The Complete Online Filmmaking Reference - Film Distribution ...

very excited about the job they are going to do. Arrange to get together with them to sign a contract and set the
dates as soon as possible.
Be aware that the humble actor begging for a job yesterday can in an instant become a demanding prima-donna
today.
Be sure to call back or E-mail the actors you are not choosing and thank them for auditioning. Let them know
that they weren't quite right for this movie but you would like to consider them for future projects. Actors really
appreciate not being left wondering forever if they are being considered for the part, and you really might want to
use them in another project.
You now have your cast. Time to start rehearsals. Send everyone the full screenplay so they will hopefully read it
and start studying their role.
Product Reviews
Directing Actors: Creating Memorable Performances for Film &
Television There are few great books on directing and none of them cover
all aspects of the discipline. Directing Actors is one of the great ones and the
best way to learn the most important techniques of getting great
performances from your actors. Based on Judith Weston's highly regarded
master classes for directors on working with actors, this is essential reading
for anyone interested in directing or acting.
Judith Weston's brilliance is to recognize that directors, actors, writers, and
technicians are involved in a process that is at essence a collaboration. In
order for them to have the best shot at creating something true and
meaningful, they must share a language and a method of exchange that
fosters creative cooperation. Weston rightly sees the director as the central
figure in inspiring the energy of a production's harmony. The book covers the
entire process from script analysis, to casting, rehearsal and performance.
Highest recommendation.
The Filmmaker's Basic Library has all the top-rated filmmaking resources.
Sites with information about finding, auditioning and casting actors
Key tips for actors on how to audition from Michael Shurtleff's excellent little book, Auditions: Everything an
Actor Needs to Know to get the Part. Better yet, just buy the book. Besides being by far the best book
available for actors on how to audtition, for filmmakers it's a mind opening look into what acting is all about and
the internal processes a good actor goes through.
Boo-Tips has some good tips for auditioning talent by Peter John Ross.
Caryn.com has links to articles about acting and auditions and interviews with casting directors.
The Wikipedia contains a short article about casting actors.
A code of conduct for conducting auditions is posted here by the London theater actor's equity.
Happy Filmmaking!