Fiction Adaptation: Casting Progress 2 - Setting Tasks

Casting Applicants

Now that I have waited around a week since I posted my application, I've decided to send all my applicants a set task and to provide evidence of dramatic work, to help me narrow down my decisions.

Below are a list of the names of whom are applying for which roles (see previous casting post for more information on the applicants):

Male Character

   - Marcus Massey
   - Luke McGibney

Female Narration

   - Ruth McMeel
   - Victoria Andrews
   - Angela Dyson

Female Character

   - Charmaine Bourton
   - Angela Harvey

However I have also asked Victoria Andrews and Angela Dyson if they would also like to audition for the female character role.

What have I asked them to do?

Below is a template email which I sent to my candidates. I also added a few extra parts to those applying for the female narration role asking if they wanted to apply for the female character as well. The only difference is that instead of just asking for them to send them a piece of narration for the poem I am adapting, I've asked them also to send me any previous dramatical work.

Hello (x),

Firstly I would like to say thank you for having an interest in this project. I've had a look at your profile and feel that you would suit the character which you have applied for. 

The next process is that I would need you to send me a link to any drama acting pieces (if you would like to be the female character as well) which you have taken part in (preferably relating to this, so an adaptation if possible). I would also like you to send me a sound file of you narrating the poem which my film is based on, called 'Summers In England' by Alice Meynell. This narration can be interpreted in anyway dramatic way you wish e.g. a sad or angry tone, etc.

I am aiming to make my decision for my cast by 3rd November, where I will then be filming the following week (and the week after if needed, up to the 16th November). The dates for this are yet to be confirmed however you will be updated for this. It shouldn't be anymore than 3 days filming.

You have up to this time next week for you to send me these tasks i've set if you can.

I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

Many thanks,
Sam.

As the male character isn't need for a narration role, they won't need to send me anything apart from if they don't have any past dramatic experience which they can show me.

Task Assignments

Below are the examples of work and pieces which my applicants sent to me. Some of the applicants also have show reels which you can also see below:

Angela Harvey: http://www.spotlight.com/interactive/cv/0516-5640-7404. (showreel link)

Screenshot from Angela's showreel

After looking at Angela's showreel, I was generally impressed. She can adapt to many roles of acting and showed she was quite good at portraying emotions which is perfect for the role of the female character. You can get an idea that she would be fun to work with and has quite a bubbly personality.

As Angela didn't feel very comfortable with reading the poem (as she doesn't know the tone/feel for my poem, which she will however when we meet for an interview), she also sent me a mp3 piece of her doing a dramatic piece. These to me were both very strong and I can see she can show mixed emotions therefore will consider her for an interview.

Marcus Massey: Website link/Showreel: http://www.marcusmassey.com

Screenshot from Marcus' showreel

Marcus' showreel too was very impressive. He too can act in a variety of matters and too generally just seems that he would suit the male character. When looking at his website you can see the vast amount of work he has done, ranging from dramatic acting pieces to voice narration. Although he won't be needed for dialogue, I feel that he will be able to clarify my poem through his NVC, as I think he can give the look which I am looking for (the soldier showing pride however is sad that he is leaving his wife).

Luke McGibney : http://www.castingcallpro.com/uk/view.php?uid=665605

Screenshot from Luke's showreel

All three applicants I've looked at so far show clear skills and willingness for my film. Luke too seems very strong and it is clear that he is very experienced in acting. To me, I feel that he is the perfect age for the character role and generally seems that he suits the part well. He has a general theme of playing dramatic pieces which too is very relevant for the role.

Charmaine Bourton: http://www.castingcallpro.com/uk/view.php?uid=395680

Screenshot from Charmaine's showreel

After watching Charmaine's showreel, I came to the conclusion that she seemed more suitable for a presenting role more instead of acting (as her showreel was based on reporting/presenting). Therefore, I'm not entirely sure if she would be suited for my actor piece as it seems that there are stronger applicants at this point of time. However, I will wait to see what her dramatic piece is like before making my decision.

Angela Dyson (doesn't have a website/showreel)

Below is an mp3 of Angela reading the poem. Although this applicant hasn't had much experience with acting (I assume, as it isn't on her profile), I felt that her voice too would be suited for the narration role. I am aiming to interview Angela to see whether she is a good enough actor to star for the female character role.

Victoria Andrews (doesn't have a website/showreel)

I've recently got into contact with Victoria to let her know about the tasks set. However she is away on holiday at the moment so cannot get the task done until late next week, therefore I will show this after she has sent me the task.

Week's Update

Throughout the week I have been looking at each applicant's profile (as you can see above) to gain an idea on what they're like. I will be arranging interview dates for those whom have sent me their narration roles or who I think would be suited for the part judging from their showreels.

So far I will be interviewing:

    - Angela Dyson
    - Marcus Massey
    - Angela Harvey

I haven't got back from the other applicants however it hasn't even been a week yet therefore I will continue to wait. If I don't hear back from them by this time next week then I will assume that they are no longer interested for the part, as I need to start making decisions soon as I aim to film in around 2 weeks. This will be updated on a new post soon!