How the ActingSOS films work
We are a charitable organization dedicated to helping actors learn, build film portfolios, and provide free resources such as professional headshot sessions, demo reel shoots, and assistance with self-tape films. We do everything possible to reduce costs while still offering an excellent opportunity for all of our actors.
Actors Required to Assist on Set
All actors must help the director during filming. You will also receive training in any area where you show skill. All actors working on set will share profits equally with those acting that day. This approach helps reduce costs, boost actors’ profits, and offers a valuable opportunity to learn about acting for the camera and other skills. A call for actors to sign up for one or more days to assist the crew will be sent out, but they will never be assigned to the day they are scheduled to act. You are encouraged to sign up for training as a crew assistant when you receive a notice to do so. Helping on set also increases your chances of getting bigger roles and more films, as the director will definitely see you as an asset.
- The orientation process
- Actors are being brought into the company to create one segment that might be included in our serial broadcast feature, intended to run about 50 minutes.
- After an orientation meeting, a 5–8-page script is written for the actor that includes as many character elements as possible, suggested by the actor. Keep in mind that the role must fit the film and be grounded in high-quality content and strong cinematography. The film is low-budget but has high marketability in the streaming media distribution area and will be shot in 4K with 32-bit floating sound. The segment the actor works on will be before the Guardian of the Gate’s voice only. You will be the only actor present in your first segment. Rare exceptions to the one-actor policy may be entertained.
- During the orientation, the actor will choose a date and start time they are available to shoot, with at least 3 weeks’ notice. It is expected that the actor will honor this commitment. Barring any technical or other issues, this first segment will be shot in one 8-hour day.
- The Rehearsal Process
An actor can schedule time to come in and rehearse their scene to improve their skills, discuss wardrobe, or get fitted. This is done through our online scheduling center. Actors are booking 1-hour sessions. You can schedule as often as you like, but no more than once a day per segment. Actors working on multiple segments can schedule once a day for each one. How often you come in is up to you, but you need to come at least once a week. We will work on character, script changes, as well as handle wardrobe, props, set dressing, and fittings. If you are unable to come in once a week, the production date might be canceled or postponed. We are committed to finishing every segment of a movie within three weeks of the actor receiving the script. This can be difficult if actors do not have the time.
- How large will my role be
The size of an actor’s role will be determined first of all by the completion of your first segment before the Guardian. Then your role is written and built for you one segment at a time based on the following:
- Skill sets – It should go without saying that your skills must reach a professional level to be included in the film. The coach is willing to work with you to achieve that level if you have the time. If not, we will provide you with the footage of your Guardian segment for your own use, but it will not be part of the film.
- Availability – If you can commit to just one shoot day, scripts can only be written for you with other actors who also have that same day available. You and your actor partners will also need to agree on a rehearsal schedule before the script is written. The more days you have available to shoot and rehearse that are compatible with other actors, the larger your role can be.
- Reliability – An actor must keep all scheduled appointments or cancel 24 hours in advance. We understand that emergencies can happen, but they should be infrequent. Keeping the actual shoot date should be considered extremely important. All actors must respond to emails, texts, or phone calls within 24 hours to all members and staff.
- Marketing – Although our primary focus is to train actors and create products that they are proud of and can use to promote their careers, we believe it would be foolish not to have a marketing plan that could also help cast and crew earn money. In an effort to do this we take all of the following steps:
- Films are submitted to festivals.
- Films are submitted to IMDB.
- Films are distributed on our own global streaming site behind a paywall.
- Cast and crew share 100% of all profits based on time on set. The only deductions from the gross are 3-5% to cover credit card processing fees and bandwidth. We reserve the right to increase bandwidth deductions if your film is viewed frequently and uses a lot of bandwidth. Of course, that would mean you are earning more money.
- No actor ever pays for anything