Casting Direction
Casting Direction Services Available
CASTING SERVICES GENERAL DISCRIPTION
As a Casting Director, Michael Fels brings the client’s character description into reality through detailed screenings of actor’s reels/resumes as well as follow up interviews & auditions with select actors.
-After a contract has been signed between the client and Michael, he works with the client to select which websites to post an add to in order to get the best/most submissions.
-When requested, he will reach out to actors he has worked with in the past to also apply.
-Michael can help you if your project is looking for SAG actors or if you are seeking non-union talent.
In additon to casting lead actors and supporting actors, Michael also casts background extras as well and has experience casting large numbers of background actors for scenes that require higher numbers of people in order to make the scene believable. (Restaurant, Churches, etc.)
CASTING/AUDITION PROCESS IN DETAIL
STEP 1: Choose either Union or Non-Union
SAG-AFTRA
If your production wishes to hire union actors then SAG-AFTRA approval must be attained and union guide lines must be followed. Your production will need a payroll company, workers compensation insurance, general liability insurance, a list of the talent you cast as well as their SAG ID# and their agent’s phone number, the finalized script, the shooting schedule, a copy of the owner of the films ID, as well as the budget to begin that application process. SAG will assign you a SAG rep to aid in this process. SAG must clear the actors prior to any rehearsals taking place. During production, time cards, and other paperwork will be needed to be filled out on set. After your production is complete you will have to send additional paperwork to SAG involving credits and such. Your budget will dictate your SAG Agreement type which dictates the minimum you can pay SAG Actors. Additional insurance may also be required (example: if your actor has to travel in a plane.)
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please keep in mind that a day of work is considered any day an actor is required to attend, so this includes rehearsals, table reads, filming, etc.
NON-UNION
If you choose Non-Union then your pool of talent will include undiscovered gems as well as those on the way up but can not include SAG Actors. It can include SAG eligible actors.
STEP 2: Creating a Character Description
Michael reads the script then works with the client to understand the “look” the Client wants the character to have and also gives his own suggestions as well.
Michael then creates a Character Description that will be used for the job posting. Sides (a scene from the Script) can be given to Michael by the client or Michael can create the sides.
STEP 3: AUDITION DATE SELECTION
Post Covid-19 self-taped auditions are standard. A zoom meeting is used after to book the actors. Pre-covid-19 in person auditions were standard in the film industry. A professional space must be used to conduct in person auditions. If you do not have such a space, one must be rented. Michael suggests the "Producer's Club" or “Ripley Grier Studios” for their accessability as well as their hourly rates. After a time and place is approved and paid for by the client, Michael can book the space on the client's behalf or the client may handle this matter privately. If the client wishes to not conduct in person auditons (typical when casting extras for indie projects) then the audition process is skipped. In this case, only the phone interview, the website data provided by the actor, & video submissions from the actor (if/when requested) will be used to make the final selection.
STEP 4: WEBSITE POSTINGS
Michael then discusses/ suggests with the client which websites they would like to post to. Some websites require a fee and any fees associated with a post that is approved by the client are then billed to the client. After payment is received, the job postings will be submitted to the approved list of websites.
If a client wishes a specific individual be sent an audition request and the client has the individual's contact information already, Michael can make this request on the behalf of the client. If the client wishes to contact an individual whose information they do not have, then an IMDBPRO account must be used to attempt to contact the individual and/or their managment. (There is no guarentee of a positive response or any response from this individual or any other.)
If only video submissions are being used then Michael will go through and select the best talent. No matter if you are doing in person auditions or doing taped auditions it is preferable to have sides from your project for the talent to read rather then letting them present a scene from a project they are perfect for.
STEP 5: SELECTION BEGINS
Michael will begin reviewing the actors who submitted resumes, headshots, and reels. He will begin rating them using the rating system on the website. After 2-4 business days of submissions Michael will discuss the top actors with the client and will begin sending out audition requests to the approved talent. If the client wishes to not micromanage, actors can be selected for the client. Michael suggests the adds be left for at least 8 business days to ensure a healthy number of applicants as well as the time to schedule said applicants.
STEP 6: ACTORS RESPONSES/SETTING UP THE AUDITION TIME
The actors will begin to respond through the websites email/messanger system and/or via email stating their interest in the project and their contact information. Michael will then reach out to the talent over the phone and after he briefly describes the project, the actor will choose an available time slot for their audition. Michael will answer what questions the actors have of the project and will also ask questions on the behalf of the production. Some questions include:
Where are the actors located? Do they have transportation? Do they work other jobs or are they booked on any other projects at this time?
Michael will check off the time slot selected by the actor on the master list and when it is complete, send this master list document to the client.
If an open call is desired by the client then a general time will be discussed instead. Michael strongly suggests to use a schedule (closed call) instead as it allows for a specific amount of quality actors to be seen.
