June 14, 2008: Casting Begins

Some current notes: First, I email reply to most actors from a casting assistant email, so I can avoid direct pleas from the actors. So this guy didn't know he was replying directly to me.


Second, he's done pretty much nothing since then, so I don't feel too bad.

June 14th, 2008

Casting for the next flick. We got a curious email from a guy who's had small roles in big flicks(pretty much every Christopher Nolan movie). He claims he's been on a "self imposed exile" for 2 years but is now back to work.

Seemed strange, but he seems like a decent actor. I send an email with some sides for a videotape audition(he's from L.A.). The response arrived this morning. Here it is:


Obviously you weren't impressed enough with his resume.
I mean, are you kidding?

You want me to show this unaddressed mass email with instructions on how
to tape one's self to my boss... (the guy's name)?...

You actually want him to audition for you?...

I'm the one who contacted you on his behalf; - he's looking for smaller,
indie projects to squeeze in between his commitments to Hollywood, that's
all.

But he surely wouldn't put himself for you, or anybody else at this stage
in his career. Sorry.

If you change your mind and see what a unique opportunity this is, and how
your film can benefit from him "trying to give something back," let me
know.

Wow...

Sincerely, ------, key assistant to -----


My reply went like this:

Listen--he's had small roles in big movies. Then he disappears off the map for 2 years. Vacation? Heroin bender? We don't know. He could be 500 pounds for all we know.

You're doing your job, I'm doing mine. (my name) doesn't give out parts without seeing an audition. He never has--and while (name) is a bigger name than we typically deal with, you seem to be under the impression that he's Al Pacino. I'm afraid that your average moviegoer has no idea who he is, so it's not like casting him blind would afford us any great consideration from a distributor.

So I appreciate your response, and if it's not worth his trouble then that's okay.

Regards,
Casting

My fake casting alias is much more level-headed than I am. I was ready to just tell him to fuck off.