How can I get some (semi) pro actors for free or cheap?

[peter_g]

Hi all,

Can anyone suggest a way that I can hire decent actors cheap? I have the problem of having no definite form of distribution, and therefore little or no credibility. How about flyers in drama schools or something?

Thanks all

[bully_the_kid]

drama students are ok.

i suggest you to put some advertising on newspaper. i never did it but i reckon it's a fast and reasonable good way to get some pro ore semi-pro actors.

[assyrix]

Ask around in your social circle. Maybe some friends or friends of friends can help you.

On Sounds of Sing Li, my partner in crime had some students who went to drama school but have since done something else. They were happy do to it for free.

[Kev Owens]

Remember that drama students are usually only used to theatre acting, therefore need alot of direction in the vein of underplay and NOT PROJECTING THEIR VOICE ALL THE TIME!

Friends and friends of friends usually end up meaning one thing- a substandard end product. Sorry- but people who can't act make the film terrible and amateurish- avoid that avenue in my opinion.

Try signing up to shooting people and placing a request for the actors you need. You'll find that alot of pro and semi-pro actors will work for free (or perhaps travelling expenses) on shorts as they are good for two things- working between paid work and gaining extra acting credit. If you're script's good then you've every chance.

[peter_g]

I have a feature length project in mind. What are my chances of getting good free actors for that. I'm thinking of doing a poster campaign in drama schools.

[Kev Owens]

'Shy kiddies get no sweeties.'

Who knows? You can only ask can't you... make sure you give non-descriptive character requirement, have scripts readily available and let them know from the off that it's a no-budget film.

Remember though, drama students will be pretty busy in a couple of weeks...

[Alex]

If the actor is good, they'll probably want to avoid your project because it is a feature film, and even if you do a fine job, it may be a year or two until it's done, so they won't even have it on their reel for that long or longer.

If you were willing to edit your movie as it went along, complete with music and sound effects, and made certain finished scenes available to your actors within a short period of time, then you probably could get someone decent interested in your project. The finished scenes are your form of payment to them.

However, you risk the following.

1., The actor likes the scenes you give them while the movie is in production and says, "see ya later"... they got what they wanted and aren't interested in being available for the next year.

2. Because they are actors, they will look at the edited scenes you provided them and possibly be ultracritical about their performance, storyline, camerawork, lighting, make-up, wardrobe, or direction and lose faith in the project...

3. Or, they fall in love with their own performance and believe in you and your project and stick it out to the end.....

4. They believe in your project but your scenes help them land other work and they suddenly aren't "available" for your production...

Four scenarios, one good outcome.

[Kev Owens]

In terms of getting good performances from actors I'd never show them edited sequences of themselves whilst in production. It just not advised no matter how desperate you are... personally think that's a bad idea and I can't really see how it could help the guys situation.

There are lots of ways to get actors- but to find them and find the ones right for your project there's no hiding from the fact that you must look... hard!

[Alex]

When you can't pay an actor, a demo reel is like a payment. What rankles many actors that crave demo reel material is having to wait a year or two or three to get it.

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ September 01, 2003 02:39 AM: Message edited by: Alex ]</font>

[twister!]

Register at http://www.shootingpeople.co.uk

You'll want to register with the Daily UK Casting Bulletin and you will receive the daily email bulletins people post their casting requirements

You will be able to post your requirements and will get replies from actors. This site is used by professional (and amateur/student) actors looking for work (and most will be willing to work for free or just for expenses).

It's a well respected medium for indie film people.