Actors Wanted For Feature Film

Seeking Expressions of Interests to be involved in a romantic comedy feature film with crew and production staff credits from Hollywood, United Kingdom, South-East Asia and Australia. Send in your details. Various roles & ages m/f 20+ prefered). Production scheduled mid 2005. (Earlier if right casting.) Experience advantageous but dedication and commitment an absolute must. Post photo and short Bio to Serge Sharrinovsky, 23 Bourke Street, Yokine WA 6060 or email loveshow@tpg.com.au specifying a) contact details, b) physical details, c) special skills and d) ambition.

Regards
Serge Sharrinovsky
Ph 0400 215 914
www.loveshow.com.au

NB: To all that have already applied please be very patient for now. IÂ’m sorry I canÂ’t get back to you all, especially mailed applications. Reviewing all applications on a one to one basis

Serge Sharrinovsky wrote:
>
> Seeking Expressions of Interests to be involved in a romantic
> comedy feature film with crew and production staff credits
> from Hollywood, United Kingdom, South-East Asia and
> Australia. Send in your details.



Serge,

You've been asking for talent here for some time; are you also looking at registered agencies for casting? It's a bit unclear whether this is a hobby project, or a proper paid job.

Is this a paid gig? Who is financing this project?


Having people involved who have worked around the world is impressive, but it doesn't actually indicate the professional standing of this project...?

Cheers
Craig

A copy of what Serge emailed me in reply to my above questions, and my response:



> On 9 Feb 2005, at 21:36, loveshow wrote:

> Hi Graig
 
> Its a very long road to find the right people for a film and I guess the 
> question I have for you is how serious are you as an actor and do think
> you have what it takes to be one?
 
> Regards
> Serge Sharrinovsky





Thanks for replying, Serge, although you are yet to answer any of my questions. I find this a bit worrying, as many people are starting to ask questions about you.

I can answer your question very easily...do you want the long or the short response? I have been a professional actor for the past 17 years, performing in every mainland capital city and participating in almost 20 overseas festivals worldwide. Acting is my main source of income, and I have averaged about 170 theatre performances a year. I also have professional film and commercial experience, and have been recognised by peer panels as an expert in my field...from awards I have won and from serving for a time as the elected WA Equity Union vice president....do you think I need to be any more serious than that?

I am in a good position to agree with you that it is a long road...however that doesn't excuse the glib manner in which you seem to dismiss my genuine questions. If you continue to dodge the concerns that many of us have about the lack of forthcoming information about your project, then that is the only word we can apply to you...dodgy.

I hope you will prove me wrong, and be more forthcoming with what you are asking people to contribute to.

Cheers,
Craig with a C

[%sig%]

Well, if you saw Serge's performance on Moose Goes Live, attempting to do a David Bowie song, I think you'll find he's the epitome of dodgy.

I think calling into question the credentials of a man such as Craig Williams, whos name, talents and reputation are widely known and respected, only serves to highlight further, Serge's lack of understanding of this buisness, and his inept approach to research and prep.
I too recieved email responses to my posts, asking me to sign a confidentiality agreement! And all I wanted was to have him address my concerns over soliciting young unrepresented actors.
Be careful Serge, you are just a gnats hair away from making a fool of yourself.

Thanks
Andie.

serge

mate, there's a guy called claude on this site and i think you guys should get together and form a company. by the way, i think i have what it takes and the commitment to go all the way. thanks for asking.

mick

From what I remember from the last spaa fringe conference. I recall Adam Elliot standing up with his academy award in his hand, saying how he spent a great deal of time in his backyard studio creating Harvey Krumpet. And I think he even went to say that even up to the time that he won his award he was still getting support from Centrelink.

Serge Sharrinovsky wrote:
>
> From what I remember from the last spaa fringe conference. I
> recall Adam Elliot standing up with his academy award in his
> hand, saying how he spent a great deal of time in his
> backyard studio creating Harvey Krumpet. And I think he even
> went to say that even up to the time that he won his award he
> was still getting support from Centrelink.


