Premium Member Matthew W. Phillips Posted October 21, 2007 Premium Member Share Posted October 21, 2007 Hello all, I'm currently in pre-production of a short film which I mentioned in another thread, but I can use some help. Thanks to Tim's brilliant advice, I posted my casting call on Craigslist and have received a SWARM of potential inquiries and I'm only on day 2 of 30 in my search phase. I cannot sort out these applicants without an audition, a no-brainer. However, I am wondering what would be a good place to host an audition that will not cut into my already Ultra-low budget? Anyone have any good ideas on the subject? Anything is appreciated. P.S.- This isnt my first film project, but it is the first project that was not with college students OR friends which did not require formal auditions. Thanks, Matthew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daniel Smith Posted October 21, 2007 Share Posted October 21, 2007 Hello all, I'm currently in pre-production of a short film which I mentioned in another thread, but I can use some help. Thanks to Tim's brilliant advice, I posted my casting call on Craigslist and have received a SWARM of potential inquiries and I'm only on day 2 of 30 in my search phase. I cannot sort out these applicants without an audition, a no-brainer. However, I am wondering what would be a good place to host an audition that will not cut into my already Ultra-low budget? Anyone have any good ideas on the subject? Anything is appreciated. P.S.- This isnt my first film project, but it is the first project that was not with college students OR friends which did not require formal auditions. Thanks, Matthew I'd probably look into community halls, normally owned by the local parish. They generally set out to help the community, as opposed to making profits. So if you was to act like a desperate film maker from the local community trying to make it big, they would probably give you a good deal. Other, more commercial places (theatres, private halls etc.) may seem more professional, but they will obviously cost a lot more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Phil Rhodes Posted October 21, 2007 Premium Member Share Posted October 21, 2007 Hi, I have used: - The front room (bad) - Theatres - Rehearsal rooms - Dance studios - Film studios (It was short notice. They were empty. I got it for a song.) - Rooms belonging to a local drama group - A lock-up garage All I'd say is that wherever you do it is better than your front room; asking people, particularly girls, to come to your home is always iffy. Phil Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Bowerbank Posted October 21, 2007 Share Posted October 21, 2007 ...what would be a good place to host an audition that will not cut into my already Ultra-low budget? Anyone have any good ideas on the subject? Anything is appreciated. Where are you based out of? Sacramento? If you're a little more location specific, perhaps someone here knows of a few spaces to hold your auditions :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Matthew W. Phillips Posted October 21, 2007 Author Premium Member Share Posted October 21, 2007 Where are you based out of? Sacramento? If you're a little more location specific, perhaps someone here knows of a few spaces to hold your auditions :) Sacramento County or city, specific enough? B) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bugs Haller Posted October 22, 2007 Share Posted October 22, 2007 Sacramento County or city, specific enough? B) I would find out if there are any acting studios in the area and see if you can't rent the space on a Sunday afternoon for a great price. Community theatre spaces would be great too. But don't do it at a residence. That is illegal and could get you in some trouble. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Matthew W. Phillips Posted October 22, 2007 Author Premium Member Share Posted October 22, 2007 But don't do it at a residence. That is illegal and could get you in some trouble. Why is it legal to film at a residence but not to audition at a residence? I will lookinto your idea nonetheless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Bowerbank Posted October 22, 2007 Share Posted October 22, 2007 But don't do it at a residence. That is illegal and could get you in some trouble. I went to an interview for a gig at a residence a few months back, and they were holding auditions before and after my appointment. They had signs posted out front and left their front door open. Does leaving the front door open make it legal, I wonder? I didn't ask, so now I'm curious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Matthew W. Phillips Posted October 22, 2007 Author Premium Member Share Posted October 22, 2007 I don't know about anyone else, but I wouldn't personally "turn someone in" for hosting an audition at their residence. It seems sortof a spiteful thing to do as far as I'm concerned. I don't think they'll put you in the slammer for it anyhow. I guess it's technically illegal to film without a permit but I have done that many times as I'm sure every person here has done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Burke Posted March 2, 2008 Share Posted March 2, 2008 I don't know about anyone else, but I wouldn't personally "turn someone in" for hosting an audition at their residence. It seems sortof a spiteful thing to do as far as I'm concerned. I don't think they'll put you in the slammer for it anyhow. I guess it's technically illegal to film without a permit but I have done that many times as I'm sure every person here has done. I am not sure about the legality, you are correct in questioning it, but bad form it is. I have often used an empty room at a local university. Many schools will let you do it for free. There are loads of places out there, just not the front room Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member John Sprung Posted March 4, 2008 Premium Member Share Posted March 4, 2008 Why is it legal to film at a residence but not to audition at a residence? I will lookinto your idea nonetheless. I can't imagine that it would be illegal. How about rehearsing, or practicing the clarinet? Are those legal? As long as you don't make noise that disturbs the neighbors, what would be the reason to outlaw it? Another approach: Get some soft drinks and food, and make it a party. Yeah, officer, it's a party. I invited a bunch of people over to celebrate my new movie. Some of them are actors I wanted to meet and talk to about it. In their enthusiasm, some of them read a few lines out loud.... ;-) -- J.S. