...for free?!?

I live in Japan and don't have many people interested in cinema enough to spend a couple hours on the weekend filming 'seriously'. I have a couple of nice ideas for the Youtube contest but need actors (I've already got it in my mind as to which friend would portray which character best). Then I need some extras.

If I could shoot it all in a weekend and then have a pizza and beer party to celebrate and watch the final draft before uploading it, that would be great...

I guess my question is, how do you ask someone to work for free? Or do you?

"Hey Man. So I'm making this film - we can't pay anyone, but you'll get some experience, credit and free beer!"

That's how I usually do it.

In the past I've never had a problem getting talented actors or crew to work on free projects (shorts mostly). Key to this was making an effort to be a part of the local film community by attending film clubs and socials. In terms of actors you can check out any local acting schools and see if there are any acting events where you live (such as public script read throughs and workshops). Another option is checking out the shows put on by the local theater scene and meeting the actors after the show. I find in-person introductions are much more effective because you get the face-to-face evaluation instead of some ad reply loaded with hyperbole. Since you'll be working with people (for free!) for an extended period of time, ensuring there are no personality clashes beforehand can go a long way to avoid unwanted problems.

Craigslist used to be a good avenue for seeking out volunteer cast and crew but in the last year or so I'e noticed a backlash (at least here in Vancouver). I think the DSLR revolution and easy access to affordable gear is to blame - Basically anyone can be a filmmaker now and this has meant a lot of people trying to get films made and a lot of people coming into it having not paid their dues or acquired much experience. They have an air of entitlement about themselves and act like they are the next Spielberg. Certainly the "come work and get some experience and a credit" thing has lost its appeal based on the number of hate-filled postings I've seen on CL in response to crew wanted ads. I think a lot of people have volunteered on shoots and been treated poorly.

Be honest in terms of who you are and what you hope to achieve. Show humility. Show appreciation and most of all make sure you feed people well. Don't go and by the cheapest, yuckiest pizza. Spend a few bucks more and people really take notice of your efforts especially if you always have a well-stocked cooler of water and juice etc. on hand during the shoot as well as fresh coffee and tea.

Thanks guys.

I sent a message to a friend of mine to ask about asking people on his baseball team to act. Right now, I have certain ideas of what the main characters look like. I'm hoping the right people say "OK!" This will be my first narrative. The script is almost ready and storyboard is almost ready. Hopefully all will sync up in the next week.

No "Craig's List" in Japan unfortunately. Would be nice if there were something like it.

@Neil Every

I'm from Burnaby...maybe when I move back (Whenever that is) we can do a meet up. Finding people in Japan for meet ups is difficult.

No Craigslist in Japan? Wow, and I thought it was as ubiquitous as Facebook. In some ways, no CL might be a blessing given some of the dubious, poison-filled posts on there at times!

Definitely give me a shout if/when you make it back to Vancouver. In the meantime, good luck with your shoot - keep us posted on it, I'd love to see the final piece when it's done.

Craigslist (not sure about Japan). No pay is cool for most people, as long as you treat them with respect, provide free beverages, and a free meal never hurt during a long shoot. Like Phil said, if they find your project interesting (i.e. fun + exposure) you'll usually have pretty good luck!

Mike

Jason I used to live in Japan - spent most of my time shooting B roll for foreign documentary / tv, locations / interviews etc etc. But what I did find is when I wanted to put my narrative hat on, there were a lot of people out there wanting to do the same.

Start getting involved locally to build up your contacts. Its even better if you can speak Japanese as you can jump in the groups with the locals.

Bottom line with for free - usually helps if you work with people who are interested and you can do the same for them down the track.

As far as using non actors - I wouldnt do it. I know that makes it harder, but its worth the effort.

I would echo what most others have said. I managed to find some really great folks here on my first short who, when I wanted to turn it into a feature (still in process), apparently liked working with me enough to stay involved. Try to get mixed in with whatever local film making community and acting community is around you, be friendly, be humble, and feed 'em. And repay the favor when you can. I was more than happy to help an actress friend film an audition tape later and my wife was happy to be interviewed when that same friend was auditioning for a host spot.

Hi Jason,

I live in Tokyo and I find that generally speaking it's pretty easy to find extra who will "act" for free...though I have learnt from experience that asking anyone who is an amateur to act is a bad idea. Unless you know them well and/or they are actually very talented then it will only end up making your film look weak.

My rule of thumb is: Pay the talent, borrow the kit, and beg the crew.

I am a DOP and personally I do not work for free but if I was presented with an idea that I thought would also benefit myself (most jobs in a lot of ways do benefit the participant) then I would go for it.

I've spent time building up contact and I have a few go to people (crew and actors/actresses) that I can depend on. You might also want to check out some of the comedy clubs around. The performers there will gladly work for "free"...well most of the time.

Use LinkedIn and build contacts. Oh and by the way, there is a Craigslist in Japan. I use it daily.