Where can I find actors/actresses willing to work for free so that I can get experience as a film director?

Answer 1

A good source would be contacting local high school and universities and request that you be able to post an open casting call flyer for your movie and indicate that there will be no monetary compensation, but the principals will be entitled to a free copy (and drastically reduced price for extras in the film) of the finished copy for their portfolio. Most theater students that really want to make it in the biz are always hungry for any and all types or roles to expand their acting skills.

Many communities/newpapsers have public announcements of things to do or auditions and many times can post your request in those publications for very cheap or free if you are needing older actors and children in your production or extras.

Another thing is always have food available; it doesn't have to be catered or even great, just bulk food stuff like chips, peanuts, popcorn and snack items, hotdogs and buns and an assortment of condiments or huge pots of chili work (and a smaller pot of vegetarian chili for the vegans), bulk salad type items (5 qts of coleslaw, macaroni salad, potato salad, etc.) and pops in the cooler (or at least water and coffee) .

If you need a lot of extras for a scene, college kids will show up and be in it just for the free grub (especially if you film on a Friday evening as the cafeterias for dorm students are not open) and it a good, positive opening line at parties to say that they were in an extra in a movie.

Only downside is you need to be very organized to not waste the time of people who you have no control over them (as they are in your film because you are not paying them), have a tighter script that will need little to no editing and may need to sacrifice some of the artistic qualities and need to keep great records to slightly to ensure that everyone that does participate in your production gets some screen time if acting and everyone that participated in any way, shape or form gets listed in the ending credits and most importantly, have them sign a talent release form acknowledging that they know they will not be receiving monetary compensation for the film.

Try to get e-mail addresses of everyone who is in the production and also start a blog (there are several free ones, such as www.blogger.com or even myspace.com) and post pictures, comments, updates or request for additional talent/extras on it while in production and after it is complete, to keep people apprised of what is happening (enter a decent film into every free and cheap film festival you can find, no matter who obscure...any "win" or nomination or anything is a feather in your cap to brag about.)

Answer 2

You can try going to a film academy or any school where the students are taking acting classes/aspiring actors and actresses and ask around to see who would be interested. Can even use myspace or craigslist as a network to get the word out what you're trying to do.

Answer 3

that's easy!! many people are willing to work for free to be in a film...just post on craigslist or one of the actor sites...

(it is sometimes getting the free crew that is difficult - cause a lot of people may volunteer but ones with experience are harder to find- although I have found people in indy film are very generous with their tim and expertise)

Good luck!

Answer 4

local theaters have a lot of talent...I'm sure they don't get paid...or very little...ask around in your town

Answer 5

I'd like to know.