What do you do if a paid actor doesn’t show up?

[Jeff Cadge]

We always get a second and third choice selection from our clients for all the talent, we will put the first and second choice for each role on hold up until the day before the shoot. I also make sure to have the contact info for all the talent with myself or my assistant.

This will help with last minute emergencies.

[Steve Wargo]

When the client does the choosing, we hand them a certain amount of responsibilty to go with it.

In the case of actors, we try to have a backup, but that is really hard to do within budget. That would mean having two sets of actors lined up for every job. However, we always work with an agent because then, it’s their responsibility to provide the contracted product (actor) at the provided time, place and rate. And, the agents have insurance.

Steve Wargo
Tempe, Arizona
It’s a dry heat!

Sony HDCAM F-900 & HDW-2000/1 deck
5 Final Cut (not quite PRO) systems
Sony HVR-M25 HDV deck
2-Sony EX-1 HD .

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[Jeff Cadge]

Having a second or third choice doesn’t really cost any more, just a little more time on the phone with a agent placing them on hold and releasing them the day before. Having a backup and their contact info
gives me peace of mind, there’s all kinds of potential reasons why a actor can’t make a one day shoot.
In the last minute you can always get another sound man or makeup artist but missing a actor could shut you down.
In the NY market I’ve had actors “book” a feature and call just before a shoot forcing us to use the backup. I always have the client agree that they will choose a 2nd and third choice, hopefully your casting director can bring in enough good people for each role. I realize that parts of US don’t have a good talent pool but Orlando & NY do.