Acting : How to get an A-List or even a B-List actor in an Indie Film?? by Viquii Johannesson (Vicki Johnson)

You have to remember, any actor worth having attached to your script is already getting a stack of scripts from producers and studios. You will first approach the actors agent with an offer. You need a great, finished script that offers the actor a challenge - something they don't usually get to do. Tell them exactly where you plan to shoot and exactly how many days you will need their client. You should have a start date, but let them know it's flexible. Be prepared to pay for their living expenses if they are from out of town and for all travel expenses even if they live in your town. Something very important to keep in mind when you approach a working actor - especially a recognizable one. This is what they do for a living. Many are willing to help out a low budget moviemaker, but this is much more than a hobby to them - working for the SAG Indie or on deferred pay takes them off the paying market for the length of your shoot. First on the list are offers at or above their "quote". A guaranteed paycheck. Second on the list are scripts from studios and producers for less than their quote - but these are also firm offers (money is attached, they get paid when they say "yes"). These are projects like CRASH - where the script may be more important than the money - but there is still money (and often a high profile writer, producer or other actor) attached. Third in line are pet projects. The star has a pet project they will take to the studio or producers with no money attached, but it's a story they really love. Fourth in line are scripts from friends or friends of friends. No money attached, but at least brought to them by someone know to them personally. Eventually we go all the way down to some total stranger with a script and no money. Imagine the odds of doing that script instead of any of the others? Knowing that you are number five on a very long list of scripts being offered should help you decide how to approach agents. Maybe you could offer a producer credit to the actor, or a good friend of the actor. You might have to do things the old fashioned way. Get the script to a producer who can make a firm offer to a star.

Silent Partner nailed it. The only things I might add, is go after them for a cameo. An indie I recently completed reached out to a very recognizable character actor, struck a deal for a one scene/one day shoot, and done deal. Of course, we were in LA, as was he, but nonetheless, it worked. Otherwise, I would suggest casting it with strong, yet relatively unknown, actors and make a great film. If you create a solid project that can crack its way into some of the higher profile festivals (SXSW, Telluride, Seattle, Slamdance, etc.) then you may get the "mingling" opportunity you're wanting.

Hmmm... get to know them first as people, and they will do lots for you, Do it in their same home town, especially if that is not a major movie town. I have a list of 100 or so "B"s and "C"s all immensely talented. AND a few "A" bankables. All eager to work for reasonable fees or for free, depending.

Definitely find the actors agent on IMDBpro or find an agent like... www.esterman.com fairly simple to use.

honestly: call/email their agents, be polite, be humble and ask if you can send the screenplay. Be upfront about the status of your project. No bullshit and you will have a chance.

I'm on the SAG-AFTRA Board in NY and get to know a lot of recognizable actors. There are many interested in good projects...BUT...most won't even have the talk until some financing has happened. There was a time actors got on board early but the plethora of lawsuits against them has scared them off. It is a dilemma. What's key is your prep. If you have a good script (maybe picked up some contest awards). a solid business plan, a detailed accurate budget, schedule...and know how to talk with talen or their reps you have a better chance. But let's face it, without the pay it's hard to play. Our project has a good team of talent with big awards, and a known casting director...and it's still a battle to beat the catch-22. Get the money you'll get the actors, and get the actors you'll get the money. All you need is one person to break that cycle.

If you don't already have a personal relationship with that actor (and that's ALWAYS the best way to get a 'name' actor into your project IMHO -- it's always worked for me) then two things: 1) you need to have an awesome screenplay with a firm start date and money in place (okay that's three right there, lol) and 2) get thee a casting director. Because casting directors HAVE those relationships, even though they are usually with the reps, they can get those people to actually look at your screenplay. And then if #1 is in place you have a pretty good shot.

Kidnap them and force them to comply. Always works for me.

The simplest way to get name talent is to hire a reputable casting agent for your project. They generally know who and how to contact for name talent, and usually have a relationship with actors that they have worked with in the past.

Donna, they prefer to be called "casting directors" not casting agents. I produced/directed a show called "Casting Qs" which consisted of in-depth interviews with many Casting Directors, from those in LA to some in Canada and even one in Prague. 44 episodes aired.

I respect what you're saying Laird, but that's not true for all actors especially when the economy is bad... I've seen some A-List Actors in some not so good Indie films.. because they just want to keep working and they love what they do.. some choose theatre.. what I was asking is, does anyone know, which I guess not from the responses, know of A-Listers who are interested or even those working their way up and want to be in films period?

A great deal of "landing" them has to do with scheduling. If you can get an agreeable day rate, or lump sum payment, and shoot them out in 3-4 days, then your odds go way up. If you're looking to get them for a 3-4 week shoot, well, then you better have a hefty budget.

You should have 20% of your film's budget in the bank, should have a team on board with credits, should offer a reasonable rate, should be at least SAG ultra low budget, should have a damn good script or come with the recommendation of someone known and reputable. Many pieces need to be in place before you should go to the talent's agent, and even then getting past that brick wall can be a miracle.

Also, remember, you must have a SAG-AFTRA contract to get any name or recognizable actors. They are members and may not work without a union contract. The union has contracts down to $0 budgets. But you'll need to have more the $0 to land a known actor.

I would like to try to write an indie flim

Susan this is a five (5) year old zombie thread. Try posting in Screenwriting.

I have contacted many A/B list talents through their agents using IMDBpro. Very useful tool.

As a board member of SAG-AFTRA I can tell you it's very hard to get a name actor to attach to a project, or even to read the script, before financing is in place. Too many lawsuits over the years. If you have a project with an established director or producer you might have a shot. Once financing is in place it all changes. Then its a matter of scheduling and does the project - and the role - appeal to the talent.

What's a zombie thread? Thanks all for your comments, I've been gone for a while, appreciate your comments and advice on the subject.

Vicki, I’m curious... what’s happened for you over the last five years?