An interesting question?

[Generic Skinhead]

Right as I mentioned a while back I'm shooting my first 16mm short in the 2nd week of March. I've got a videofile of actors from which to cast the charachters.

These guys are pros. I was wondering if Chance or any of the rest of you might have some advice on casting and dealing with "proper" actors in general. I can't pay them, but I will look after them food/coffee wise. So, any general tips?

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I can't believe I sold my image rights for a pint of Guinness!

[soulfilms]

make sure they know that they aren't being paid in monetary form but be sure to tell them that they'll get food, exposure, experience, a name on the credit...etc.

When picking your actors, I find that for the main role(s) i pick actors on their acting strength and range. The minor characters are picked on their ability, attitude, flexibility, sense of humour, and generally i get more easy going people for supporting roles. That way, you'd avoid a lot of 'creative tension'.

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PostModern Pollution

[miker]

it is obviously important that they meet your requirements with their acting ability/suitability for character, however sometimes you need to trade-off with what they are like in real life and how they might handle fluffing their lines.

remember that generally actors are terribly insecure so sometimes they come over as too arrogant as they overcompensate

go with your gut

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[Chance1234]

if you ever had any contact with kids aged 3 and below you'll be fine with actors.

be proffesioanl and run a profesional set and you should have no problem, ie call sheets etc tight schedule etc etc

True Fact

How many actors does it take to make a cup of coffe

12, one to actually make it after several hours of waiting for it to happen and the other 11 to go "i could do that"


Chance



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Is it just me or does anyone else get nervous when entering a lift with a heavily pregnant women in it ?


www.5ylac.s5.com

[Generic Skinhead]

On my last shoot (as contiuity guy) I have to say the actors were very nice guys. Perhaps a few too many "ideas" for their own good, but still decent people. My two leads have to look quite different as well, and I need a child actor too!

They can only work certain hours and oh, this whole thing could get messy. I need to get a good producer.

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I can't believe I sold my image rights for a pint of Guinness!