How can I approach a 'Name' to do an indie film? at DVinfo.net

Mark Argerake · August 15th, 2003, 08:35 AM

What's the best way to hunt down, approach and attach a well known actor, actress, dp, editor, script supervisor... to an indie film? Just send an email sayin hi, i'm doing this project, ya interested? I'm sure actors can be saught through an agent (if they'll even give me the time of day w/o cash to toss around) but what about crew and what if the agent does blow me off?

Rob Lohman · August 15th, 2003, 09:37 AM

I think you need to know people who know people...

Rob Belics · August 15th, 2003, 10:25 AM

They key adjective you used was "well known". These types are either busy enough or can be more selective about the work they'll do. Their first question will be what kind of money do you have and when you say none, yes, they'll blow you off.

Exception:

"Well known" where? Hollywood or your hometown? If it's your hometown, there's a chance that a letter to him might intrique him enough to call you back.

Otherwise, if you know someone who knows him, that's also a possiblity but still not likely.

Mark Argerake · August 18th, 2003, 02:05 PM

I guess I'm goign to have to meet people who know people...

Mark Argerake · August 22nd, 2003, 08:12 AM

<<<-- Originally posted by Mark Argerake : I guess I'm goign to have to meet people who know people... -->>>

So... anyone here know Yancy Butler or anyone who may know how I can get in touch with her??

John Locke · August 22nd, 2003, 08:23 AM

Mark,

Willing to gamble 7 bucks? Go to ContactAnyCelebrity.com.

Derrick Begin · August 22nd, 2003, 08:25 AM

Mark,

The actors want work and like to be approached about projects. You might think about purchasing the "Hollywood Creative Directory" for actors. Here is the link:

http://shop.hcdonline.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=hcd&Category_Code=Books

There is also several HCD's that you will need to locate information in the motion picture industry.

Hope this helps.

Cheers!

Derrick

Also, friends of mine approached a celebrity through their agent and address. Sent him the script, he liked it, and decided he would do it under a set of given circumstances. The shot the film and it won some awards.

Paul Tauger · August 22nd, 2003, 12:27 PM

If you contact the Screen Actors Guild, they'll give you the name of any member's agent. If it's a completely cold contact, i.e. you don't have an "in," that's probably the place to start.

Don Donatello · August 29th, 2003, 06:01 PM

Mark

Yancy Butler
c/o Tom Monjack
270 N. Canon Drive, #1064
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

i believe her email goes to Tom Monjack 1st

YancyButler@earthlink.com

Mark Argerake · August 30th, 2003, 08:39 AM

<<<-- Originally posted by Don Donatello : Mark

Yancy Butler
c/o Tom Monjack
270 N. Canon Drive, #1064
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

i believe her email goes to Tom Monjack 1st

YancyButler@earthlink.com -->>>

Thanks Don -

Are you sure Tom is an agent/manager and the email just doesn't go to some crazed fan?

Rob Belics · August 30th, 2003, 09:32 AM

IIRC, Tom Monjack handles fan mail and isn't an agent.

Kat Eiswald · September 15th, 2003, 02:12 AM

First. Why do you want a Name?
Only person for the job?
You think your project is THE vehicle for the Name?
You want a boost for distribution?

I'll tell you what. If you are indy, and don't have your own powerful Hollywood agent, I would learn a whole lot about the Actors Guild-and worse-the Star system; which is set up so when you finally get your first baby to an "independant" studio and they attach a Name, and said Name comes to the first meeting with director and producer, and gets you kicked off. Yep. That is the standard for the Name Talent/First time Director "balance of power".

If you really want to get someone that will draw a bit of industry attention to your film, put an ad in the Hollywood Reporter (have a fundraiser..they are around a grand) and hire the best casting director of the moment. You might not have heard of your call back list, but they may already be 'watched' by the industry. and they will bring the kind of professional interest that can lead to a distribution deal, which is really what you are interested in I think.

**Ideally, your "New Face" has another work or more coming out in pace with your project...agents will be trying to get a buzz with a clump of projects in a short time frame. That is what you want as well. A Depp or Dunst phenomenon..usually these reps also work on connections to the distribution...since they distribution company prefers "themes" in their marketing schemes, and a New Face qualifies..teen market especially.

But after that first major award...forget it.