Serge, no one is condemning you for having a go at a backyard project which may well win you your Academy Award...and I'm sure there have been plenty of successful filmakers and actors who have found themselves at Centrelink before, after, or even during the process.

But whether or not there's money involved, it's a question of 'professionalism'. If you want to attract people to your project, you need to be forthcoming with information when they ask for it.


That way everyone knows what they are committing to, and you'll get the right people for the job.

Good luck with it.

Cheers
Craig

No-one is criticising you simply on the basis that (from what your last comment indicates) the project is unpaid. The lack of film-work in Perth, and in general, means that many professional actors will make allowances for a new independent producer that they wouldn't for an established company - eg by agreeing to work on profit-share or by owning a fraction of a percentage of the project. The thing is that these arrangements require a fair degree of thought and planning, and any experienced actor will want to know EXACTLY what the arrangements are (and probably pass them through equity to make sure you're not getting ripped off). There's a simple reason why many actors won't agree to work on a project on a vague undefined promise - because if the producer actually intends to follow through with that promise there is no reason why they can't stipulate in the form of a contract exactly what the agreement is and how it will be implemented.

References to 'commitment' and 'furthering one's career as an artist' don't help either:
- firstly, it always confuses me why a producer feels they have the right to call actors 'uncommitted' if they won't work for free - if you're going to ask actors for 'commitment' then you need to show commitment to your job as a producer, which includes raising funds for payment of actors (just like you raise funds for cameras and film).
- secondly, there is no reason to have faith in the artistic ability of a production company if they can't even manage to provide open information about a project, raise sufficient funds and make their proposed arrangements with actors clear and transparent. Frankly if a producer isn't capable of managing these preliminaries they certainly aren't going to be capable of making and selling a quality film.
- thirdly, even if you have the best intentions in the world (and frankly in your email to me you sounded genuinely naive and eager rather than intentionally dodgy) that doesn't provide great faith that the film is going to end up finished. In my experience these kind of projects have a habit of never being completed. Not being willing to either pay actors or enter into an open and accountable profit-share system usually indicates inexperience and naivety in the film industry. There is no 'black-and-gold-budget-brand' market in film. Whether its a low-budget indie flick or a major studio product, the buyers are going to want quality - they will want to know that you are using professional actors and crew and that the film has sound production qualities. Recruiting inexperienced actors with vague dreams of stardom, rather than through open professional dealings, will make you come across to buyers as a 2-bit amateur. [I hesistate in using the word amateur here, because there are many actors on this site who specialise in amateur community theatre who are both very good and very experienced - AND consequently would not consider giving their time to a project where the money might go into private profits rather towards more community theatre projects].
- fourthly, and this is controversial I admit - film is a director's art-form. Actors are utterly reliant on having a quality director, as many of the factors which will influence the perceived quality of the actor's performance are out of the actor's hands. A 'committed' actor will therefore want to find out as much as they can about who they are working with and what they are working on before signing up.
- fifthly I remember that Adam Elliot quote too. Many great films HAVE been made in 'backyard' studios. And in almost all of them the lack of a studio budget has been made up for by their use of quality actors and crew. 'Backyard-studio' doesn't require 'backyard-dealings' with actors. I don't recall Mr Elliot ever saying that he was kept in the dark as to what the payment or production arrangements were for the film. If anything one should be able to expect GREATER transparency from a 'backyard-studio' producer because of easier communication between the producer and actors/crew.

I don't mean this as a series of insults, by any means. I honestly hope that your film gets made, and I have no reason to accuse you of anything sinister. But a lot of aspiring producers and directors learn about these things the hard way and then many of them burn out before they get a chance to run a project in the open professional manner that they should have ran their first project. That may be partially because they don't realise that just because an actor isn't a famous star it doesn't mean that they aren't an experienced professional. Many aspiring film producers are totally ignorant of the fact that Perth has quite a number of fully-professional actors (like Craig Williams) and many more who pick up the odd piece of professional work here and there, and that your film won't be the first feature film they've worked on. The corollary of that is that if you offer a fair and open deal to your actors you might be pleasantly surprised by the quality and experience of the actors you can attract.



