Aloha Casting…

I arrived on Oahu last week and hit the ground running. Casting on location is always a challenge. First of all, unlike Chicago, Baltimore, New York City or London, I have never been to Kailua, HI and so I didn’t have any idea of what I was getting into with available talent, local idiosyncrasies and the way things work here. I assumed that things would take a little more time and it would take me a few days to get myself organized. I was right about that!

At baggage claim, I was greeted by one of our P.A’s; he picked me up and took me to the car rental company, where I am given my Toyota Yaris. I did beg for the Jeep, but that was $400 more per month and since production was paying for the car, I got acquainted with my new ride. Let’s just say everything is MANUAL on the Yaris except the transmission. It gets great gas mileage, but sadly the “tire pressure” light and “maintenance required” light came on two days ago and I had to return the car. The nice man at the car rental company upgraded me, no, not to the Jeep, which I did beg for, but a Toyota Carola. This car has automatic locks and windows and a Panic button on the key ring – just in case.

So, I arrive at the Production office and am greeted with a big hug from all and basically told “get to work!” which is why I am here. And so, I did. The great thing about casting a film on a location with very few productions going on is that most actors are aware that there is a production coming and I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of emails I was getting from actors requesting information. I cast five roles in Los Angeles and there are about 30 roles to cast in Hawaii. The Director has written the script with some of his friends in mind to play some of the roles. His friends have never acted before and while I am totally open to the idea, I also want to audition actors who are here (who are SAG) who may also fit the bill and give the Director options. Although, I know where his heart lies creatively (this is a local story) and he will probably go for the people he wants that he had in mind when he wrote the script, it is my job to find the best actor for the role. I won’t put up too much of a fight about it. It is his baby after all and I am here to give him options. I don’t dictate. Unless I think there is a clear error in casting then I let the Director or Producer know, but ultimately it is not my decision.

Friday was more of the same. Figuring out how and who to reach out to find actors. There are two main agencies on Oahu, one manager and a few modeling agencies and a sprinkle of agents who are trying to start a talent division. There are 600 SAG actors in Hawaii. I have an assistant who has cast on Oahu before and she gave me the heads-up on who is who and how things work here. Firstly, no one submits on Breakdown Services. I put the breakdown out anyway, as you never know who is reading it. I emailed the breakdown to all of the talent reps, put a notice on Craig’s List, and found some local acting coaches and acting websites where I was able to get the word out and get good advice on casting here. So far everyone has been helpful and the one thing about actors is that they will find you, even if their agent doesn’t think of them for the film, they will figure out how to find you. The UPM also knows a lot of local actors and has been a great source of information.

By yesterday, I had had three casting sessions and seen about 50 actors. I have gone to one high school and I have appointments with drama teachers around the island to find some of the younger actors I am looking for. Sadly, in the public schools budgets have been cut and music/drama programs seem to be the first to go. I have found the local theater company that specializes in Hawaiian actors (non-white) and as I have a lot of roles for Pacific Islanders, I am hoping to also find actors there.

The only roadblock I have experienced, is one of the agents here has not returned my phone calls and she has many of the actors I am looking for. I have seen many of her clients, because as I mentioned they find me. Apparently she was confused as to why I didn’t just send her the breakdown and not to everyone I can think of…Anyway, be that as it may, and I am sure she will get over it, I am here to hire actors and make the Directors vision a reality.

Next up, street casting and finding background/extras. Also I am looking for pregnant 17-21 year olds! My assistant is in charge of that but I am helping her out while I am here for the next few weeks to make sure it is going smoothly. A Gynecologist did call me yesterday afternoon to tell me she knew a girl who would be interested in being in the film. This job makes me laugh sometimes…

The Producer wants me to workshop with some of the less experienced actors (friends of the director) who may need a few pointers on acting. So, I have some time scheduled over the next few weeks to talk about acting and introduce the craft and talk about what they should expect when they get on set.

All in all, the hardest part about this job is being away from home. My partner adopted a female Golden 2-year old this week. A car hit her, just as Austin was, and the adoption agency was desperate to place her with us. How could he say no? Anyway, Zsu Zsu (I call her Zoo, even though I have not met her yet and Steve wants to re-name her) is now assimilating while I am away from home. Don’t get too used to my side of the bed! Off to the beach, it is Saturday after all…Aloha!