I've got a part in my sitcom, that would be perfect for a certain actor - should I contact him, or just leave all that to a production company?
Have you ever sent a script to a famous actor?
Yes. The two people liked it so I was told. But not much happened.
I wouldn't advise it personally.
I once sent one to Patricia Routledge's agent. They rang me up and thought the part was ideal. When they found out I hadn't any funds lined up for the piece, they weren't interested.
I also sent one to Thora Hird and she rang me up twice at length. Loved the piece but was ill at the time. She recommended I sent it to Alan Bell who directs Last of The Summer Wine, but I never got around to it.
Waiting for a feedback from a very well-known comedy actor regarding a lead in one of my sitcoms. But that's only because my producer managed to get it through the back door via another TV actor who was friends with the actor and his manager. No way the script would ever get to him if a nobody like me sent it.
What I would suggest is use your perfect actor's "voice" when writing your script, as that will help you to write the character's dialogue and give him/her a distinctive voice. Then, if you get interest from a producer, you can always mentiont the actor's name when they ask you if you have any casting ideas (which they almost certainly will). Good luck with it.
Quote: Tim Walker @ August 28 2008, 11:19 PM BSTWhat I would suggest is use your perfect actor's "voice" when writing your script, as that will help you to write the character's dialogue and give him/her a distinctive voice.
Really?
I'd advise against that. You need to find your own voice, rather than borrow one I think.
When I've tried that approach, I've ended up writing more derivative stuff.
Quote: Seefacts @ August 28 2008, 11:38 PM BSTReally?
I'd advise against that. You need to find your own voice, rather than borrow one I think.
When I've tried that approach, I've ended up writing more derivative stuff.
What I mean is that having an actor's voice in your head can be useful just to "hear" your dialogue. Obviously you musn't use the actor's voice just to create a character they're already known for.
Quote: bushbaby @ August 28 2008, 11:19 PM BSTI once sent one to Patricia Routledge's agent. They rang me up and thought the part was ideal. When they found out I hadn't any funds lined up for the piece, they weren't interested.
I also sent one to Thora Hird and she rang me up twice at length. Loved the piece but was ill at the time. She recommended I sent it to Alan Bell who directs Last of The Summer Wine, but I never got around to it.
Silly girl!
Quote: Griff @ August 28 2008, 11:43 PM BSTProbably just because it's something Seefacts said.
Oh, Griffy.
We'll be buddies eventually.
What did we fall out over anyway?!
And we're off!
I would search but the function is knackered.
Never mind.
Quote: Griff @ August 28 2008, 11:56 PM BSTHey Tim I was on your side there...
Oh, absolutely, cheers mate! 
I was just looking forward to you and Seefacts getting into a battle of minds.
Perhaps the new version of BSG could play the Arena music from Amok Time, if such an event were to happen.
Quote: sootyj @ August 28 2008, 11:59 PM BSTPerhaps the new version of BSG could play the Arena music from Amok Time, if such an event were to happen.
I know I'll be bringing a trident and a net to this meet up.
Perhaps we need a BSG Death Match? I'd like to see Jake back for one more exhibition match with Seefacts.