If you want a particular person because you worship them...I suggest you find someone else for the sake of your baby.

blah blah blah

August 15th, 2003, 09:37 AM	#2
Rob Lohman RED Code Chef Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Holland Posts: 12,514	I think you need to know people who know people... __________________ Rob Lohman, visuar@iname.com DV Info Wrangler & RED Code Chef Join the DV Challenge \| Lady X Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Buy from the best: DVinfo.net sponsors

August 22nd, 2003, 08:23 AM	#6
John Locke Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Austin, TX USA Posts: 2,882	Mark, Willing to gamble 7 bucks? Go to ContactAnyCelebrity.com. __________________ John Locke SursumFilms.com

September 15th, 2003, 02:12 AM	#12
Kat Eiswald Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Oakland California Posts: 48	a couple of points on A list and Names. First. Why do you want a Name? Only person for the job? You think your project is THE vehicle for the Name? You want a boost for distribution? I'll tell you what. If you are indy, and don't have your own powerful Hollywood agent, I would learn a whole lot about the Actors Guild-and worse-the Star system; which is set up so when you finally get your first baby to an "independant" studio and they attach a Name, and said Name comes to the first meeting with director and producer, and gets you kicked off. Yep. That is the standard for the Name Talent/First time Director "balance of power". If you really want to get someone that will draw a bit of industry attention to your film, put an ad in the Hollywood Reporter (have a fundraiser..they are around a grand) and hire the best casting director of the moment. You might not have heard of your call back list, but they may already be 'watched' by the industry. and they will bring the kind of professional interest that can lead to a distribution deal, which is really what you are interested in I think. *Ideally, your "New Face" has another work or more coming out in pace with your project...agents will be trying to get a buzz with a clump of projects in a short time frame. That is what you want as well. A Depp or Dunst phenomenon..usually these reps also work on connections to the distribution...since they distribution company prefers "themes" in their marketing schemes, and a New Face qualifies..teen market especially. But after that first major award...forget it. If you want a particular person because you worship them...I suggest you find someone else for the sake of your baby. blah blah blah __________________ yours truly, ~\()/~

August 15th, 2003, 08:35 AM	#1
Mark Argerake Major Player Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Murrieta, CA Posts: 227	How can I approach a 'Name' to do an indie film? What's the best way to hunt down, approach and attach a well known actor, actress, dp, editor, script supervisor... to an indie film? Just send an email sayin hi, i'm doing this project, ya interested? I'm sure actors can be saught through an agent (if they'll even give me the time of day w/o cash to toss around) but what about crew and what if the agent does blow me off?

August 15th, 2003, 10:25 AM	#3
Rob Belics Major Player Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 581	They key adjective you used was "well known". These types are either busy enough or can be more selective about the work they'll do. Their first question will be what kind of money do you have and when you say none, yes, they'll blow you off. Exception: "Well known" where? Hollywood or your hometown? If it's your hometown, there's a chance that a letter to him might intrique him enough to call you back. Otherwise, if you know someone who knows him, that's also a possiblity but still not likely.

August 18th, 2003, 02:05 PM	#4
Mark Argerake Major Player Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Murrieta, CA Posts: 227	I guess I'm goign to have to meet people who know people...

August 22nd, 2003, 08:12 AM	#5
Mark Argerake Major Player Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Murrieta, CA Posts: 227	<<<-- Originally posted by Mark Argerake : I guess I'm goign to have to meet people who know people... -->>> So... anyone here know Yancy Butler or anyone who may know how I can get in touch with her??

August 22nd, 2003, 08:25 AM	#7
Derrick Begin Major Player Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: New York Posts: 329	Mark, The actors want work and like to be approached about projects. You might think about purchasing the "Hollywood Creative Directory" for actors. Here is the link: http://shop.hcdonline.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=hcd&Category_Code=Books There is also several HCD's that you will need to locate information in the motion picture industry. Hope this helps. Cheers! Derrick Also, friends of mine approached a celebrity through their agent and address. Sent him the script, he liked it, and decided he would do it under a set of given circumstances. The shot the film and it won some awards.

August 22nd, 2003, 12:27 PM	#8
Paul Tauger Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Los Angeles (recently from San Francisco) Posts: 954	If you contact the Screen Actors Guild, they'll give you the name of any member's agent. If it's a completely cold contact, i.e. you don't have an "in," that's probably the place to start.

August 29th, 2003, 06:01 PM	#9
Don Donatello Hawaiian Shirt Mogul Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: northern cailfornia Posts: 1,261	Mark Yancy Butler c/o Tom Monjack 270 N. Canon Drive, #1064 Beverly Hills, CA 90210 i believe her email goes to Tom Monjack 1st YancyButler@earthlink.com

August 30th, 2003, 08:39 AM	#10
Mark Argerake Major Player Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Murrieta, CA Posts: 227	<<<-- Originally posted by Don Donatello : Mark Yancy Butler c/o Tom Monjack 270 N. Canon Drive, #1064 Beverly Hills, CA 90210 i believe her email goes to Tom Monjack 1st YancyButler@earthlink.com -->>> Thanks Don - Are you sure Tom is an agent/manager and the email just doesn't go to some crazed fan?

August 30th, 2003, 09:32 AM	#11
Rob Belics Major Player Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 581	IIRC, Tom Monjack handles fan mail and isn't an agent.