Learn how you can attach A-list talent to your short film from John Trefry, a writer and producer of over a dozen short films that have starred Zachary Levi (SHAZAM!), Tatiana Maslany (SHE-HULK, ORPHAN BLACK), Maika Monroe (THE GUEST, IT FOLLOWS) and more!

You'll receive an outreach email template to get past managers and agents, an offer letter template and an example video script to pitch actors!

Every film aspires to have actors who not only bring the characters to life but also have notoriety and help attract buzz to the project. But even for massive Hollywood films, the process of attaching known talent remains challenging. Short films usually lack the resources of feature films. Yet, somehow, famous actors still show up in small projects, especially in the most widely viewed projects. 

Getting a top tier actor in your short film can make all the difference for raising money, attracting amazing collaborators, getting into festivals and beyond. So how can you navigate the challenging process of getting past managers, agents and gatekeepers and actually attach well-known actors to your short films? Learning the process can help your short film get massive exposure instead of falling into a void.

Teaching you everything you need to know about the skills needed to pull off your own casting magic is someone who has done it with great success, writer/producer and short film expert, John Trefry. John has produced a dozen short films which have competed at prestigious festivals around the world including SXSW, Tribeca, Raindance, HollyShorts, Palm Springs and over a hundred more. His shorts have starred known actors including Maika Monroe (THE GUEST), Tatiana Maslany (SHE-HULK), Jovan Adepo (WATCHMEN), Zachary Levi (SHAZAM!) and Joe Keery (STRANGER THINGS). John developed the festival and distribution strategy for STUCCO starring Janina Gavankar (THE MORNING SHOW) which won at SXSW, secured an exclusive release with The Hollywood Reporter and went on to become the most watched short in the history of the festival with over 130 million views. John is passionate about sharing his insights navigating the challenging world of short filmmaking and has helped countless filmmakers achieve success with their projects.

In this exclusive Stage 32 webinar, you will learn the the process needed to effectively position and pitch your project to attract and secure A-list talent. You will learn how to position your project, pitch actor’s reps, write effective outreach, record personalized videos and other insights to help you secure top talent for your short film. John will share the secrets that have helped him cast A-list talent in his short films without huge budgets so you can do the same. Casting known actors can change the trajectory of your film and your career, you just need to know how!

PLUS! You'll receive:

• John’s outreach email template to get past managers and agents
• Offer letter for talent
• An example video script to pitch actors 

Praise for John's Work & Teaching

"John is a total expert when it comes to narrative short films. He was a huge asset for my film Will The Machine and not only elevated my work as a director but also helped secure screenings at prestigious film festivals like HollyShorts and Palm Springs to name a few." - Kent Lamm, Writer/Director

"I’m not sure there is a person in the industry with more experience in the short film space than John Trefry. Even if you already completed your film John is the person you need to guide you through the coming decisions of festivals and distribution, and more importantly, other parts of the process you don’t even know exist yet." - Evan Miller, Writer/Director

"John is an incredibly thorough and easy to understand instructor. The webinar was fantastic and left me encouraged as to the possibility of securing an A-list actor (or two) to our production. With all of the tools John graciously provides, you simply can't fail." -Leonardo R

Why Short Films need A-List Actors

• Raising money for your film
• Actors need short films, too
• Getting into festivals and securing distribution

Who is the Right Fit and Why Your Film?

• Being organized and focused with your prospects
• Leverage your network
• You can only shoot your shot once
• Alignment with your film

Being Prepared and Realistic

• Materials you’ll need: script, pitch deck, outreach email and video
• Create a spreadsheet to stay organized
• Define timelines for outreach
• Use momentum to build momentum

How to Get Past Manager, Agents and Gatekeepers

• Writing the perfect outreach email
• Be sure to include all the details for your project
• Discovering shared connections on IMDB

Crafting Your Pitch Video

• Do your research and take notes
• Be specific, why this actor and why your project?
• Lead with authenticity and passion
• Close with confidence and certainty

Recording Your Pitch Video

• Less is more, don’t overproduce
• The “walk and talk”
• Seated at your desk

Sending Your Offer

• Proof your email and get feedback
• “Sandwiching” from allies and teammates
• Following up and getting an answer

Formally Attaching Talent

• Format of an offer letter
• SAG clearance
• Payroll

Bonus Lessons

• Get direct contact information for actors
• Being respectful and not exploiting the relationship
• Manage your expectations

Q&A with John

All levels of filmmakers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn how to attach A-list talent to their short film.

All levels of filmmakers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn the value of attaching A-list talent to their short film. 

All levels of producers (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn how to attach A-list talent to their short film. 

All levels of screenwriters (advanced, intermediate and beginner)looking to learn how to attach A-list talent to their short film.

All levels of actors (advanced, intermediate and beginner) looking to learn how to attach A-list talent to their short film.

John is a total expert when it comes to narrative short films. He was a huge asset for my film Will The Machine and not only elevated my work as a director but also helped secure screenings at prestigious film festivals like HollyShorts and Palm Springs to name a few.

Kent Lamm, Writer/Director

I’m not sure there is a person in the industry with more experience in the short film space than John Trefry. Even if you already completed your film John is the person you need to guide you through the coming decisions of festivals and distribution, and more importantly, other parts of the process you don’t even know exist yet.

Evan Miller, Writer/Director