How to gather Actors

[lotrwackjob]

Well, I have a problem... I've been trying to make this short film for about three weeks. I need some actors for it, so it's not just a one man show.... Every time I ask my actors to come they say they will, but then some either don't or come but just goof off. this thing will take only one day to shoot, and we've tried 6 times to do it. I feed them every time, and I try to make it fun, but this whole thing has discouraged me so much.

How do you get actors to film that want to help? /i need them now, because i'm loosing the desire to make movies if this is how it's going to be...

[countevil]

You sir need to put on your director's hat. Sounds to me like you've gotta become more assertive, because these guys are walking all over you.
The director should take no crap from actors. If they don't turn up so often, you fire them and get somebody else. Sounds harsh but thats how it has to be to get the job done.
If you don't start leading more people will keep doing this and disrespecting you.

[yugosaki]

You really do need to put your foot down sometimes. Take the lead, tell them where to stand, what to do, etc. Nothing wrong with a few breaks and a little goofing around, but remind them why they are there. If they don't want to help you, they can feel free to leave.

[thechosenone]

Your actors sound like aka. (your friends) friends are always a bad choice, unless they share your passion of film making.

The best way I have found to find free to low budget actors, is to post flyers around town, look in the drama club at schools and post on craigslist for your area.

Its also always a good idea to hold casting calls, to find the perfect actors for the parts your looking for, video each person reading a few lines from the script and take notes about each person. Be sure to get all their information before they leave.

[bobaandy1]

Some directors are nice. Some are mean. If you are on a pro film set with everyone being paid and who does their job for a living, you can be nice. We have to be mean.

It's not uncommon for me to have sore throats at the end of shoot days from sheer screaming. But I get the job done--and my friends still find time to have fun. They must, because they keep coming back and love it.

[thtoneguy94]

I've had the exact same thing happen to me a couple times. It sucks. I mean it really really sucks.

I don't know how many films you've made or how good they are but one thing I noticed is that as I started to make more and more films and as they started getting better and better my actors (my friends) started realizing that I'm serious about filmmaking and in turn they became serious about it as well.

Another thing you can do is watch your teachers at school. Look at how easily they're able to get the class to shut up just by raising your voice. Don't be afraid to get pissed off at your actors. It may feel really uncomfortable but when the film's done, and the actor's see it, they'll forgive you. It happened to me.

It's easy to get people to do stuff for you when you pay them. But we can't so we have to make do. Were there times when I wanted to pull my hair out? Throw it all away and quit. Of course! But that's what filmmaking's all about.

[yugosaki]

friends are always a bad choice

Unfortunately, they are also usually an indy filmmakers ONLY choice.

But depending on how old you are, social networking and misc 'friend making' sites in your area could be a good way to recruit potential actors/find fellow filmmakers. Although the ever present "be careful there are bad people on the internet" warning is still mandatory. meet all strangers in a public, busy place, don't exchange personal details, yadda yadda. But you could get lucky and find other people with the same problems who would love to collaborate.

[countevil]

I see directing as like a different persona. You can almost become a different person when you direct. You have to ground yourself as a presence to be respected and listened to. You need to be extrovert, able to tell everybody whet you want to happen.

Join a local filmmaking group if you want help getting actors and crew. I did and it turned out to be a great idea. Not only do they have lots of high end equipment, but I'll come away with lots of connections. A number are ameture actors happy to work for nothing.

[Andy Leonard]

Maybe go to your local high school and ask the Drama Department head to put the word out. Explain that you can't pay, but it's good experience and a fun time.

[lotrwackjob]

I ended up putting my foot down, I kicked my one actor (friend) off the set, because he was not helping, and he showed up late. I told him that if this is how he's going to perform, I don't need him. The others there were great, they were serious about the project, and we got it done, and done right. Later the next day my friend came up to me and told me he didnt like me yelling at him, I told him I didn't like the way he acted around the production. Movies done, and I'm getting some more respect from actors. Thanks guys

[Blaman]

Sweet! It's great to see good advice being put to use and achieving results. That is what this website is all about if you ask me.

[thtoneguy94]

congrats... how'd it feel?

[Andy Leonard]

Oh, man, the raw power. Look down. You've got big stones. Congratulations.