ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

11 years, 6 months ago - Dan Selakovich

Well, keep at it is all I can say. The problem is that success attracts success. If you were an establish director, you'd have an easier time getting actors to work for a 100 bucks. But they're taking a chance on you for no money, and there are not many actors out there that would do that. Let's face it, you don't even have an award winning short. They have no idea whether you can do the job. Plus you're on the SAG ULB agreement, which makes back end deals nearly impossible. Names have their own baggage too. SAG may require a larger upfront if David Morse is in your thing. A name may require trailers and other perks that are impossible on your budget. Names are more apt to back out at the last moment, leaving you high and dry (the ULB agreement allows them to do this).

The people I know that have done really low budget stuff with names don't pay the names scale. They'll pay a name 10 grand for a days work. And they are worth it.

If you want to send me the script: Dan@DVcameraRigs.com

11 years, 5 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

In Nena's other post she said this was on top of a fixed fee, sounds like a gravy catcher to me, not altruism. Unless the fixed fee is considerably reduced of course.

11 years, 6 months ago - nena eskridge

Dan, what an amazing APP. spent some time playing with it - certainly haven't mastered it yet but this is terrific! thanks again!

11 years, 6 months ago - nena eskridge

and while we're on the topic, I have a secondary lead I'm trying to cast. the chracter is an older (60's) female. I should have no problem finding a known actress because it's a strong part that they aren't offered very often. my dream actor is Ronnee Blakley but here agent keeps haning up on me. so now i'm trying to get to Amy Irving. i can always go to her agent but, as mentioned, they don't take my calls. so again, I might thru my local casting agency. so again, would like to know what to expect before i do. oh, I also need a recognizable male (28-35) for another secondary lead. Tried Justin Chatwin but that didn't work out. any suggestions? did i mention, it's a great script! really brilliant! mind blowing? at least that's what my sister says. no really, it's won a few awards.

11 years, 5 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

Or alternatively if you can just arrange a buyout flat fee, that keeps life simpler.

11 years, 6 months ago - Dan Selakovich

This is off topic, nena, but Per just sent me a notice of his new app. It's fucking brilliant. It's a shot planning app, and could really help you. It does over-heads. Something I do before each shoot, but I used a pencil. Check it out: http://www.hollywoodcamerawork.us/sd_index.html

11 years, 6 months ago - Dan Selakovich

Each deal is different. You can certainly negotiate terms and the extent of involvement with a casting director. I don't know about micro budgets, but on a low budget without too many parts to cast, the cost is around 10 grand, but I've seen casting directors work for much less. It really depends. If you're trying to attract a name, they have to work a lot harder. Often doing initial negotiations with agents and actors. If you've got very little to spend, they may just offer up some head shots of people they think can fit the role. If they are calling in a lot of actors looking for that perfect fit, it's a little more expensive. There's so much or so little a casting director can do, that the price can vary widely.

Do you have a casting notice up? What do you need? I know a lot of great actors.

11 years, 5 months ago - Yen Rickeard

Your casting director is taking a punt. S/He may get absolutely nothing. If you are as good as you think you are (not to mention lucky as well) you may make a decent profit and so there should be upside for taking the risk of nothing in a proportionally higher reward for finding you the right actor to make it happen. but depending on quite how low budget you are, receipt could get up into the 100Ks without you making a penny profit. And if you only make 1% profit - it goes to casting.
But no-one is going to accept an offer of 1% of the profits - we all now those cunning accountants. 0 profit 0 tax etc.
It's up to you - you want to be fair - they don't want to work for nothing - and it is a legitimate expense as part of the film. I'd go for accepting the 1% but putting a ceiling on it. How high is up to you.

11 years, 5 months ago - Shakyra Dowling

If you have any more questions about this and need a second opinion from another Casting Director, then do get in touch: me@shakyradowlingcasting.com.

11 years, 6 months ago - nena eskridge

Thanks everybody. Everything you've said is totally true. I know this but need it pounded into my brain again and again. Dan after you've finished reading my script (revision finished tonight or tomorrow) and you're still open to ideas for actors, let's talk. Although, after listening to you all i may very well give up on the "name" actor effort and stick with local (Philly) actors. whatever, I need to get my ass in gear. we shoot in May and I need to line up my cast! beginning to freak myself out! PS the new app looks great!

11 years, 5 months ago - nena eskridge

I talked to my lawyer and UPM and both know the director and vouched for her. so i signed the contract and feel good about it. thanks for holding my hand guys, yet again.

11 years, 5 months ago - Dan Selakovich

Ah, Thanks Paddy. That's different!

11 years, 6 months ago - nena eskridge

Been there, done all that (letter/email writing). sometimes you get a response, most times not. actually got the script to Susan Sarandon just because I could. in fact, i've been turned down by MANY known actors. it's a dark story. i know not to go to agents, that's wasted time typically, but I did get the script to one of the Olsen girls thru their agent. he loved it, she didn't. Annie Corley was attached but had personal issues that caused her to drop out. actress Michael Learned was also attached but now she's too old (feel so bad saying that). Janeane Garofola gave me the kindest rejection ever! anyway...

No Ronnee Blakley isn't acting these days. no decent roles. that and she's mostly a muscian. i wrote the part with her in mind - been a fan for years and years. but i can't get to her. maybe she's just not interested. maybe she's sick. who knows.

thanks for Wendy Makkena rec. she's great but not old enough. but you're very welcome to read the screenplay. send me your email address, i'll send you a PDF! i'm an open book! in the meantime, feel free to send along any suggestions for actors.

i've already spoken to the casting agent briefly. he knows exactly what I'm looking for and is was less than enthusiastic. instead gave me a lecture about how everyone in town wants to work with David Morse, the local actor/neighbor I mentioned earlier. agents and managers are not helpful most of the time, my reason for always trying to get a direct contact, put the script in the actors hands.

