The Real Deal on Getting Star Talent
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Perhaps one of the most difficult challenges an independent filmmaker faces in financing and producing an independent motion picture project is getting a star attached to the film.
On the July 13th edition of my radio show, “Inside Urban Hollywood,” my guest was Darrell Thompson who is a highly regarded transactional entertainment attorney. The discussion focused on getting star talent for films — how to get them to read the script, accept the offer and commit to the project. We also discussed the role of the attorney in independent film production and talent negotiations. To listen to the full 1-hour interview go to: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/insideurbanhollywood. You can listen online or download the MP3 to iTunes.
By way of background, Darrell’s music cliental throughout the years have included the Black Eye Peas, Tyrese, En Vouge, The Isley Brothers, Phil Collins’ publishing company and Jay Z to name a few. His producer clients have recorded records appearing on albums by Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Usher, Kirk Franklin, Beyonce, and Christina Aguilar just to name a few.
On the motion picture side, Darrell has negotiated talent deals in the motion pictures “Hustle and Flow” and “Idlewylld.” He has represented talent on over 20 motion picture soundtracks beginning in the early 1990’s with the film “Juice” starring a young Tupac Shakur and including the recent films “This Christmas” and “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.”
On question of how to get an actor to read your script Darrell said, “Use whatever connections you can. You want to have talent read the project. Send a very brief cover letter explaining, in concept, what the script is about and why they should read it. You’re competing against 50 or 60 other screenplays so be sure to explain why he/she should choose yours.”
Darrell also shared a million dollar secret during the interview. “Except for probably a true handful of no more than ten African American actors, you can probably get almost anybody in your film. Here’s the key: they can be hired. In other words, they can be hired if you have someone who will finance your motion picture. They’re actors. They want to work and if you’re willing to pay compensation, they will take your offer a lot more serious, especially if your query comes with a contingent letter attached.”
Darrell expressed the importance of getting some type of name talent in a film in terms of triggering financing, production (greenlight) and distribution. He also talked about the importance of the first 10 pages of your script, how to know what to offer (finding out what their latest quote was), giving the actor producer credits, “Pay or Play” deals, and much more.
To listen to the full 1-hour interview with entertaiment attorney Darrell Thompson go to: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/insideurbanhollywood. You can listen online or download the MP3 to iTunes.
