In the world of independent filmmaking, finding the right talent can make or break a production. For Michael Rooney, founder of Accendium Studios, Backstage proved to be the key to unlocking a trove of skilled actors for his ambitious fantasy project, "Cedric & Alysia."
The Vision: A Medieval Fantasy Come to Life
Rooney, a writer, director, and producer with a passion for mythological and heroic stories, set out to create a medieval fantasy that would captivate audiences. What began as a concept for a five-part web series eventually evolved into a full-length feature film, demanding even more from its cast and crew.
"We needed actors who could step up to the plate with gusto as well as a fervent imagination," Rooney explained. "This story was heavy in fantastical lore and bustled with romanticized magic behind the curtain."
On set for "Cedric & Alysia", co-creators Ben Dery (left) and Michael Rooney (right)
The Challenge: Casting on a Budget
Like many independent filmmakers, Rooney faced the challenge of finding exceptional talent without breaking the bank. That's where Backstage came in.
"I had used Backstage for many projects prior to this and knew that its affordability and convenience couldn't be matched," Rooney said. "It is incredibly easy to use and allowed us to cast a wide net across the entire eastern side of the US to find the actors who were best suited for each role."
The Process: Streamlined Casting with Backstage
Rooney and his casting director sifted through thousands of submissions, using Backstage's user-friendly interface to efficiently manage the process. The platform's features, including easy-to-navigate actor profiles, demo reels, and self-tapes, streamlined their search for the perfect actor for each role.
“It's the easiest and the most affordable option out there!" Rooney enthused. "There are always some new and exciting individuals that you will be proud to have the opportunity to work with!."
Rooney had high expectations for a cast able to step into the kind of world he had created, knowing that playing characters with the nuisance and detail the roles required was not for the faint of heart.
"Backstage gave us an incredible launching point to find the wonderful professionals who were ready to take their careers to that level,” he said.
"Cedric & Alysia" cast and crew
The Result: A Dream Cast Comes Together
Through Backstage, Rooney assembled a talented ensemble that brought "Cedric & Alysia" to life. Let's meet some of the key players:
Nexus Lyons as Cedric Vale
Photo credit: Becky Thurner
A self-taught actor with a background in martial arts, Nexus Lyons found his calling through Backstage. "I've been on Backstage since roughly about the same time I started acting," he shared. "I have found Backstage's articles to be incredibly useful tools to get a better understanding of the business and create strategies for become a working actor. …Backstage has proven itself very useful to my career."
Lyons embraced the role of Cedric, a knight torn between duty and love. "While the story does take you on a romantic and action-packed journey with Cedric, its core belief ultimately boils down to 'do the right thing,'" he explained.
Caroline Codd as Lady Alysia
Photo credit: Jackson Davis Photography
For Caroline Codd, a New York native now based in LA, landing the role of Lady Alysia was a dream come true. "I'm a big fantasy fan," she said, "So getting to live in this world and play in these castles was a total dream."
Codd credits Backstage for helping her navigate the early stages of her career. "All of the projects that helped me grow as an actor in those first few years came from Backstage. I'm entirely grateful for its wealth of resources and the opportunities it gave me."
NoWa Clark as Hanne
Photo credit: Headshots by Scott
NoWa Clark's journey to the set of "Cedric & Alysia" is a testament to the power of determination. "Being relatively new to acting, I knew I had to take some bold steps to make my dreams a reality," she said. "One of those steps was renting a car I couldn't afford and driving all the way to Connecticut for the callback."
Her risk paid off, landing her the complex role of Hanne, Alysia's handmaiden with a mysterious past.
Justin C. Schilling as Deacon
Photo credit: Alexander August
Justin C. Schilling, a NYC-based actor and improviser, took on the role of Deacon, Captain of the Guard. "It was a really great role where I got to show how someone struggles with following orders with honor versus following their heart and doing the morally right thing," he explained.
For Schilling, the experience went beyond the role itself. "Besides being able to step into a very fun period piece role, my favorite part of being a part of the production was honestly working with all the people," he shared.
The Takeaway: Backstage as a Launchpad for Indie Film Success
"Cedric & Alysia" is a testament to the power of an ambitious creative vision, the resolve needed to make it happen, and the talented cast and crew crucial to making it a success.
Backstage exists to demonstrate what's possible when talent meets opportunity and has played a key role in bringing independent films to life. For aspiring actors and filmmakers alike, it offers valuable tools and experiences:
- A wide net for casting: Backstage's extensive reach allowed Rooney to find talent from across a large geographic area.
- Aspiring, enthusiastic talent: The platform provides a mix of experienced actors and fresh faces ready to prove themselves.
- Breadth of features: From easy-to-navigate profiles to self-tape options, Backstage's tools streamline the casting process.
- Community: Many actors cited the connections made on set as a highlight of their experience.
Rooney had words of encouragement for both filmmakers and actors. "The adventure of getting to create this film was nothing short of amazing, fraught with both blessings and curses along the way. Yet here we are, at the end of it all, an end that is only just beginning!” he said.
”And to the young actors hoping for a big break out there… keep going. The greatest things in life take time.”