11 years, 6 months ago - Dan Selakovich

Can't get to an actor? I've never heard of that. First, skip the agent and go through the manager if they have one. Agents want a payday. Managers tend to want to mold a career. First, write a letter and include the script. Follow up a week later with a phone call. In the letter, even with an agent, you do it this way: we need Mr. Big Shot May 21st and 22nd. Here's how much money will be paid. Here's the script. Does he want to do it? You can't be vague. They deal everyday with films that never get produced. Your advantage is that your train is already on the track.

Ronnee Blakley? Is she even still acting? Shocked that her agent wouldn't take absolutely anything that would come along. I know Wendy Makkena. She's not as old as you're looking for, but she's absolutely amazing. She might consider it if she has time. She works a lot. I'd really have to read the script first though if I were going to sell it.

Justin Chatwin from "Shameless"? Yeah, I'm not surprised. He's a rising star and isn't going to take a chance on a first time director. I know a great actor that's around that type, but he's unknown except in the theatre world. I know quite a few actors that work, but are not known faces.

As for the casting director, just set up a meeting and ask. But I'd found out about more services than a phone call. She may have just the perfect type that has done several films that haven't been released yet. So he'd be cheap, but by the time your film is finished, he'll be a known face.

11 years, 6 months ago - Dan Selakovich

Sure, Nena. Be happy to. Given your budget, though, I'd stick with locals. Paying to put up a name is really costly. Plus, since you're out of the TMZ, you're also going to have to pay per diem. I just wonder if the headaches are worth it. Because, in the end, you might be able to get a midlevel name that will cost you, but will do nothing for sales and distribution. Or worse, get a name that will tag your film as a B-movie (Eric Roberts, for example).

Maybe Shakyra can help. Casting directors never get the credit they deserve! They are amazing at the minefield you now find yourself in!

11 years, 5 months ago - nena eskridge

I'm reviewing a contract I'm about to sign with a casting director. is it standard for a casting director to ask for "1% of 100% of 'net receipts' if any, from the picture".

11 years, 5 months ago - Dan Selakovich

Does the contract actually DEFINE what "net receipts" are? I'm actually surprised they are not asking for participation of gross. Look at any studio participation contract, and you'll see pages and pages of gross and net definitions that make it nearly impossible for the participant to make a dime.

Is there a payment schedule in the contract? It can be very hard to determine WHEN a movie hits "break even." If you spend 200 grand making it, then another 200 grand over a year promoting and four walling it, at what point does participation kick in? What happens if you sell the TV rights at a profit of the production budget, but you spend 10,000 securing those rights, putting you back in the red?

This is some really complicated shit. Here's what I'd do: I think the 1% of net is fair. But I would put a cap on their total fee. Maybe 25% over what they would normally charge. That way, if you get into an argument over some "net" of DVD sales, for example, you'll know when they will be out of your life and you'll stay out of court trying to prove your gross and net.

11 years, 6 months ago - Shakyra Dowling

Hi Nena,

Inbox me and we can talk through the process and I can give you a quote. me@shakyradowlingcasting.com.
www.dowlingerdely.com

I've worked on films of all sorts of budgets from £40,000 to £5m.

11 years, 6 months ago - Marlom Tander

Hi,

As an outsider it seems to me that you have to look at what you have to offer the actors. And what you need from them.

You offer, essentially no money. But a great script.

Question 1 - do I, as actor, think you will actually complete this movie?
Question 2 - am I convinced that anyone will see it? Festivals don't count. Convince me it will be in theatres or on a popular TV channel.

Unless the answer to both of those is Yes, then as an actor I either have to be paid my going rate (so it's your problem, not mine), OR an unknown who simply needs a feature credit.

But imagine that I'm a friendly type well known non star actor and I love the script, and I want to help. It is still pretty much impossible for me to commit. Why? Because what happens if I say YES to you, and then HBO call, or I get a good advert payday. I don't want to lose out, (even if it's a good year I need to build a retirement fund) and I don't want to have the "I'm sorry" conversation. So the best thing is for me to turn it down.

My take - pick on Dan's comment. Your project might be just what a stage actor needs to show that they can do movies. The feature opportunity matters way more than the money, but you'd still have to show good odds for good audience.

I also noted, re David Morse - that you live in his town but you don't know him personally. So the first time you seek him out, you want a favour because "he does this all the time for the locals"? That's not a good look. If you really want him AND the film is genuinely local, put the script through his door with a letter and it's his call.

cheers

11 years, 6 months ago - nena eskridge

Mary Anne you are so right! Seriously wouldn't have made it this far without their insight/wisdom/skills. This is my first feature and every suggestion/observation has been on target. I've learned so much from everyone, i'm worried that soon I will receive an invoice for their services! not that they don't deserve payment, it's just not in my budget! stay tuned!

11 years, 6 months ago - nena eskridge

a fairly well known actor lives in my neighborhood. it will take two days for his scenes and he likes working on local stuff but I can't get to him. i've tried everything (dont' ask). so the only choice i have left is to go thru our local casting agency. i'd like to know what to expect before i reach out to them. only work involved is a phone call to see if he's available and/or interested. i'm wondering how much they will charge me for this. my project is ultra low budget which means i pay actors $100 a day. the actor doesn't mind, he does this all the time for locals, but i'm guessing the agency will totally dis me.

11 years, 6 months ago - Mary Anne McGarry

Simply want to say the responses to Nina's questions have been so pragmatic and thoughtfu and accuratel; I have loved following this thread.