Congratulations! You have a script and a vision for your short. But, who’s going to act these parts? To this point, we’ve had great folks pitch in and try out their acting chops on earlier films. No one was an actual actor and I saw this as an experience gap on my behalf. It’s winter and I don’t have the logistics, locale, clothing, props or even lunch for two to three actors in a Biblical setting. Don has a stop-motion project in pre-production and I’ve assisted him in a few test shots, as well as contributed to his pilot script. Maybe I could use my project as a means to better support his? In a later post, I’ll go more into detail on the intricacies of stop motion. In the meantime, we shall return to the issue at hand. I have a script, but no actors.
Just because you have a micro-budget doesn’t mean you have to look like your broke. In the film, “Boiler Room” an executive instructs the new hires to “Act as if. Act as if your the President of this firm” and to do that properly, “you have to look the part.”
Buy a domain name. We use Google Domains and pay $5/month. This includes a mailbox, so you’re not communicating via @freehostingcheapermail.net. You also have Google Drive that allows for document sharing - more on that later.
Create a social media presence. Use your newly created inbox to create YouTube, Facebook page, Instagram and Twitter profiles. At this stage, don’t friend or follow every filmmaker you can see. That sort of activity is for your personal account.
Setup a website. For the last year and to Don’s dismay, I’ve used a Blogger site to host veteranfilmproductions.com. Anytime we received an official selection, I would update the aforementioned platforms. Now that I would reach out to actors, it was time to invest in a new website. I have used other website hosting services in the past (GoDaddy, Wordpress, etc.) and I never liked the aesthetics nor the support. This year, I tried Squarespace for $12/month and am quite satisfied with the results.
Advertise your project. At this stage in our development, we’re not comfortable buying a domain name per short film and getting pinched by annual renewal fees. Instead, we create project pages on FilmFreeway.com. Your able to document your film’s title, which will hopefully grant first-use and provide some intellectual property protection. Additionally, you can upload a movie poster, trailer, production or behind-the-scenes stills, assign credits and attach a cover letter.
Dedicate some time to these activities as they will reflect your production organization’s quality and professionalism. I am candid about who we are and our mission statement reflects that: “Veteran Film Productions prides itself on making amusing, independent films at exceptionally low budgets.” The key words are “independent” and “exceptionally low budgets”. No, we are not spending $40,000 or even $5,000 on a picture. In fact, our last film was shot for $500. I further stress this fact in our communications with talent.
Casting Breakdown. This document represents the project, your expectations, and is your first impression. Spell check aside, be succinct and inclusive. I attached our breakdown on the FilmFreeway project page for use as a template. For voice over and narration, you will need to include your audio specifications. This may vary based upon your workflow, NLE, and manner of distribution. For example, Netflix has specific audio requirements. Lastly, be professional and include a cover letter or email with the casting breakdown. This can add a few degrees of warmth to your cold pitch and its an opportunity to stress your mission statement (e.g., no budget, micro-filmmaker).
Cast a wide net. I found a few sites that allow you to search for and listen to voice over talent audition tapes.
There are also a few Facebook groups that you can post to. I was fortunate enough to have an ‘aha’ moment having heard my actors voices. This must be what others describe as finding the right actor or actress during an in-person audition! I will go in detail about hiring a voice over actor in another post.
Behind the scenes. Document your activity by taking behind the scenes videos and images. Share these in social media to ‘generate buzz’ and upload to your film project site. Capture your thoughts, trials and tribulations in a journal or online editor (Google Docs) for behind the scenes blogging (video AND text). Also, take the time to capture some production stills during shooting when the talent is properly lit and in character. This is helpful in marketing and ensuring your project page is filled out like an application. By taking these small and inexpensive steps, you have started your journey with building a brand. It should be noted that not only actors will look at your website. This can include caterers, locations for hire, potential crew, and even permit handlers. Take the time and put on your best face!