Directing Cast

[Thanabotha]

I thought it might be a good idea for a thread that supplied ideas on directing the cast. If you have any ideas please note them.

Directing the number of films that I have, this is one that I've uncovered...

I think the most important part is choosing a cast that will not only work professionally, but will be open to coaching. Most actors that independent films use tend toward theatre actors, but stage acting has its own style. It's not 'real' enough. I stooped to 'showing' actors what I wanted on set, which is a bad idea. You should NEVER show actors how to act. Trust me. On my second short, I came up with an idea to spend some time with my principle cast one on one. My colleagues and I coached cast on voice and movement without the script, concentrating on their character's personaility and expression to enhance the movie's atmosphere, rather than just 'rehearsing scenes'. We strived for realism. The coaching took place before final auditions, where they 'proved their metal'. Sure, it was a lot of work, but I was confident with my cast to show up on set, do their jobs with a minimal number of takes and leave happy, knowing they did a good job. I'm using this method on my first feature length, "Grave October Moon," and I'm really happy to see my cast gaining confidence, motivation and enthusiasm with the film itself.

[armagecko]

Good points, Than. NOTHING is more critical to the success of a movie than the CASTING. Your post shows how important the auditioning process really is. I'd just like to add my thoughts to that. Some helpful things to consider:

ALWAYS video your auditions. Thanabotha is right. Stage acting is much "larger" than screen acting. If you video tape auditions, the difference will be obvious. Some suggestions to get those theatre actors to tone it down: Tell them to "Think small." They don't need to project to the back row when acting for a camera. If your movie makes it to "the big screen," the close-ups of their faces are going to be around 20 feet tall. At this size, the camera can read their thoughts. Screen acting is much more about "thinking" than "doing." Also, there's several books out that address this - Secrets of Screen Acting by Patrick Tucker is very easy to read and filled with great advice - If you're casting your friends, ask them to study up on what will be expected of them.

Also, if you live in a fairly metropolitan area (200,000 people or more), call your local casting/talent/modeling agency and ask if they would be willing to help you. This is where tons of young filmmakers go astray. Some just don't realize that they could be using experienced actors for the same price - next-to-nothing. Agencies are obligated to find roles for their talent. Sometimes, even if the part is a non-paying one, these agencies may help you in order to give their talent an opportunity to gain additional credits and exposure. I've worked at, and with, many agencies, and they can really make a difference. But you'd better be super-nice and you'd better have your s**t together. These are busy people and you need to respect that. Don't waste their time. Maybe later I'll post some tips on working with an agency, if anyone's interested.

[sightsunseen]

I'd be very interested in agency related tips...go on.

[Fantome]

Armagecko is right about using an agency. In fact, the talent agency we found worked for free. They supported the Independent level moviemaker. Thanabotha and I worked hard to establish report. We had 67 parts to fill for "Grave October Moon" and we filled almost every role. The talent agency even let us use their spare rooms/offices for auditions and preproduction coaching with the actors. They even helped explain to potential actors about how low the budget was and how little, if any, they'd be paid. That didn't stop actors from showing up just for the experience and possible exposure.

I'd like to hear what armagecko has to say about angencies. The more information, the better.

[sightsunseen]

I may just give it a go with an agency from our area. Still...I wouldn't mind hearing more on other people's experiences with this.

[HailtotheKing]

Ahhh...yes Casting. It's very very hard. The hardest part for me for 2 reasons, 1. Finding people that will help. 2. Working with the limited people in the area.
I don't like doing it myself, I wish I had someone to do it for me. But anyway....the Cast will either make or break your movie. Also it's how you direct them as well. They could be the greatest actor in the world, but without good direction and a soild script, it falls all apart. When casting for a role, take into account what the character looks like, acts, reacts and try to find a person who could pull off that. Really it doesn't matter what the person looks like as long as that person fits his/her role to their best.

I know "us" indie filmmakers arn't going to get the best actors/actresses in the world. So you have to work with what you have, and almost "teach" these new actors/actresses your working with. They'll learn something and you will as well. That's why I really like working with new people on different projects. It lets me find new talent to work with them, help them and make a good film. For my lastest film I have a set of "new" people that I have in the movie. Then I have a another set of "regulars" to support them.
That's another point, always throw the new people in with the old people. lol That didn't sound right. But if you have an actor you have worked with on 5-6 projects and he fits your new script, put him in a supporting role to help the "new" talent out.

Just my 2 cents....

[Ghost]

The last post reminded me on another thing to think about while choosing actors. Some directors make the mistake (especially writer/directors) where they visualize the character and expect to find a person that fits that mold. If you do it this way, it's not happening. No way. Instead, ask yourself: Who will this character be if he/she is played by this actor? In casting, you're not looking for the character incarnated. Your looking for a person who will bring the most to the role. A lot of times, actors will bring in whole new dimensions the director hasn't even thought about before... and make the character (and thus the movie) better. Lousy choices in this area will make or break your movie as well.