Internet Film Making

An interview with Writer/Director Martin Whitehead

Q:  Most independent filmmakers make their first film with a close-knit group of friends. But your story is a little different.

A:  We found the majority of the crew for our project using the Internet.

Q:  Why’s that?

A:  Well, the project was written and produced in Seattle, photographed and casted in Chicago and finished in Pennsylvania and New York.

Q:  And you went to film school at NYU?

A:  Right. So it was important to tap into the local filmmaking communities in each of those cities.

Q:  So you used the Internet.

A:  We used sites like Craigslist.org and Mandy.Com and one of the others on the list I showed you [see side bar] to identify cast and crew.

Q:  So, how did it work out?

A:  It worked out great. We used our applications from the web to develop and qualify contacts. At the end of the day, 90-95% of the crew were found through the web or using contacts we developed through the web.

Q:  Was using the Internet easier than relying on more traditional methods and networks?

A:  Not easier; just different. Having relied on the Internet, it was more important to see work samples and check references [see dos and don’ts listed below]. When I use my more traditional network to find crew, everyone I talk to about a job or role comes with a defacto reference.

Q:  So, what about the cast?

A:  Similarly, we used the Internet to post roles. We supplemented our posting with ads in one or two of the Chicago actor magazines. And, of course, we also pulled from the established contacts of our casting director, Elliot Domalewski.

Q:  How did it work out?

A:  Well, we posted and then hosted open calls. It worked out great. I’m very happy with the acting and because we had open calls, we were able to use our creativity in casting certain roles.

Q:  For example.

A:  Well, the Miguel role was written for an overweight actor…

Q:  But Ric Arthur is a former Marine who looks great. He’s far from fat.

A:  [Laughs] Right. Ric read for the role and substituted “short” for “fat” in the sides. He’s great in the film! And that’s an actor we may not have considered using if we had relied on more traditional casting methods.

Q:  He’s going to be a big star.

A:  I agree. He’s a real up and comer. And Ric Walker who plays Bernard is also great.

Q:  I love him in the scenes with Tina.

A:  Right. Rick really shines in the scenes with Lakeisha Woodard who plays his daughter Tina. They’re great together. And this is Lakeisha’s first film.

Q:  TX Martin.

A:  TX.

A List of Web Resources

National

• Craigslist.Org —The single best web resource for finding crew and talent.
• Mandy.Com — A close second. Particularly strong in Chicago, NY, and LA.
• IFP.Org — You have to join the Independent Film Project to post positions on the IFP web site, but it’s worth it. New York and LA have more positions posted than other regions. IFP is a great organization for making contacts and developing skills before you make your first film.
• SagIndie.Com — Even if you don’t go SAG for your feature, it pays to be informed. The SAG independent representative in Chicago is great.

Chicago

• ReelChicago.Com — A great site for the scoop on Chicago independent film and links to the Chicago film office.
• Colum.Edu — Follow the links to the Columbia College Career Office, a great resource for production staff, crew, and interns in Chicago.

Seattle

• WigglyWorld.Org — The web site for the Northwest Film Forum is a great resource.
• IndieClub.Com — Support network and posting.
• SeattleComposers.Org — The Seattle Composer Alliance.
• WhatcomFilmAndVideo.Com — The Whatcom Film and Video Group is the most supportive and inclusive arts organization I’ve found in the Pacific Northwest.

Vancouver, B.C.

• PraxisFilm.Com — A center for screenwriters. This is an awesome site for help to develop your script. For a nominal charge a reader with expertise in your genre will read your script and provide notes. Very helpful.
• WomenInFilm.Ca — Vancouver Women in Film and Video. Good networking and support for women and anyone else.

A List of Dos and Don’ts to Consider
When Recruiting for Cast and Crew Using the Web

Do

Don’t