Is it unprofessional to do an online casting call?

H

harmonica44

I am not able to secure a venue in some cities so far, where I would like to look for actors. But since so many have webcams and cellphone cams, I figure maybe they could just do an online audition for me with the script. Or is this unprofessional and I need to be in the same room with the actors to meet them for auditions?

Thanks.
 
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I have a friend, whom I helped film audition tapes for. He would be given a scene to act out. I'd read the opposite part (off camera), then I'd edit together for him, and give it to him in a format he could upload to where ever he needed. He received a handful of call backs, and would then meet up in person for 2nd (live) audition. He's currently traveling with the broadway production of Rock of Ages. He's plays Stacy Jaxx in the show. A part he earned by first submitting a taped audition.
 
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We've accepted numerous taped auditions. Not nearly as interactive, but it gives you a good idea whether it's worth pursuing.

One thing though, is after sending them the side, I like to have them provide two interpretations of the role. Just in case their first one is way off from what I had in mind, hopefully one of them will give me something closer to what I had in mind. This is something I ask for live auditions also though, and I never provide any direction before hand.

CraigL
 
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I thought it would be a good idea to provide direction beforehand. I sat in on my collaborators casting calls, and they gave the actors no direction, and those were the actors that sucked. Finally they started giving direction, and the actors who came to the later audition did much better cause of it.
 
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harmonica44 said:
I thought it would be a good idea to provide direction beforehand. I sat in on my collaborators casting calls, and they gave the actors no direction, and those were the actors that sucked. Finally they started giving direction, and the actors who came to the later audition did much better cause of it.
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I like to have them bring two, as I said, one in case I don't like the first. I like them to know that so they don't think I'm just dissing the first one.

I'm comfortable in my ability to direct them, I want to see what they can bring to the table on their own. It might be nothing like I wanted, but if I see they believe what they're doing, then I'll try some direction. If they take that, then we're in good shape. If they can't bring something I think they believe in the first place (even if it's not what I'm looking for) then I don't see the point in wasting much of my time.

CraigL
 
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Okay thanks. What are some good websites to find actors? I tried Mandy.com, Speedreel, Castingcallpro, and Craigslist, but haven't gotten near enough responses. Are their any sites with more actors? I am looking in Calgary or Edmonton Canada, or any cities nearby.
 
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As far as finding actors. I would alos recommend finding out some local resources where actors relatively local to you frequently look for calls.

For instance, I just found a site called TheaterAlberta that also lists film auditions on its website. There are probably many more.

Reach out to the film office and (depending on the age ranges) don't forget the local universities that have acting programs, or other independent acting schools. Even though they may not spam their student and alumni base with your announcement, they most likely will at least guide you to places you may want to post the announcement.

Best of luck!
 
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Okay thanks, I'll keep looking. I tried the University twice before but only two people showed in the auditions and they flaked out later. They never really seemed that interested or committed. I was told by others who have made shorts where I live that college kids don't have the chops to make real movies and you gotta look in more committed places. Not sure if he's right of course, but seems so based on those experiences. I'll try that again though and the Alberta one.

He says their should be plenty of talent here and if I cannot find enough choices, I must be doing something wrong.
 
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I've auditioned actors through Skype and some have also sent me video auditions. It isn't really such a bad idea because just think about all the money and gas you guys can save by doing it from the comfort of your own home. Though nothing beats the real thing, you just gotta do what you gotta do.

So bottom line, It doesn't really matter what method of auditions you're doing, it's about finding the right actor in your film and any of those 3 methods would do just fine.
 
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It's done all the time now, professional and indies a like. Its just cheaper to get an actor to send in an online audition (or live video audition) than rent a place and hold a a formal casting session at a fix time to weed out for the initial short-list.
 
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