Good call, Cheno.
As for paying talent, I agree - that's what I tell ALL of my clients.
However, this is just this side of a "student film," so paying someone isn't really an option. I plan on giving a copy of the project, though.

Have you tried any of the local collages? Perhaps something like UC Riverside's Department of Performing Arts might be where budding talent can be found that would be interested in doing work for the experience.

Doc
(A fellow flatlander from the IE)

Thanks Doc.
I've tried that only once before; contacting RCC, UCR and even RCP. It was strange the lack of response I got. I think, at the time, all I was looking to do was create a data base of folk who would work for "cable dollars" (that is, around $400/half day) and get local exposure and a copy for their demo. I thought I'd get flooded. But theachers made it difficult to get the info out to their class and staff. I haven't tried again since. But maybe now that I'm more "seasoned," I can work them a bit better.
Who knows.
Thanks much.

Hi Matthew,

Whenever you're casting low budget, it's important to remember these items.

(1) Professional talent (Those who manage to earn a significant portion of their income from performing) need to charge considerably more than you would expect in order to eek out a living, because work is so sporadic, and so much time and money is spent on their end of the casting process.

(2) There are quite a few good amateurs out there. Community theatres and colleges are a good place to look. Remember, though, that most amateurs have experience primarily with stage and other live venues, and haven't developed the skill sets which work with film or video.

(3) There are a few people who have a natural ability to act. These individuals, however, are extremely rare, and don't usually improve with experience (they may not need to). You will find these people in the most bizarre places and they usually never considered a career in showbiz. The key to working with them is not to make them self-conscious.

(4) You can get experienced actors, even celebrities, to work on a film for almost nothing. SAG has a category, called "Experimental", which allows low budget films to be produced with union talent for deferred pay. Most experienced actors don't expect to ever see their "deferred" pay, they’ll work on a project for other reasons. The SAG “experimental” category does have some strict requirements to protect performers, but going that route helps greatly to give your film established routes for distribution and success. I know one film produced this way, which ended up being sold to one of the cable networks, and all the actors (and the director, producer and crew) ended up actually making some decent money. Some agencies and managers actually encourage their talent to work in these kinds of productions and will sometimes help with casting.

(5) No matter who you get to work in your production, you need to ask yourself "what's in it for them" - and make sure that it's a healthy reason. Reasons can varied. - You have a worthwhile project, and people simply want to get involved. It might be you have a part that an experienced actor wants to use to showcase his or her range. If you're using an actor who sees your project as a route to stardom, you should consider whether that is a "healthy" reason.

(6) Don't forget acting schools. There are hundreds in Los Angeles. Many have film acting programs and will help with casting. The acting school I belong to (Eastinstudio.com), often will arrange showcases, where producers are given the opportunity to view class members. Many people who attend there are "professionals" who have a great deal of experienced in "real" film/TV productions.

(6) Remember the majority of actors are in the business with the unconscious goal of failure.

1) Put out a cattle call in every local paper and media outlet you can find. Try to hit at least 300 outlets for free listings. Consider using a service to do this for you.

2) Do a direct mail (8.5x11 flyer, NOT a postcard) to every learning institution that covers the age range you need.

That's it. You will be overwhelmed with the response you get. And the individual motivation compared to agency referrals will be obvious from the outset. We once had to call off the second week of auditions due to an overabundance of qualified actors the first weekend. And, you'll get talent you never dreamed of.

Matthew

Next time your at One Model Place, check out this silly guy....

31329.......the dude thinks he can photograph girls or something....

We have a local arts and entertainment paper up here that have classifieds in the back. There's always open casting calls for independent short films and such. Being somewhat of a "Hollywood North" we have tons of ambitious creative people always looking for a weekend project to hone their craft.

Just be honest with your responses, and what you want to convey ( What type of film, a run down of the story ) and I'm sure you'll get lot's of people interested.

That all important demo-reel is gold for a new actor and your project can provided them with that.....just be prepared to buy a lunch or two and you'll be fine.

Stan

Dramalog is your best bet.

And you are saying you will pay $400 for a half day? If that is for sure true and you are saying that in the ad you should get several hundred responses. Also if you jack it up to $500.00 you can get some lower tier SAG actors to work for you and get a days work if need be.

Deanza theatre used to have films that were aimed at students, I think they were presented by the Riverside arts council?