Which websites are best for posting casting calls for Seattle actors.
October 26, 2013 1:29 PM Subscribe
Yes, I can Google, and I see there are a lot of websites for casting calls out there. Some of the more polished ones charge for making posts. I don't mind paying to post an ad. But which websites have a lot of actors looking at them and are likely to get results? My production is in Seattle.
For context: This is for a sketch comedy podcast (audio only) where we would like to find cast regulars that come in at least once a month to record character voices. Positions are unpaid, but we are very organized and committed. I want to move away from using remote voiceover actors and have people come to the recording studio. So this rules out websites like voiceactingalliance.com or audiodramatalk.com that have a bunch of people looking to record parts, but not likely willing to show up physically.
For context: This is for a sketch comedy podcast (audio only) where we would like to find cast regulars that come in at least once a month to record character voices. Positions are unpaid, but we are very organized and committed. I want to move away from using remote voiceover actors and have people come to the recording studio. So this rules out websites like voiceactingalliance.com or audiodramatalk.com that have a bunch of people looking to record parts, but not likely willing to show up physically.
This is a bit tricky. I'm in Vancouver and the only way you'd get professional actors up here to work for free is if you know them.
So I'd start networking a bit. Go to comedy shows, sketch shows, training schools, anywhere that talent might be that you could collaborate with. Find some folks you click with, and then you can start talking about making things together.
If a position is unpaid, most actors want some sort of stake in it - whether that's artistic, financial, whatever.
posted by miles1972 at 2:10 PM on October 26, 2013 [2 favorites]
So I'd start networking a bit. Go to comedy shows, sketch shows, training schools, anywhere that talent might be that you could collaborate with. Find some folks you click with, and then you can start talking about making things together.
If a position is unpaid, most actors want some sort of stake in it - whether that's artistic, financial, whatever.
posted by miles1972 at 2:10 PM on October 26, 2013 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: @miles1972, in my ad, I was torn between describing a potential royalty share or not. The original text is "After 6 recording sessions, you're eligible for a royalty share in the production's net profits. We have no net profits right now! So think of this as an unpaid position that might pay later with a lot of luck." For an ad, do you think it is better to put this kind of thing in? My thought was that the lack of substance to it would put people off, so I'd be better describing the position as "unpaid" and then discuss the royalty stuff after first contact. Re "networking," yes, I'm definitely doing that too.
posted by ErikH2000 at 2:18 PM on October 26, 2013
posted by ErikH2000 at 2:18 PM on October 26, 2013
Best answer: Actors Access is the way to go but it's geared towards the LA/NY/VAN community and there's literally no way anyone is going to travel to Seattle to book a free job. Literally. Nobody. Unless their parents happen to live in Seattle, which is unlikely. So you'd be wasting money joining and posting to Actors Access.
So what you want to do is find local hires. You should probably familiarize yourself with the local talent anyway since you're in no-budget production. It's a no-brainer. Theatre companies, theatre schools, colleges will have a lot of actors trying to build their reels and will want to do this kind of work for free. You can even ask to attend showcases that usually happen around graduation. Ask to be put on their mailing lists. If Seattle has a voiceover community (places that offer classes, etc.) reach out them as well. Hell, if the local talent agencies or management companies focus on "developing" actors, which I would assume they would be since it's not a major market for theatrical bookings, you can reach out to them directly with your breakdowns. They may have actors that need more credits. The world is your oyster. Don't be afraid of a couple of people saying no to you. Everyone has to start somewhere.
And fuck no, you do not post backend points in a job listing. First you try to get them to do it for free, which they will. Then if some of your inspired applicants say they want a little slice of the 0% you'll end up making, you let them know what you can do and be really clear that you're probably not going to make any money. And at a minimum you need to have your actors sign release forms.
posted by phaedon at 2:36 PM on October 26, 2013 [1 favorite]
So what you want to do is find local hires. You should probably familiarize yourself with the local talent anyway since you're in no-budget production. It's a no-brainer. Theatre companies, theatre schools, colleges will have a lot of actors trying to build their reels and will want to do this kind of work for free. You can even ask to attend showcases that usually happen around graduation. Ask to be put on their mailing lists. If Seattle has a voiceover community (places that offer classes, etc.) reach out them as well. Hell, if the local talent agencies or management companies focus on "developing" actors, which I would assume they would be since it's not a major market for theatrical bookings, you can reach out to them directly with your breakdowns. They may have actors that need more credits. The world is your oyster. Don't be afraid of a couple of people saying no to you. Everyone has to start somewhere.
And fuck no, you do not post backend points in a job listing. First you try to get them to do it for free, which they will. Then if some of your inspired applicants say they want a little slice of the 0% you'll end up making, you let them know what you can do and be really clear that you're probably not going to make any money. And at a minimum you need to have your actors sign release forms.
posted by phaedon at 2:36 PM on October 26, 2013 [1 favorite]
Put something vague like "royalties on contract" or something. If you aren't gonna pay them, you've gotta sell them on it.
posted by oceanjesse at 2:36 PM on October 26, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by oceanjesse at 2:36 PM on October 26, 2013 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: We put out one craigslist ad yesterday evening to test the waters, and picked up 4 responses today. I'll probably put an ad on ActorsAccess this week and see how that goes. I think the ad serves a purpose for networking as well, since I can point people I'd like to recruit for the show to it, and show that we're making an effort to find the best people we can. Hence, if I ask for their involvement, it's a sign of respect--not just a coincidental request made because I randomly bumped into them.
posted by ErikH2000 at 3:10 PM on October 27, 2013
posted by ErikH2000 at 3:10 PM on October 27, 2013
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