Serge Sharrinovsky wrote:
>
> From what I remember from the last spaa fringe conference. I
> recall Adam Elliot standing up with his academy award in his
> hand, saying how he spent a great deal of time in his
> backyard studio creating Harvey Krumpet. And I think he even
> went to say that even up to the time that he won his award he
> was still getting support from Centrelink.



Thou fawning rump-fed dewberry!

Here's a question for you both.

What Film productions have you completed and finished from the ground up and successfully sold to the industry, audiences, done well at the box office and provided a return for investors and producers etc.

If you have and you can prove it, then I'm all ears to every word you say and worship the ground you walk on cause I'd love to know.

& Don't get me wrong here cause some of your ideas and suggestions make sense, but If you haven't, can you substantiate and guarantee to so me and everyone else for that matter that you really really know what your talking about?

Cause to roughly translate Paul Barron comments from one of his seminars at FTI. If anyone tries to tell you they have all the answers then they are either leading you astray or don't know what they talking about.

I'd hate to think this is just another bad case of the blind leading the blind

I don't think they're saying they have all the answers, Mr Sharrinovsky. I think they're just pointing out how you might better put yourself in a position to get the 'talent' you seem to so greatly desire.

Who cares what Paul Barron says, really? You keep quoting all these random names in 'The Industry' - well, here are some people who are also in 'The Industry', closer to your level than the people you are continually quoting, might I add, and they're trying to give you a hand. Accept it. I'm sure no one is trying to tear down your dream or say you can't do it, but you could at least be gracious enough to listen to their advice without rudely rebutting them.

~K

[%sig%]

Serge Sharrinovsky wrote:
>
> Here's a question for you both.

> What Film productions have you completed and finished from
> the ground up and successfully sold to the industry,
> audiences, done well at the box office and provided a return
> for investors and producers etc.
>
> If you have and you can prove it, then I'm all ears to every
> word you say and worship the ground you walk on cause I'd
> love to know.


Dear Serge

I'm sorry to hear you getting all defensive like this...I just read over my previous post and I think I came across quite reasonably? I supported your ambition to come up with a feature film, but suggested that you need to provide people with information if you expect them to join the party.
(That's been the basis of the entire argument all along...people are wanting to know more INFORMATION about the integrity of the project before they are willing to commit to it. Answers to questions.)

No need to worship the ground I tread, because as you quite rightly surmise, I'm not a filmmaker and haven't done any of the above.
Having said that, I HAVE successfully produced theatre performances, which is MY area of expertise. If I were to ask your own question back at you, regarding YOUR area of expertise, could YOU answer in the affirmative? (By your own admission, no, but you'd 'love to know').


So if we've established that none of us is necessarily an expert in making a film, and therefore neither of us should worship the other in that regard...perhaps I ought to remind you that you are looking for ACTORS, not filmmakers. And if you rephrased your question to ask me whether I know anything about what ACTORS require, I think we've already established in earlier correspondence that yes, I DO know just a little bit! I have also worked under filmmakers who WERE experts in their field, so I know what to expect from them in a filmmaker/actor relationship. Yet when I demonstrated this knowledge by asking you the right questions, on behalf of the actors you have been bombarding with continuous audition notices on this site, you dodged the questions and did not show yourself to behave like I would expect an expert filmmaker to.


> & Don't get me wrong here cause some of your ideas and
> suggestions make sense, but If you haven't, can you
> substantiate and guarantee to so me and everyone else for
> that matter that you really really know what your talking
> about?


Well, that's not the issue here, is it? We've substantiated that I know enough about acting to know which are the right questions to ask. I don't like to point you out as a hypocrite here, but can you answer your own question? I think that's rather more important, don't you? Do you really know what you're talking about?


> Cause to roughly translate Paul Barron comments from one of
> his seminars at FTI. If anyone tries to tell you they have
> all the answers then they are either leading you astray or
> don't know what they talking about.

