Making a film is an impressive feat. The success of a film centers around the quality of production, including casting talented actors. If you have top-notch writing and production but can’t find the right actors, the audience will struggle to resonate with your project. Conversely, talented actors can make mediocre writing feel brilliant with their sincere and skilled performances. They are the face and heart of a project. An outstanding performance connects with the audience, drawing them in. When your feature film has successfully secured a great script, director, production team, and actors, magic happens.
You’ve worked hard on all other production details, so cast the best actors for your project and increase your film’s success and exposure. How do you find the right actors for your feature film casting? Follow these helpful tips below and land a talented team of actors to take your film to the next level.
Advertise at Acting Schools and Programs
Highly trained actors are equipped to handle the demands of feature film acting. Many people try to get into acting, but how can you ensure they are skilled, reliable, and professional? Most serious actors enroll in acting programs, from acting classes and professional conservatories to majoring in acting or theater at their universities. Students attending these courses receive the necessary training and tools to perform well on set.
Many of these programs also teach the business of acting, focusing on professionalism and reliability. Since many people flood the acting market trying to get their next big break, training separates hobbyists from those who take their craft seriously. Increase your chances of finding talented actors by hiring those who have taken the time to learn the art and hone their skills.
Universities or acting schools are a great network to find trained actors. You can get in touch with these schools and campuses and ask them to put up a casting notice on-site. Online bulletins are also a great place to post an open casting call. Teachers can direct their students’ attention to these casting notices and recommend promising students.
Post Online Casting Calls Through Casting Websites
Many actors use online casting websites to search for and submit to relevant casting calls. This is a leading method used by actors without representation as well as casting agencies looking for fresh talent.
One way to get your project seen by a broad scope of actors is to post a casting call through one of these websites. Benefit from these services by accessing a large pool of talent. The more visibility your casting notice has, the greater your chance of finding actors best suited to your roles. Casting websites allow your production to connect with as many talented actors as possible. Create a casting notice and breakdown for your ideal submissions and post it on several leading casting websites. Some of the more commonly used casting websites are Backstage, Actors Access, and Casting Networks.
Scout Talent on Social Media Platforms
Social media has created a new outlet for emerging talent. Thanks to the accessibility of social media platforms, emerging actors have the ability to showcase their talent and increase exposure. In the past, traditional avenues limited how many actors had access to casting directors. Often, it was about who you knew. With the rise of social media, more actors have a chance to increase their visibility. Actors can post their reels, share acting clips, upload monologues or scenes, and showcase other projects on their social media accounts. Talented actors’ videos are shared and gain traction.
Utilize these platforms and scout talent across multiple social media platforms. Search video-centered platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok for promising talent. If your feature film casting is working with a casting director, they can find fresh new faces ready to grace the big screen. Actors on social media may already have a loyal following ready to support their latest project, which can boost your film’s visibility.
Work With a Casting Agency
The leading avenue for feature film casting is working directly with a casting agency. Casting agents work to create a database of actors who are talented, diverse, and professional. An advantage of casting through an agency is that their database of actors is pre-vetted. They have been specifically chosen for their acting abilities, experience, and positive reputation as a working professional.
As important as an actor’s talent is their reliability. A gifted actor who does not show up prepared or on time is costly. A talented actor who knows their lines and arrives on set early is an asset. Agencies hold auditions and review resumes, looking for actors with the necessary skills, talent, and experience to get the job done. Then, with the feedback from previous productions, agencies recommend their top talent with favorable feedback.
Working with a reputable casting agency ensures the talent you cast is equipped to do their job well and help make your production successful. Without an agency backing an actor, you may receive submissions from gifted actors who fail to show up. Late, no-shows, or underprepared actors cost production companies valuable money. Hire through a casting agency to have access to a diverse pool of actors with a reputation for being reliable, prepared, and hard-working and with a skill level ensuring they can take directions and deliver a quality performance.
InnoVision Talent & Casting is an inclusive agency representing a diverse talent pool of all ages. Our talent is a broad spectrum of diverse voices and backgrounds ready to use their skills and expertise to enhance your feature film. With over a decade of experience in the film and TV industry, we are a reliable partner for your next project. Contact us today to book our impressive talent or join our roster of actors.
Follow these tips and watch your talented team bring your feature film to life.