Compensation for non-actor actors

FrankLad

FrankLad

I'm planning to start filming a mockumentary soon and would like some advice on compensation.

Any time I've seen the subject of "what to pay" discussed, it's usually met with "it depends", which is understandable due to the various factors involved.

But in my case, these will be folks who have never acted before. I'm hoping to film in their natural environment, and get them to feel comfortable talking about a made-up subject.

Some are quick streeter type interviews, but a couple of them will have more prominent roles.

Think of the 1981 film "Vernon, Florida", but with a sci-fi premise.

I'd rather be totally fair up-front and possibly even over-pay... than to not pay anything (or pay little) and run into issues if the film ever gained popularity. (Doesn't hurt to dream, eh?)

Advice?
 
Shooting from the hip...

Let's say I filmed one of these folks for a few hours. Is $100 too much? ...$50?

I'll be talking with some potential candidates soon and would like to have an idea. Most of these people will not expect anything, but it seems like the right thing to do.

(I'll also be looking into talent contracts shortly.)

Thanks for any feedback you guys can offer on this!
 
$25 an hour to be my self.. sign me up for 10 hours!

Id say $50 is great baseline for a nice short shooting day. Presumes the more prominent roles have more shooting days, which naturally equals more pay.. EVERYONE signs releases BEFORE the camera is turned on!!!!
 
wheatgrinder said:
$25 an hour to be my self.. sign me up for 10 hours!

Id say $50 is great baseline for a nice short shooting day. Presumes the more prominent roles have more shooting days, which naturally equals more pay.. EVERYONE signs releases BEFORE the camera is turned on!!!!
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Thank you, sir! It helps to get some feedback on this.

I've got a generic talent release form, which I've used for music videos. Can you point me in the direction of the forms that you use?
 
ChanceOfGray said:
Google is such a useful tool good sir! You're also more generous in terms of compensation... I usually just offer pizza or something. :P

http://www.videouniversity.com/articles/releases-for-use-in-film-and-video
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Thank you, sir! :) I do like the idea of pizza. (Or, more specific to this area... a pot of gumbo.)

And ohhhhhh, snap... now I feel like the guy in the forums who asks stuff but could have searched for it. LOL! HOWEVER, the problem is that I've stumbled across so many release forms and similar. For me, it's nice to know of specific ones that folks here have used.
 
First of all, I'm really excited that you're moving forward with this project.

As for pay, I think you only need pay the people who are involved for longer periods of time. Most people will just be excited to be part of the project, and pizza and beer are fair compensation.
 
Non-actors ought not be paid up front as you may very well find yourself editing them right out of the picture. That said, it wouldn't be bad to discreetly slip a $20 or so into the pockets of non-actors if they're giving very credible performances or going above and beyond the call of duty.

Good luck!
 
Cracker Funk said:
First of all, I'm really excited that you're moving forward with this project.
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Thanks, man. :) I've definitely got that super-excited-yet-a-little-nervous thing going on.

Cracker Funk said:
As for pay, I think you only need pay the people who are involved for longer periods of time. Most people will just be excited to be part of the project, and pizza and beer are fair compensation.
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Sounds like good advice. And yeah, so far I've gotten more volunteers than I can handle, so now I've got to be a little selective.
 
GuerrillaAngel said:
Non-actors ought not be paid up front as you may very well find yourself editing them right out of the picture. That said, it wouldn't be bad to discreetly slip a $20 or so into the pockets of non-actors if they're giving very credible performances or going above and beyond the call of duty.

Good luck!
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Thank you for the advice! I have to say, I'm feeling better about the costs now. Heh. :)
 
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