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thomas Worth Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 Yeah, officer, it's a party. What you do in your house is your own business. Furthermore, the cops aren't allowed to come in and investigate without a warrant (4th amendment), and if they do ask you what you're doing, you can politely explain that it's none of their business (5th amendment). It's still unprofessional to hold auditions at a house or apartment. I don't recommend it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffrey Siljenberg Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 You may have already done this but did you consider posting your need for an audition location on Craig's list? Kindest Regards -jeff www.jeffsiljenberg.com What you do in your house is your own business. Furthermore, the cops aren't allowed to come in and investigate without a warrant (4th amendment), and if they do ask you what you're doing, you can politely explain that it's none of their business (5th amendment). It's still unprofessional to hold auditions at a house or apartment. I don't recommend it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mitch Lusas Posted March 21, 2008 Share Posted March 21, 2008 I second the use of school rooms and dance studios. You may have to rent the dance studio though...$10-$15 an hour. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DouglasSunlin Posted October 6, 2010 Share Posted October 6, 2010 ...It's still unprofessional to hold auditions at a house or apartment. I don't recommend it. Certainly if you have access to better spaces, then it can be a pretty suspicious choice. :) But for a no/low budget indie, it may be all you can afford. I was doing my auditions in my second bedroom/office. One of the actresses seemed apprehensive about that and asked if she could audition out in the living room instead, but then she saw the camera and my DP. I'm glad I didn't scare her off. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert Truiti Posted October 17, 2010 Share Posted October 17, 2010 I find that this is a two-stage process. For stage one, I just go to a bar and arrange for people to meet me there. That way, I can get a look at faces and compare to photos and also ask them to say something related to the film in a small digi camera. I also tell them about terms and conditions and what is expected of them etc. This simple process eliminates many. Alot just don't turn up (they like the idea and the glamour but not having to do anything). Also, if they turn up, you just know if they have potential or not. Stage two involves a day shoot somewhere with the digi camera and very low expectations (no payment, a kid camera). You discover alot about people on days like this. After these two stages, you have a much clearer idea who you want to work with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James L Perry Posted March 31, 2011 Share Posted March 31, 2011 You can probably get more professional actors/actresses by posting on ActorsAccess or BreakdownExpress dot com There is no charge for the listings and the web software is set up for audition schedules, emails, callbacks and viewing their photos, videos and resumes. Much easier to manage. SAG, AFTRA or Non-Union can be specified in your character breakdowns. My last auditions drew about 2000 very high quality actors after sorting all the candidates for the roles, about 150 were scheduled automatically with these websites. Then the schedules allow very organized printouts for the confirmed appointments. Best Regards, James L. Perry Producer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Keith Mottram Posted April 12, 2011 Premium Member Share Posted April 12, 2011 I find that this is a two-stage process. For stage one, I just go to a bar and arrange for people to meet me there. That way, I can get a look at faces and compare to photos and also ask them to say something related to the film in a small digi camera. I also tell them about terms and conditions and what is expected of them etc. This simple process eliminates many. Alot just don't turn up (they like the idea and the glamour but not having to do anything). Also, if they turn up, you just know if they have potential or not. Stage two involves a day shoot somewhere with the digi camera and very low expectations (no payment, a kid camera). You discover alot about people on days like this. After these two stages, you have a much clearer idea who you want to work with. That is just weird... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael K Bergstrom Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 There are several local coffee shops around town where I'm at that have community rooms, sometimes free, sometimes $25 for 2 hour blocks. I like these places because their quiet, give a comfortable place for actors to sit, gives them the chance for coffee and snacks, etc. I used to use local theatres and art houses but kinda got screwed a couple times with them changing things on me last minute. The bar thing I've done but in my mind kind of sleazy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member George Ebersole Posted September 15, 2011 Premium Member Share Posted September 15, 2011 Hello all, I'm currently in pre-production of a short film which I mentioned in another thread, but I can use some help. Thanks to Tim's brilliant advice, I posted my casting call on Craigslist and have received a SWARM of potential inquiries and I'm only on day 2 of 30 in my search phase. I cannot sort out these applicants without an audition, a no-brainer. However, I am wondering what would be a good place to host an audition that will not cut into my already Ultra-low budget? Anyone have any good ideas on the subject? Anything is appreciated. P.S.- This isnt my first film project, but it is the first project that was not with college students OR friends which did not require formal auditions. Thanks, Matthew When I used to do a lot of casting we always did it in either a studio, or in a side office above or next to a studio. I think one time I saw auditions take place in a hotel penthouse suite, which was pretty ridiculous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenna Whitney Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 (edited) I would chip in to say, renting a space within a soundstage or theater (black box stage, rehearsal room or stage) would be the most professional. Also my acting teacher, and he was very good, trained by a student of Meisner himself, rented a room in a church in Manhattan, and that worked totally fine, auditions were held there as well. If you really look I'm sure you could find low rates in any city, or try to barter for a lower cost or a freebie with a theater owner who might need something from you. Edited November 20, 2011 by Jenna Whitney Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Landon Parks Posted March 23, 2013 Share Posted March 23, 2013 When I cast Narnia: The Musical, we rented a meeting room at the local Library. It was great because it had A/V equipment already there. To what extent local Libraries will rent you a room depends though. Some want only non-profits. Other options include Hotel conference rooms, like we did when I cast The Boxcar Children. If your in a big film city like LA, NY or Chicago, you could always go for a dedicated studio. In any case, 90% of your options are going to cost something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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