Mark Duplass. Greta Gerwig. Jim Cummings. These performers are well-known now, but like many others, they got their start in indie films. Through self-created projects and networks of similar artists and filmmakers, they broke out from the often cookie-cutter-feeling American movie scene to craft interesting, engaging, and wholly uncompromising performances.
Inspired to make your mark as an actor in the indie film world? Read on!
Julianna Robinson is an actor who’s worked in many indie films, including winning an award for her performance in “The Funeral Guest.” When she’s looking for opportunities, her advice is simple: “Actors Access and Backstage are both great!” (Other places like Casting Frontier and Casting Networks are common, prolific sites for opportunities.)
RELATED: Independent Film Auditions & Casting Calls
For all of these sites, sites, make sure these three things are always up to date:
- Headshots
- Demo reel
- Résumé and any special skills
In many indie situations, directors and casting folks make decisions largely, if not solely, by what’s available on the web.
Why Every Actor Should Try Acting in an Indie FilmTirosh Schneider, an actor who’s appeared in festival-premiering indie films like “Re-Entry” and “Chloe and Jaime,” agrees that AA and BS are invaluable resources. But they also understand that the independent film scene runs on networking and person-to-person recommendations more than studio projects.
“Most of the indie films I’ve done have come through friends or friends of friends,” explains Schneider. “Because they are often smaller budgets, directors need good actors they can trust who believe in the project, and are obviously not doing this for a paycheck. So I find they’ll start by looking to people they know, who have a shared vision for the work.”
If you’re just starting out, networking opportunities include:
- Enrolling in classes
- Attending local film festivals
- Auditioning for theater
- Acting in student films
Oftentimes, indie filmmakers, production companies, and casting directors attend these spaces. The more you can immerse yourself in like-minded creative communities, the better your chances for working in this space.
Or you can start thinking about creating your own content! Even if it’s as simple as a short film shot on an iPhone, self-generating pieces is a wonderful way for an actor to ensure they’re doing something they’re invested in and proud of—and something that will, frankly, make them look good.
In many ways, auditioning for an indie film is like auditioning for any other project, as acting is acting is acting. Robinson suggests reading as much of the project as possible beyond your audition sides—“the whole script is ideal if you can get it,” she says—then determine your “character’s objectives/wants/needs/secrets/etc.”
Schneider agrees that the audition process feels similar across the board, but says that for indie film, they try to “come from myself more.… Where are [the character and I] similar? How would I react? What resonates for me? The more truthful I can make it and the more I can find my own voice in this character, the better with film.”
Casting Calls: What to Expect & How to Stand OutWhen it comes to indie auditions specifically, Schneider believes there is a “greater freedom and looseness in the performance.” They’ll purposefully try different choices and impulses in different self-tape takes, focusing “on playing the scene truthfully, and not trying to get it ‘right.’”
Robinson agrees that, with indie projects, “there's usually a lot of space and latitude given to actors and opportunities to go outside the box and have a really raw or unusual performance.”
So when you’re auditioning for an indie project, think about the role less as a cog of a well-oiled machine and more as the engine itself. Look for emotional truths and grounding forces that resonate with you, and don’t be afraid to experiment in order to get there.
Credit: Nicoleta Ionescu/Shutterstock
Congratulations! Your audition went smashingly and you’re being called to your indie film set. A brief word of caution: It ain’t gonna be all sunshine, roses, and air-conditioned trailers.
“Limited budgets mean limited time,” asserts Robinson. Expect a smaller number of takes, camera setups, and even rehearsals to be the norm, not the exception. Do as much interior work on your own as possible before showing up to set—but then be prepared to throw it away immediately in favor of what needs to be done for the crew to make the day. Your indie director will likely be stressed about many technical and time-management issues. The more you can be prepared to make your end run smoothly, the better for the production.
However, as Schneider says, “it’s difficult but beyond rewarding.” You will likely find your character work and performance more gratifying than network TV co-star or studio feature under-five roles, as there are less outside pressures or producers trying to maintain the commercial viability of their product.
Much of this fulfillment comes from a more hands-on collaboration between yourself and the filmmakers. “I love the collaboration of indie projects, and that most of the cast and crew are there for the love of the craft above all,” continues Schneider. “They are some of the warmest, kindest, most encouraging sets I’ve been on. It always feels like the role becomes 50% what’s on the page, and 50% ME.” Explore and enjoy that; it will likely translate into one of your best performances onscreen.
In short, if you have the opportunity to audition for and perform in an indie film, take it. “Indie films have by far been the most fulfilling experiences of my career,” says Schneider. Robinson agrees: “I love indie films! Acting in them and watching them. We need more indie films!”
So what are you waiting for?