Greetings!
Not new to this group, but haven't posted anything yet. As a screenwriter I've learned that sometimes you have to just "shoot your own $h*t". Don't be afraid to assemble a team to shoot your script. I'm taking those very steps as we speak. You can find my casting call in the jobs section here https://www.stage32.com/profile/584739
Good luck! & Thanks!
Chris M. Rutledge
www.chrismrutledge.com
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But if it is the first time you are establishing a team, what are some qualities you should look for to make sure you pick the right people to make your film?
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Word!
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Renee - The ones that act like they care and show that they want to be there to help, instead of there for a paycheck. But also hopefully they have on set experience.
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Renee- Don't overlook people who have more or even lots of experience, so long as they are also respectful of your leadership (i.e. behave professionally). Whatever experience level I have had, when I do my own thing I have tried to surround myself with people who are better at what they do than I am at what I do... it drives me to up my game, and brings more to the table than would comfortable peers or eager newbs.
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When I produced my first feature film, a retired ASC cinematographer (he shot The Jazz Singer w/ Neil Diamond) volunteered his Time & loaned his equipment for free to help us. You never know who shows up to your door. But u gotta be 100% committed, make good on promises
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I'm an experienced editor and colorist who has volunteered, or worked cheap, for numerous passion projects. I have noticed that most of them never pan out. After emails are exchanged and advise is given, most of them simple stop communicating. I assume it is because they found a more convenient path, gave up or just got busy. I would suggest that you use this opportunity to build professional network because once someone agrees to work with you, for cheap or for free, then all the same rules apply to professionalism.
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Dan, I haven't seen Izzy Mankofsky in a few years now. Last time was at the ASC clubhouse years ago and he was somewhat frail. I have to check in on him. Nice person.
Volunteering is almost exclusively reserved for very very close friends.
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Andrew Sobkovich I put an ad for a DP and Mr Mankofsky personally dropped off his reel. He liked our team and volunteered his Time. Generous and extremely nice person. We were fortunate.
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Thanks Dan. Absolutely sounds like the kind of thing Izzy would do. It must be a great memory to have.
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Renee Huff Great question! I look at their demo reels (depending on the crew position), conduct an informal interview and casting call for actors (reviewing their demo reels also), and what I've come to learn is one of THE most important is their "energy" and personality and how well they work with the crew. When being on set for hours at a time it's important that the crew has great energy together, in my opinion as Director on this particular project and others. Their passion for the particular project also really helps. For instance, Trombone Jones is a silent film that raises awareness of PTSD and my Lead Actor was a Marine with PTSD so he was very passionate about the role, as were the other veterans that came on board due to the focus of the time.
You can learn more here https://www.trombonejonesfilm.com/
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That's GREAT advice, Christopher M. Rutledge! Would you be willing to start a new post in the FIlmmaking Lounge about casting actors that have a personal tie to the material? I wonder how many other people have casted similarly!
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Thanks Karen "Kay" Ross!! I'll work on that soon
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Thank you for sharing. I did that with my music video on my project page.
Oh yes -- for sure! Being a DIY filmmaker is much more empowering than chasing after gatekeepers. And you have a better chance of being seen when you have something great to show.