'd mention what worked for me.

that sounds pretty good though you really don't have to send a personalized email to everyone that responds. Just do a mass BCC email and thank them all together

 

[Belief Pictures]

You need to be careful doing it at a house/apartment - this can give a 'creepy' vibe to the audition, depending on what you're doing, which may turn some actors off. Check out some of the public buildings around town. Libraries often have rooms available for free or cheap.

For my westfest entry, I rented a room at a community centre for a reasonable price. If you're going that route though, check it out beforehand - I booked the room blind and ended up with a pickup basketball game on one side of me, and a birthday party on the other. It still worked out, but it wasn't ideal.

This is especially true if you have young actress, teenagers or children. Protect yourself and your reputation.

 

[No Handle]

that sounds pretty good though you really don't have to send a personalized email to everyone that responds. Just do a mass BCC email and thank them all together

Yeah, I know. I did it individually for each because I am new to this and have no contacts in my area. Writing to each as individuals was a good way to break the ice for asking if they mind me holding onto their emails/headshots in case a more appropriate role came along in the future. All said sure, so as a result of that, I got a list of 25 actors I can call up if I every have an idea worth making around here. Took a little extra time, but was a respectful way to go about asking what might otherwise be an awkward question.