Actors
 

Does anyone have a good free online resource for finding actors? I need to find some quick and local. Im in NJ.... if anyone can help, I will owe you.
Michael

I've heard BACKSTAGE magazine mentioned for the NY area. Perhaps there is a website or bulletin board associated with it.

Try this one:

http://www.flixusa.com/

It is broken down regionally. Good luck.

Your local and regional theatre groups are GREAT places to find talented, anxious and willing to work for free actors.

I've always had luck and a lot of times the theatre folks will help you audition and recommend folks.

If it's a freebee project let them know upfront and tell them you'll give them a copy of the finished project and that they will have a resume piece to add.



Don't forget to get releases from everyone too.

I'll second Kevin's recommendation. I am currently casting Episode 20 for Lady X Films. My co-producer, Jennifer Newman, has theatrical experience and persuaded me to use formal auditions. We ran a "cattle-call" in a local theatrical paper clearly indicating that the assignment offers only exposure and experience, no compensation. The response has been overwhelming. We auditioned 33 people (for 4 roles) last week and will be auditioning approximately 40 more (the "overflow") next week. Virtually all of our respondents have quite a bit of acting experience, mainly in off-Broadway and local theater but some in tv, commercials and indie films.

Your mileage may vary with such an approach. The regional situation might be different here in Chicago than on the East Coast. But it's worth a try.

One last suggestion. Even if your project offers no compensation treat your talent, and prospective talent, with respect and courtesy. ANd run your auditions and production as professionally as possible. Actors are used to be rejected and treated like meat. They greatly appreciate being treated with dignity and respect. (Don't we all?)

Good luck with your project!

My son is a professional actor with agents in several cities. He, too, works for free when warranted. He always appreciates the practice. One big thing is, like Ken said, being treated professionally. Equally important is how professional is the crew. He is more than willing to work with people just getting started. However, if the crew is a bunch of clowns, forget it. He wants serious work.

You'll find most actors are the same way. You probably won't get the guys that are working regularly, but there are a lot of good, out of work, actors. There might be an artsy newspaper in your area and in the classifieds would be an "Artistic Opportunities" or "Auditions" heading. We have both including the major newspaper.

I agree with Rob, professionalism is key. If you're not paying your actors make sure that you've planned your shoot and are providing meals and a good working environment. It makes for better performances. The last thing you want is your actors feeling like they're being taken advantage of and that you won't do your best to make the best movie possible with your limited resources.