Casting Calls

Lets not kid ourselves! Actors make all the difference sometimes whether a film can live or die in the hands of an audience, so if you don't want rookies and / or friends to play parts that have the risk of making all that hard work looking awful, you must either:

a) cast call for 'real' actors, remember, even if working for free, they're looking to add to their portfolio just like the rest of us.

and / or b) be willing to put the time and training in with the friends you choose, so long as you know what you're doing and looking for, accept no less.

In either case, you make sure they're committed to the dates you need and that they know, just because they're on camera, this does 'NOT' give them a reason to think they're more important or treat crew or other cast with less than due respect. If you go for a star name in your film, that's the risk you take but personally if they come across as impolite, impatient etc - ditch 'em.

Spotlight - houses some of the best talent worldwide, costly but worth it. Be prepared to go through agents.

Casting Call Pro - a wider range of actors with more variety in talent but probably living on a bit more of a constrained budget than those of the above, therefore usually more susceptible to offers.

Casting Networks International - a newer version of the above & pretty good too. Access to agents, cast calls for new projects. Worth a look.

The Casting Website - Another professional casting site for all your actor / actress needs.

StarNow - poorly put together in my opinion where anyone can join & claim to be a an actor so I'd advise caution when going through it & make sure you vet them properly with the aid of Google first.

Fame Street - Similar to the above and you're having to add 'yet another' online profile to your list if you want to grab some work as extras etc here too but it pays off with offers to be extras on Pirates Of The Caribbean etc.

Shooting People - covers more than actors and more comprehensive as a website overall but can play hell with dealing with the return offers. Just because you're filling your audition space doesn't mean they're going to be any good, so watch yourself.

The Urban Experience (Locations) - abandoned locations with cinematic quality that may just spare you a few extra costs. It covers several areas, take a look.

999/24/7 Uniformed Supporting Artistes & Vehicles - For those looking for police cars, uniforms and the rest in their films this' what you need, costs aren't available online, which is what ropes you in to call them I guess. They also claim to be able to offer over 28 acres of locations.

Northumbria Vikings - for those interested in re-enacted battles, costumes, armoury etc from the earlier ages, you should give these guys a look over regarding getting your hands on the right stuff. 

Children Actors -  Those parts which require children, here you go!

* with actors & actresses you are liable for certain costs such as their transport & (time dependent) meal(s).

Hacker Typer - a small software program you can use to masquerade as a hacking, hit F11 and off you go!