We had the first table read for the script on Saturday. It went great! Keep in mind this is the first time the principals we selected had seen the script in its entirety. One reason for this table read was to see how the character / actors interacted with each other. Although we had seen them during the casting period, this is the first time they’ve all been brought together to read the script from top to bottom.
Another reason for the table read was so that we could hear the dialogue as performed by the actors so that we could smooth out any rough patches in the script. Writers, no matter how good they are, get a dialogue picture in their head and it works for them. However, when spoken aloud by an actor, the dialogue falls flat. It reads much better than spoken.
And finally, you want to see (and hear) the cast you’ve helped to assemble and make sure that it’s going to work. Sometimes, as you go through the audition process, everything seems great. Then, you get to the table read and it all falls apart. Actors don’t give you what you want, they complain about a trailer on set, they want you to deal with their agent, etc. It can be a big mess. Didn’t I mention I have issues with some agents and the Hollywood unions as a whole? I don’t think an agent should get ten or fifteen percent of something that the actor went out and found, negotiated, and prepared themselves. I would also like to ask the struggling actors in Hollywood to show me how many jobs the actors union went out and got for them. Sorry. That’s my anti-establishment rant for the week. Won’t happen again (this week).
As for the casting announcements, I hope to be making them later today. We will soon have another casting session for some of the minor roles in the film. We’re casting mostly unknown talent, so if you’ve ever wanted to be in a movie, here’s your chance.
Anyway, the cast we have up to this point is amazing. There read through was great. I’m ready to grab the cameras and go now, but, as with all things, I’ve got to have patience. We’ve just about got everyone in the car and the we ready roll. See you next time.