You have just spent nine months of your life writing a script and compiling a credible budget for your film. You know that to increase your chances of finding finance you need known actors to commit themselves to your project.
Many producers fail to secure the right talent for their production after being fobbed off by the larger talent agencies. You’re an unknown and the talent agencies think they are the next best thing to God himself and instead of passing your script on to Brad Pitt it ends up in the bin at the side of the agent’s desk.
You cannot go to a casting agent as they all ask for funds up front and you cannot incur fees until you have funds and you won’t get funds until you have A list actors on your project. Like so many aspects of film making you’re in a catch 22 situation.
There are two myths about A list actors the fees they receive and the films they are prepared to attach themselves to. Actor careers are finite and the very best talent will with time start to slide in the ratings. These fine actors will consider a reduced fee and some will risk your film coming off for a leading role to bring their name back to the attention of the media.
That still leaves you trying to get your script past the agent and read by your chosen actor. It can be done I have done it more than once. If you have a solid project and know how to present it you can win the agent around. The agent will almost certainly ask if you have funds to make the film. Odds on you don’t and if you say no I haven’t got funds the agent will instantly lose interest. This is where one has to use creative thinking to missal the agent into believing you have the funds or can get them. Don’t worry if the project falls through it won’t harm your standing or reputation as it is fairly common for a funded film to have its investment withdrawn for a host of reasons.
Another good way to get the attention of an agent is to start with finding a director and director of photography as many actors will not consider your project until they know who the director is and who’s in charge of the photography as they will want to ensure their acting skills are shown in the very best light.
Don’t be put off by talent agents if you persist you’ll get their interest and if the script is good you will find good well known actors for a sensible fee to take a risk on you. It can be done. In the film business never let anybody so no, if you have a good project it will show through with persistence.
