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Finding Actors

NOTES FROM JASON

New Modules for February
We're excited to announce a series of new modules at FilmSkills - for starters, be sure to check out the new modules, The Protagonist and The Antagonist, the first in a series of new modules on screenwriting we're producing.  Also, we produced brand new videos for Story Structure, The Three Act Structure, From Title to Outline, The First Draft, The Frame, and Rule of 180. We've got some exciting plans in the future, we're sure you're going to enjoy!
 
 

New modules for September
What an incredible month - we've been working all summer on two brand new FilmSkills series - Audio Production and Documentary Production.  Be sure to check out all 20 new modules by clicking on the "Modules" tab at the top of the page.
 

New Modules for August
It's time to improve the audio on your production. Check out our new audio production modules - learn about the different types of microphones, boom operating technques, recording tips and how to manage challenging locations. Look under the category AUDIO RECORDING.
 

New Modules for May
We're proud to release the next series of modules for May. Continuing with helping your distribution your movie, be sure to check out Internet Distribution and Film Festivals, both modules feature insights and guidance from industry insiders. We also added the final module to the DIRECTING series, The Visual Story, which helps you determine the visual look for your movie.
 

New Modules for April
We are continuing our series on the business of filmmaking by bringing you inside the distibution process with three new modules: Intro to Distribution, Domestic Distribution and Foreign Distribution.  We take you to the American Film Market and give you inside information from Hollywood about how you can navigate the distribution process.
 

New Modules for March
You may have noticed a new category called DEVELOPMENT where FilmSkills is now taking you into the business of Hollywood. Be sure to check out the new modules, The Studio System, Working for a Studio, Making a Business Plan, Packaging Your Movie and Agents and Managers.
 

Did You Know?
If you would like to ask a question or discuss the information in a module, post a question or comment in the "Insight" tab in any module.
 

New For January
I hope you had a fantastic holiday and that your new year is off to a great start.  We're kicking off the new year with several exciting features on FilmSkills. The first is the 14-module Safety Training Series. Patterned after the industry-standard Safety Pass program in California, these modules take you into the world of everything from gun safety to working on location. You have access to training formerly only available to union members in California. We're also launching a new testing and grade book feature for instructors.  If you teach filmmaking, congratulations... your job just got a lot easier!  Just go to your home page to check it out.
 

New Modules for December
It's been an incredibly busy month here at FilmSkills.  This month, we are launching beta versions of the first seven modules in a fourteen-module series that adapts the standard Hollywood safety training course for film schools and independent filmmakers.  Check out the new SAFETY TRAINING category in the MODULES link.  Also, we vastly updated and expanded both the videos and text in several modules on Cinematography Technique: Composition, Framing People, Eyelines, and Creating Depth.
 

New Modules for November
This month, we're putting the heart and soul of filmmaking into FilmSkills with the release of five new modules on the Director's Craft: Blocking the Actors, Basic Coverage, Advanced Coverage, Creating a Shotlist and Storyboards and Pre-Vis. You can find these new modules in the DIRECTING section.
 

Related Modules

Auditions

Callbacks

Working with Local Celebrities

Finding Actors

ABOUT THIS MODULE

Choosing the right actors affects both the quality of the performance and the marketability of the movie.  Learn how to navigate the world of casting marketable talent. This module covers every aspect of how to work with casting directors to approach recognizable actors, how to develop a script that appeals to certain talent, the art of packaging, casting actors on your own and the pros and cons of working with unknowns.

Culled from the knowledge of working casting directors, actors and producers, this module will help you find the perfect actor to both bring your vision to life and help sell your movie.
 

IN THIS MODULE

  • 23:25 video that walks you through the process of casting actors
  • Complete companion guide
  • Online casting resources
  • Sample online job postings
  • Sample actor profile

LEARN

  • How to work with a casting director
  • How to cast name actors
  • How to work with friends and family
  • How to cast independent films
  • How to work with Breakdown Services
  • How to cast unknowns
  • How to cast on your own
  • How to use a casting agency

From Our Users

"Very straightforward and easy to follow. I also really appreciate the combination of technical and aesthetics, which is how I base my class. I would find this to be a very good reference to provide to students."
 
   - William Donaruma,
      University of Notre Dame
 
super21admin

FEATURED IN THIS MODULE

Alison Buck
Los Angeles-based Casting Director
Billy DaMota
Casting Director, "The Running Man," "The Three Amigos"
Harold Hafner
Los Angeles based Casting Director
John Henry Richardson
Los Angeles-based actor and acting coach