Some cool news that happened about 2-3 weeks ago. We got Nat Wolff attached for the role of Jesse in our feature film 'Silver'. You might know him from 'Paper Towns' or recently Netflix's 'Which Brings Me To You'.

He was our first choice for the role and he fits it perfectly. But it was not easy to finally get him attached.

I want to share what the process was and how long it took:

Since we didn't know him personally we had to go through his reps. He has both a manager and an agent. Both very high up. Untitled and WME.

Usually when I see reps like that, I know it's going to be difficult. Why? Because in general it's hard to get through these reps and actually get the script to the actor.

They're usually not very interested in indies and they almost always want to know if it's fully financed. Which is a bit of a chicken and the egg problem.

We need the actors attached to package the film and to raise the full amount we need. Yet they want it fully financed before they even send it to their actor.

This actually happened with the mom role in 'Silver'. We went to a high profile actor's management and they said needs to be fully financed. They don't even tell the actor about it and definitely don't send the script.

You can see how it can be frustrating and how it can waste a lot of time. Because they also don't always answer quickly.

Even with Nat it took a long time. First time I emailed the rep. No answer. Followed up. No answer.

Third time called and was told to leave a message by assistant which I did. No call back.

It wasn't looking good. Then I sent one more email basically saying we like Nat for this role but if we don't hear anything we'll need to move on to the next actor on our list.

Finally there was a response. "please send script".

Now this wasted about 2-3 weeks.

Sent the script. After about two weeks I followed up again and she wanted to talk on the phone.

I thought she was going to grill me about every detail so I was very prepared. But that wasn't the case. Pretty simple and short conversation. She said she liked the script. Nat liked the script and that he'd like to meet the director in person.

At this point I figured it was smooth sailing especially because the in person meeting went very well.

Then crickets again.

I follow up. No response.

Followed up again. No response.

Made no sense.

Then again sent an email saying "We need to know by Friday if Nat can do an LOI. I have investors that are waiting and if Nat's not on board we need to move on to the next person on the list."

That got a response within the hour.

Finally after weeks we got him attached which is a big win and we love him for this role.

But the lesson learned is you have to:

A. Be very persistent

B. Give time limits and let them know when you're moving on. Without pressure or any time of time on it they will drag you along. They won't prioritize it.

The reality is reps make very little money from indie films. They're more focused on the big budget stuff. So it makes sense why they don't prioritize it.

Not to mention that a lot of indie films don't even get made and if they do they don't get viewed that much unless it's successful.

You might be very passionate about your story and know that it'll do well. But that doesn't matter, from their perspective you're just another indie film.

Now this doesn't go for all reps. There are exceptions. And I also don't think this is done on purpose or with malice. It's just the reality.

It's your job to get through and fight for your film. No one else will.

Be persistent and when you need to, put your foot down.

I hope sharing these experiences helps you guys and as always let me know if you have any questions.

-Greg

Recent Content

Video Interview With Andrea Londo About Talent Management Watch video