Please remember that then, the next time you quote from Adam Elliot, Natalie Portman, Robert S. McNamara, etc. They probably don't have all the answers either.


> I'd hate to think this is just another bad case of the blind
> leading the blind

Yes, that's been my concern all along.



Cheers,
Craig



PS

I love this addition to your company posting:

> *** Also no "skeptics", "critics", "egotistic”, “spell checking enthusiasts”, > “those that categorize themselves as professional and/or wannabe
> professional” and/or “info seeking” actors needed. Thank you very much.

I guess I've ruined my chances of winning my Academy Award in your film.

serge,

look, mate...people are trying to be nice to you. and as far as what you are talking about in getting stuff up and running and returns for investors...that's the stockmarket and corporations, buddy. i've been involved with the industry for a while and have met people in the business who i feel i don't need to mention, but have succeeded to a high degree commercially. i also know many people involved in the film world who haven't succeeded commercially but have brought their projects to fruition. now, the thing they all had in common was that they did not set out to win an oscar, though admittedly a few of them did. they did it because it looked like a good, well organized set up, the effort was made to pay them through applications for FFC, AFC, etc funding and they listened to what was asked of them. mate, listen. listen. listen. you are being given golden tips from people such as that guy craig and craig edwards and you're not taking it on board, pal. your readin it, but not hearin it. do you hear me? if you do, you'll get your act together and start listening more rather than sponging up the anecdotes of ailing producers and writers.

mick

Craig

One thing I donÂ’t understand is why do you bother about what I do or donÂ’t do. IÂ’m sure there is plenty of other films you could win an academy award for. It going to be hard enough just to make a feature movie and let alone make a great one. You might have a good idea of what actors want but it still quite hazy to me if you can appreciate what I want. The whole point of this little exercise was to see who could and couldnÂ’t follow my simple instructions. And boy a get the impression a lot people deserve an academy award over their heads getting past first base. If I couldnÂ’t get the right people IÂ’m would be equally happy to spend my time at the beach. Although IÂ’m happy to say that I probably have enough. I only need a few minor characters and the extras to fill. So youÂ’re still in with a chance. As I said I happy to consider everyone right up until the moment those cameras are rolling.

As far as information goes the answers is still no. And that’s on the advice from people who know much more then me. If you want to argue with the gods, go for it. Also if everyone is so restless that things a not moving fasting enough for them, then I would love to hear for anyone out there who can show how I’m supposed to move mountains. Maybe you can remind everyone that a lot of indie films take years and unfortunately my miracle working power a little rusty to make it happen over night. I don’t know what everyone expectations are from me, but maybe, and I ‘m only guessing here, they are being just a touch unrealistic. Anyway it getting late you got my number and I can hear my music being played on the Tele so I have to go.

Best Wishes

I'm amazed at how you say that about a guy whos done more than most for film and television for WA. Shame on you

You have missed my point entirely.

[%sig%]

Serge Sharrinovsky wrote:
>
> Craig
>
> One thing I donÂ’t understand is why do you bother about what
> I do or donÂ’t do.

Mentioned it before: I was elected to the Equity committee, I'm in the habit of investigating offers made by questionable producers to ensure that vulnerable actors aren't ripped off, but are respected.

> IÂ’m sure there is plenty of other films you
> could win an academy award for.

Thanks. What a relief.

> You might have a good idea of what actors want but it still
> quite hazy to me if you can appreciate what I want.

HELLO??? Of course it's bloody hazy to us what you want! Why do you think everyone thinks you're evasive and is unsure about you? This post is the first time you've come close to responding to anybody's questions!


> The whole
> point of this little exercise was to see who could and
> couldnÂ’t follow my simple instructions. And boy a get the
> impression a lot people deserve an academy award over their
> heads getting past first base.

A little bit disappointed in your tendency to treat the people you expect to be working with like mindless cattle. Forgive me, this is probably not the case, but it's the impression that you give in your written responses. See my first point, about respect for actors.


