Casting Call posted on Mandy. Out of 19 applications for the role of Terry, I’ve auditioned 8 actors. They’ve sent it their self-tapes of a dialogue scene from the script.
Joe was the most successful as he portrayed Terry exactly how I imagined him; emotionally, physical appearance and good acting skills. He also seems to have good work ethic and easy communication, which is very important.
Casting Call posted on Mandy. Out of 29 applications for the role of Pat, I’ve auditioned 10 actresses, but only after I’ve made a decision on the role of Terry, as Pat is Terry’s girlfriend and they had to look like a couple, so the supporting actress had to match the lead actor.
They’ve sent it their self-tapes of a dialogue scene from the script.
Ingrid was the most successful for a number of reasons: 1) I could best see her as Terry’s (Joe’s) girlfriend, 2) She had just enough empathy yet naivety in her acting that perfectly portrayed Pat’s role, 3) Her communication and dedication seem great.
Out of 10 very good applications on Mandy and StarNow, I was thorn between Daniel Gal, who found my email address and went out of his way to impress me, analysing my film and proposing excellent solutions, Liam Bracey whose background is very rich and who also went out of his way to make a great impression with creative suggestions, and Connor Adam, who I welcomed on board in the end.
Connor firstly offered best suggestions for shots playing with B/W and colours, silhouettes and really seemed to understand the style I was going for, as well as showed a great deal of enthusiasm for this film. Additonally, communication has been great with him and I’m sure working with him will be easy.
What made my decision easier was Connor’s previous experience as DoP and Gaffer on film and TV – he seemed very, very experienced! Moreover, his experience as a gaffer was an important thing for me as shadows, silhouettes and similar will play a vital role in the film.
His kit that he will be bringing on set is: – Blackmagic Ursa Mini Pro 4.6K G2 Shooting Kit (Matte Box, Lenses, Monitor, Tripod, Filters) – Wireless Teradek & Follow Focus – Sigma & Canon Lenses – 17” Director’s Monitor – Arri Fresnels (150w, 300w, 3x 650w, 1k, 2x 2ks) – Aladdin Bi Flex 2 LEDs – Lowel Rifa 88 1k Softbox – Grip & Distro – Textiles (8×8 & 12×12 Blackouts, Grid Cloth, Soft Frost, Ultrabounce)
Connor brought a van-full of equipment and an awesome jib & dolly he had for free from the previous day shoot!
UPDATE: After already getting someone on board as a colourist, Connor told me he does grading as well, and since he knew exactly the look I wanted, I decided it’d be best if he does it.
Gaffer / 1st AC
Simona Pranulytė
Sound Recordist
Xiao Yun Hua
Out of 12 applications on Mandy and StarNow, I first decided to go with Dave Lynch, who had the best background. However, he had to drop out of the project in the end due to other obligations.
Next I’ve decided to go with Brad Sweetman, but since it had been few weeks after he applied, he already got booked for another gig for the weekend of my shoot.
Finally, I’ve posted the job ad again as I wasn’t too happy with the remaining choice.
First application that I received, Antonios Moutzianou, seemed like a great option. However, after getting in touch with him, I haven’t heard from him for 2 days.
The next day I received another great application – Andrea Gobbi.
Went with Xiao in the end, a sound design masters student in London.
Boom Operator/Sound Designer
TANG DIAN SHU
Music Composer
Alex Dopierala
Unexpectedly, I received a few applications on my sound recordist ad, for music composition, sound design and other sound post production services.
First, I went with Matias Torres, who showed great enthusiasm and has an amazing portfolio.
While Matias was reading the script, Alex Doperala contacted me with another proposition. Since Matias was taking quite a long time to get back to me since he was travelling, and Alex was in London eager to meet and discuss the project, I decided to go with Alex.
Editor
Piers Hunte-Dunne
I’ve been working with Piers online, via Zoom as we started post just when the pandemic kicked in.
3 applications for runners on StarNow but did not get anyone in the end due to travel expenses.
The Odd One Out 