I've now got some headshots... What now?

justinisfilming

justinisfilming

So I've now got quite a few headshots for my film...

What now? Do I just review the headshots and resumes and see who's going to fit the character and invite them to the audition? How about those people who didn't get the chance to audition? Do I email them saying thank you? Also, do you guys find yourself restating that it's a low budget film and this is a non-paying gig?

This is my first time dealing with 'real' actors so I'd really appreciate you guys helping! :)
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
The way I did it was rent out a playhouse in Santa Monica, CA. It actually wasn't that expensive. I would get a room in your school, or some type of establishment that's not your home. It's awkward coming to someone's home for an audition. Bring a video camera. First you email them "sides" a part of your script to read. Yeah and tell them AGAIN "low budget no pay. food or whatever." it was really simple for us. I rescheduled the ones that couldn't make it on a second round of auditions. Some of them are doing other projects at the exact same time so they may not be able to make it even if they are interested. google "How to cast for a movie" to get tips. I did that. Bring bottles of water. but make sure you have video and script sides. It's really just common sense. the only thing is 90% + of the actors will suck big time. 8-( best of luck.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Yeah, pick out the ones you want to audition for you and send them an email. I've got a pretty generic form letter that I use. Something like:

"Hi [name]

I received your headshot and resume and would like you to come audition for the role of [character] in [your film]. Shooting dates are [dates] and compensation is credit, copy and meals. No pay.

We're holding auditions on [day/dates] and have slots available between [x] and [y]. Please contact me by phone or email to schedule your audition.

Thank you for your time,
[your name], Director of [your film]

[phone]"
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I've been auditioning as an actor in Los Angeles for 4 years now and only ONCE did the director/casting director email me to let me know they liked my audition but decided to go with someone else.

So it's definitely not necessary, actors are used to not hearing back and they're used to rejection.

That being said, I thought it was such a nice gesture for that particular director (who was not from LA btw) to email me, that I responded with a very polite "I understand, and I wish you the best of luck with your film." -- Incidentally, he was so pleased with my gesture that he offered me a completely different role that he hadn't started casting for yet.

Kindness and professionalism go a long way.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Excellent point! For us the casting began as soon as the actor walked through the door. I kept a "Red Flag" list and wrote down any actor who gave some indication they would be hard to work with like complaining as soon as they arrived or being rude to the casting assistant. I think I had about 7-9 names on the list at the end of casting. None of them were called back of course ;)

moonshieldmedia said:
I've been auditioning as an actor in Los Angeles for 4 years now and only ONCE did the director/casting director email me to let me know they liked my audition but decided to go with someone else.

So it's definitely not necessary, actors are used to not hearing back and they're used to rejection.

That being said, I thought it was such a nice gesture for that particular director (who was not from LA btw) to email me, that I responded with a very polite "I understand, and I wish you the best of luck with your film." -- Incidentally, he was so pleased with my gesture that he offered me a completely different role that he hadn't started casting for yet.

Kindness and professionalism go a long way.
Click to expand...
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
I think if you ask people to participate in a no pay gig you should at least send them an email for thanking them.

People invest time in your project, so I think you should invest some time in being friendly to them, even if they aren't the right person for the role.

It's just a matter of kindness.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Dreadylocks said:
Yeah, pick out the ones you want to audition for you and send them an email. I've got a pretty generic form letter that I use. Something like:

"Hi [name]

I received your headshot and resume and would like you to come audition for the role of [character] in [your film]. Shooting dates are [dates] and compensation is credit, copy and meals. No pay.

We're holding auditions on [day/dates] and have slots available between [x] and [y]. Please contact me by phone or email to schedule your audition.

Thank you for your time,
[your name], Director of [your film]

[phone]"[/QUOTE]

Thanks so much for this!!! :))
Click to expand...
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
moonshieldmedia said:
I've been auditioning as an actor in Los Angeles for 4 years now and only ONCE did the director/casting director email me to let me know they liked my audition but decided to go with someone else.

So it's definitely not necessary, actors are used to not hearing back and they're used to rejection.

That being said, I thought it was such a nice gesture for that particular director (who was not from LA btw) to email me, that I responded with a very polite "I understand, and I wish you the best of luck with your film." -- Incidentally, he was so pleased with my gesture that he offered me a completely different role that he hadn't started casting for yet.

Kindness and professionalism go a long way.
Click to expand...
I'll second this. I've been taking my daughter to auditions for a little over five years, and it's unusual, but VERY CLASSY to let actors know when they're being passed over. Even though you think the actor doesn't want to hear from you in that way, it's far preferable to slowly coming to the realization that casting is probably complete. It lets them move on.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
finderskeepers said:
I kept a "Red Flag" list and wrote down any actor who gave some indication they would be hard to work with like complaining as soon as they arrived or being rude to the casting assistant.
Click to expand...
I am utterly amazed when I see actors do this--talk about shooting yourself in the foot! You wouldn't (hopefully) complain at a regular job interview. I saw this just a couple of weeks ago. An actress complained to the reception person about the theater being difficult to find. But, the theater name and address were in very large, bright lettering on the front of the theater. And strangely, this kind of behavior isn't that rare.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top