STEP 7:PRODUCTION MEETING
The client and Michael will discuss the master schedule for the day as well as the talent being seen prior to the audition. On the day of the audition, the client, Michael, and any other client approved personal (director, producers, etc.) will sit and review the in person auditions.
If the client wishes the auditions be taped then consent forms can be created by Michael to ensure professionalism. (The client is responsible for bringing in a camera and operating the camera unless otherwise agreed to.)
Michael will print out the approved sides. Cold sides (sides that the actor hasn't received) can be made (if requested) and will be printed out for the audition as well.
STEP 8: AUDITION ARRIVALS
Michael will arrive early with sign in forms and any other necessary paper work for the actors. The Actors will begin arriving at their approved time (or during the general time if it is an open call) and will be told to sign in upon arrival. Extra copies of the sides will be available with the character description of the character on the top.
STEP 9: AUDITION
If recording the audition, the actors will slate their contact information and role upon entering the audition space. If not then the actor will simply announce their name, the character they are auditioning for, and begin using the sides that were provided. Michael and/or the client will then give the actor director's notes and the actor will try it again. Michael typically asks for the actor to perform the side a third time with out worrying about hitting the exact lines of the script but with the intent of hitting the tone of the scene and the emotional state of the character. This tests the improve skills of the character and whether or not they understand the scene/character.
Auditions should be scheduled for 15-20 minute time slots. Michael will ensure that if the client wants to see more of an individual they can. If the client does not want to see more of an actors performance the process is shortened and the next actor is brought in (if available.)
STEP 10:RATING FORM
Michael will provide a rating form that the client and him can use to write down their personal thoughts on the actor before the next actor is brought in. If the client does not wish to be at the Audition then Michael Fels will independently manage the audition. The rating form will include the following:
Rate on a scale from 1-10 and write additional notes as needed:
1. Talent: __
Note: Does their accent range /number of languages the actors speak work for this role? ___
2. Actors look compared to the character requirements:__
3. Ability to take direction:__
4. Improv Skills:__
5. Personality:__
Check all that apply:
1. Arrived on time __
2.Available for the shooting dates with no limitations. __
If limitations exist list them here :____
3. Talent Agrees to all actions/ scenes required of the actor as well as the wardrobe, hair, and facial hair requirements: __
If limitations exist list them here :____
4. Available for rehearsals:__
If limitations exist list them here :____
5. The trait that stands out the most:___
Is the actor known for a role and/or do they have a role being released in theaters &/or on TV in the upcoming year? Is their name attached to a popular tv series, feature length movie with wide spread theater release, &/or are they attached to any award winning shorts/shorts that played in famous festivals? If so, please note those details below.
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These five catagories judge the strengths and weakness of the actors. The other five ensure that Actor’s limitations are taken into account in the talent's rating.
When the auditions are 100% over, then the client and Michael Fels will choose an actor for each role and a backup selection (if possible.) The client typically has the final say on this issue. Michael can then reach out to those selected &/or not selected (if requested.) Some clients like to do a call back bringing in the top actors to audition again instead of offering the job at this point. If so, we repeat step 3-10 and should consider doing step 11.
STEP 11: Chemistry test
If callbacks occur, Michael highly suggests having 2 candidates perform the scene together. This tests their chemistry and ability to work with each other in a way that can not be achieved individually. Actors are either selected at this point as stated in Step 10 or new talent must be auditioned.
Recording Auditions:
If the client wishes the auditions be taped and sent to them then special arrangements must be made at least 72 hours in advance of the audition.
BACKGROUND ACTORS
Michael casts lead actors, supporting actors, and also has experience in casting large amounts of extras for large scenes. Each actor was vetted and only the best were accepted out of hundreds of applicants per position. Below are some examples of casting large amounts of extras:
"The Faithful" - 48 BG roles total: 14 Church extras, 22 cult extras, 12 waiter/barstaff/patrons
"Alex" - 20 BG roles total -Assisted in casting 20x "AA members"
"Go Fish" -22 BG roles total - 20x 1990’s protestors / 2x standard background pedestrians
COMMERCIALS
To determine the pay scale on a commercial it depends on where and how many times the commercial is aired.
Over Time/Meals
SAG Actor’s over the age of 18 get overtime of time and one half after 8 hours. (Meals must be 30 minutes to an hour but do not count against the 8 hour work day.) The production is subject to meal penalties if SAG guidelines are not followed.
Child labor
Your production must abide by child labor laws. There are various restrictions on how long children can work that depend upon their age.
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Interview of Michael Fels on casting actors of color for 10x10 studios.
https://www.10x10studios.com/episode-2-the-role-of-the-casting-director/
An interview of Michael Fels on casting the Mayfield podcast.
https://mayfieldserial.home.blog/2020/09/12/interview-with-michael-fels/?fbclid=IwAR2E5qEt08R4y1Tyw6bCMoOA7YUh3A_8bD65uWFXj3kYbOWgE7sH3IIZ3gA