Crediting actors that have been cut

[moonshieldmedia]

In the end credits is it weird to keep the names of the characters and actors even if their scenes were cut from the film?

Is it better to just put their names in the Special Thanks section?

This is assuming of course I have complete creative control of the end credits and nothing about credit format was stated in the contract when the actor signed up.

I'm dreading it, but I have to start sending out some emails to the unlucky ones :/

 

[Alcove Audio]

Yes, you credit them as if the scene were in the film. It's polite, and they did do the work on the scene.

 

[kjones]

In the end credits is it weird to keep the names of the characters and actors even if their scenes were cut from the film?

Is it better to just put their names in the Special Thanks section?

This is assuming of course I have complete creative control of the end credits and nothing about credit format was stated in the contract when the actor signed up.

I'm dreading it, but I have to start sending out some emails to the unlucky ones :/

While I sentimentally agree with Alcove, do humbly disagree in terms of film credit. I asked this very question of a 40-year professional in independent film, and he said "no." (If I remember correctly, Kevin Costner's scenes were deleted and so didn't get film credit for being the dead friend in "The Big Chill."). I think your "out," should legalities permit, is to do just as you said, put them in the Special Thanks section, without the name of their character.

Yeah, tough job. I called one of my actresses with the news, and while she was upset, understood and really appreciated the phone call from the director. Also told her she could use me as a reference.

 

[moonshieldmedia]

Interesting.

I'm really on the fence about the credits. I don't mind listing them if the actor really wants it, but as an actor myself, I don't think I'd want my name in there. Also it creates confusion for those who actually read credits.

Glad to hear your actor was very understanding about getting cut. The ones I'm cutting are also friends so we'll see how it goes.

 

[Doghouse Reilly]

If I remember right Christopher Lee got cut from the theatrical version of "LOTR: Return of the King" and still got a closing credit.
Or perhaps they were just crediting all the key actors in the entire trilogy???

I'm with you though, if I were an actor I don't think I'd want my name in the credits of something I got cut from, whatever the reason. A thanks would suffice for me.

 

[ahennessey]

You can put them in the special thanks. But putting them in the credits can be confusing, expecially if they have been completely cut.

As an actor, I can agree with Doghouse, it would be awkward to be fully credited in a movie I got cut from.

Although, of course, if the movie went on to become the next indie hit at Sundance, I might not feel so awkward if my name was on the IMDB page.

I don't remember exactly, but I think the Farelly brothers made the closing credits of Me, Myself and Irene a special thanks that includes clips of all the actors who worked on the movie, but whose scenes were cut.