> If I couldnÂ’t get the right
> people IÂ’m would be equally happy to spend my time at the
> beach. Although IÂ’m happy to say that I probably have enough.
> I only need a few minor characters and the extras to fill. So
> youÂ’re still in with a chance. As I said I happy to consider
> everyone right up until the moment those cameras are rolling.

Thanks for the encouragement. Sorry I'm unavailable, my next job involves me spending time at the beach! (true!)


> As far as information goes the answers is still no. And
> thatÂ’s on the advice from people who know much more then me.
> If you want to argue with the gods, go for it. Also if
> everyone is so restless that things a not moving fasting
> enough for them, then I would love to hear for anyone out
> there who can show how IÂ’m supposed to move mountains. Maybe
> you can remind everyone that a lot of indie films take years
> and unfortunately my miracle working power a little rusty to
> make it happen over night. I donÂ’t know what everyone
> expectations are from me, but maybe, and I ‘m only guessing
> here, they are being just a touch unrealistic.

I'm not sure either what everyone's expectations are of you, but I'm guessing more than a touch. Like I said, this is the most information you've been forthcoming with, and the end result is: no information.
Keep in touch with your advisers, and good luck in getting this whole ship afloat...after all this discussion, I really do hope the project floats successfully.

Of course, be aware that the acting community here reading this is probably going to follow advice also. I would have thought the problem is not so much of moving mountains, but of instilling faith in your followers...as the proverb goes, that would probably solve all the issues.

Cheers
Craig

[%sig%]

Serge Sharrinovsky wrote:
>
> I'm amazed at how you say that about a guy whos done more
> than most for film and television for WA. Shame on you


Although you obviously didn't understand what Kia just said, I'll answer the point you just made.

Barron Films HAS done a lot for employment in WA, in fact for a time they were the ONLY thing happening here in film and TV. But at the same time there were instances of problems with late payments to actors, contract disputes, and non-compliance of Award conditions...some of which took a long time to resolve. Most of his casts were young hopefuls in their first job, unsure of their rights.

Paul Barron is a fellow Citizen of the Year, and rightly so, but he's made his fair share of mistakes. He's not infallible. I'm sure he'd be the first to admit that the quote you attribute to him equally applies to him.


Cheers
Craig

I really do hope the you float successfully too.

He would probably rather float than follow you up the proverbial creek with the paddle you are lacking.

[%sig%]

Serge Sharrinovsky wrote:
>
> I'm amazed at how you say that about a guy whos done more
> than most for film and television for WA. Shame on you



Serge you put Paul Barron on a pedestal but did you realize that his company Barron Films went bankrupt and was not able to pay residual fees for some time to the actors that had been in his shows?
You aught to be careful who your role models are because trust me you don't want to go down that path.

Lorna

looking forward to seeing the script.
i'm a member of an acting workshop in dublin called 'the attic' and we have over 200 actors on our books. if you need any more information dont hesitate to contact me at actortony@hotmail.com
thanking you
tony pacino

tony pacino wrote:
>
> looking forward to seeing the script.


Last I heard so are most of the people expressing an interest in this "feature film".

Haven't heard or seen anything lately about it, I wonder how things are coming along?

hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Thou bawdy hedge-born burn-bailey!

Serge Sharrinovsky wrote:
>
> Seeking Expressions of Interests to be involved in a romantic
> comedy feature film with crew and production staff credits
> from Hollywood, United Kingdom, South-East Asia and
> Australia. Send in your details. Various roles & ages m/f 20+
> prefered). Production scheduled mid 2005. (Earlier if right
> casting.) Experience advantageous but dedication and
> commitment an absolute must. Post photo and short Bio to
> Serge Sharrinovsky, 23 Bourke Street, Yokine WA 6060 or email
> loveshow@tpg.com.au specifying a) contact details, b)
> physical details, c) special skills and d) ambition.
>
> Regards
> Serge Sharrinovsky
> Ph 0400 215 914
> www.loveshow.com.au
>
> NB: To all that have already applied please be very patient
> for now. IÂ’m sorry I canÂ’t get back to you all, especially
> mailed applications. Reviewing all applications on a one to
> one basis