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What's a reasonable rate of pay for actors for a self funded short film?

Darren Roberts

8 years, 5 months ago - Darren Roberts

Hello

I'm working on making my first short film with the plan to use it as a proof of concept/pitch to get funding for a feature which I'm hoping will attract actors as they would play the same role in the feature.

I'm just wondering what a reasonable rate of pay for the two actors I need for the short would be?

I'm self funding and have £1000 I know I can get some crew for free and have a rough idea of prices for equipment if I can't borrow it but I know getting good actors for free might be hard especially as the main actress needs to be able to do a Danish accent and also speak Danish, which factors into the story of the feature.

The shoot will probably be around 3 days, I'm in the early stages of planning so nothing is set in stone at the moment, I just need a rough idea to work out the budget.

Thanks in advance for any help

All the best
Darren

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Dan Selakovich

8 years, 5 months ago - Dan Selakovich

I don't know about the U.K., but here in the U.S. the SAG low budget deal is $100 a day, and that can be deferred if need be. I would check the actor's union there, and try to work with them. It's always best to work above board, especially with actor's unions.

Response from 8 years, 5 months ago - Dan Selakovich SHOW

Paddy Robinson-Griffin

8 years, 5 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

I wouldn't be too fearful of Equity for a short. They know shorts are not commercial projects and are not going to be interested unless asked to step in by a member. For features the minimum is ~£135/day (more complicated than that, but that's what I'll call it), I suspect shorts are by negotiation, or minimum wage. Some cast will want to work for expenses if it's a short job - they get showreel material from it after all.

As you've got a grand, paying £700 to cast for the shoot leaves you with nothing at all for production (the biggest slice of your costs), so the production will look awful. Instead, try to balance things out, pay everyone expenses plus a little extra and feed them well. Get your short down to 2 days, BTW. You can get a favour for 2 days/weekend, longer gets in the way of paying jobs. The best way to control costs is time, even if it means a rewrite!

Response from 8 years, 5 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW

Darren Roberts

8 years, 5 months ago - Darren Roberts

Thanks for the input

Response from 8 years, 5 months ago - Darren Roberts SHOW