Actors at DVinfo.net

Michael Estepp · July 21st, 2003, 09:55 PM

Does anyone have a good free online resource for finding actors? I need to find some quick and local. Im in NJ.... if anyone can help, I will owe you.
Michael

Keith Loh · July 21st, 2003, 11:38 PM

I've heard BACKSTAGE magazine mentioned for the NY area. Perhaps there is a website or bulletin board associated with it.

Mark Moore · July 22nd, 2003, 06:02 AM

Try this one:

http://www.flixusa.com/

It is broken down regionally. Good luck.

Kevin Burnfield · July 22nd, 2003, 09:19 PM

Your local and regional theatre groups are GREAT places to find talented, anxious and willing to work for free actors.

I've always had luck and a lot of times the theatre folks will help you audition and recommend folks.

If it's a freebee project let them know upfront and tell them you'll give them a copy of the finished project and that they will have a resume piece to add.

Don't forget to get releases from everyone too.

Ken Tanaka · July 22nd, 2003, 10:39 PM

I'll second Kevin's recommendation. I am currently casting Episode 20 for Lady X Films. My co-producer, Jennifer Newman, has theatrical experience and persuaded me to use formal auditions. We ran a "cattle-call" in a local theatrical paper clearly indicating that the assignment offers only exposure and experience, no compensation. The response has been overwhelming. We auditioned 33 people (for 4 roles) last week and will be auditioning approximately 40 more (the "overflow") next week. Virtually all of our respondents have quite a bit of acting experience, mainly in off-Broadway and local theater but some in tv, commercials and indie films.

Your mileage may vary with such an approach. The regional situation might be different here in Chicago than on the East Coast. But it's worth a try.

One last suggestion. Even if your project offers no compensation treat your talent, and prospective talent, with respect and courtesy. ANd run your auditions and production as professionally as possible. Actors are used to be rejected and treated like meat. They greatly appreciate being treated with dignity and respect. (Don't we all?)

Good luck with your project!

Rob Belics · July 23rd, 2003, 10:27 AM

My son is a professional actor with agents in several cities. He, too, works for free when warranted. He always appreciates the practice. One big thing is, like Ken said, being treated professionally. Equally important is how professional is the crew. He is more than willing to work with people just getting started. However, if the crew is a bunch of clowns, forget it. He wants serious work.

You'll find most actors are the same way. You probably won't get the guys that are working regularly, but there are a lot of good, out of work, actors. There might be an artsy newspaper in your area and in the classifieds would be an "Artistic Opportunities" or "Auditions" heading. We have both including the major newspaper.

Steve Franco · August 6th, 2003, 01:35 PM

I agree with Rob, professionalism is key. If you're not paying your actors make sure that you've planned your shoot and are providing meals and a good working environment. It makes for better performances. The last thing you want is your actors feeling like they're being taken advantage of and that you won't do your best to make the best movie possible with your limited resources.

July 21st, 2003, 09:55 PM	#1
Michael Estepp Regular Crew Join Date: May 2003 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 95	Actors Does anyone have a good free online resource for finding actors? I need to find some quick and local. Im in NJ.... if anyone can help, I will owe you. Michael

July 21st, 2003, 11:38 PM	#2
Keith Loh Air China Pilot Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Posts: 2,389	I've heard BACKSTAGE magazine mentioned for the NY area. Perhaps there is a website or bulletin board associated with it. __________________ -- Visit http://www.KeithLoh.com \| stuff about living in Vancouver \| My Flickr photo gallery

July 22nd, 2003, 06:02 AM	#3
Mark Moore Major Player Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 301	Try this one: http://www.flixusa.com/ It is broken down regionally. Good luck. __________________ Mark Moore Sugar Free Productions

July 22nd, 2003, 10:39 PM	#5
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	I'll second Kevin's recommendation. I am currently casting Episode 20 for Lady X Films. My co-producer, Jennifer Newman, has theatrical experience and persuaded me to use formal auditions. We ran a "cattle-call" in a local theatrical paper clearly indicating that the assignment offers only exposure and experience, no compensation. The response has been overwhelming. We auditioned 33 people (for 4 roles) last week and will be auditioning approximately 40 more (the "overflow") next week. Virtually all of our respondents have quite a bit of acting experience, mainly in off-Broadway and local theater but some in tv, commercials and indie films. Your mileage may vary with such an approach. The regional situation might be different here in Chicago than on the East Coast. But it's worth a try. One last suggestion. Even if your project offers no compensation treat your talent, and prospective talent, with respect and courtesy. ANd run your auditions and production as professionally as possible. Actors are used to be rejected and treated like meat. They greatly appreciate being treated with dignity and respect. (Don't we all?) Good luck with your project! __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

August 6th, 2003, 01:35 PM	#7
Steve Franco Regular Crew Join Date: May 2003 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 74	I agree with Rob, professionalism is key. If you're not paying your actors make sure that you've planned your shoot and are providing meals and a good working environment. It makes for better performances. The last thing you want is your actors feeling like they're being taken advantage of and that you won't do your best to make the best movie possible with your limited resources. __________________ Fusion Arena Productions At Confession

July 22nd, 2003, 09:19 PM	#4
Kevin Burnfield Major Player Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Princeton, NJ Posts: 363	Your local and regional theatre groups are GREAT places to find talented, anxious and willing to work for free actors. I've always had luck and a lot of times the theatre folks will help you audition and recommend folks. If it's a freebee project let them know upfront and tell them you'll give them a copy of the finished project and that they will have a resume piece to add. Don't forget to get releases from everyone too.

July 23rd, 2003, 10:27 AM	#6
Rob Belics Major Player Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 581	My son is a professional actor with agents in several cities. He, too, works for free when warranted. He always appreciates the practice. One big thing is, like Ken said, being treated professionally. Equally important is how professional is the crew. He is more than willing to work with people just getting started. However, if the crew is a bunch of clowns, forget it. He wants serious work. You'll find most actors are the same way. You probably won't get the guys that are working regularly, but there are a lot of good, out of work, actors. There might be an artsy newspaper in your area and in the classifieds would be an "Artistic Opportunities" or "Auditions" heading. We have both including the major newspaper.