[IMG:L]Anticipation, exhilaration and quiet restlessness filled the air as the modish crowd came together for the final countdown of a show biz history-making moment: the first feature film made by an online community. The chosen location was a sleek, dark lounge, otherwise known as Pressure Bar, conveniently located in NYC’s hip, bustling Union Square area. Hollywood.com had the pleasure of witnessing the live judging of the 24 finalists out of 1,000 entries, who were flown in from all over the country to audition for the eight lead roles being cast for a thriller Live Mansion: The Movie.
Last year Ckrush, Inc. took social networking to a whole new level by announcing the launch of their nouveau website, LiveMansion.com, empowering its network members to function as the producer of this mysterious thriller movie. This special Web site is the unification and creative collaboration of the online community in the making of a film, coupled with the assistance and guidance of industry professionals.
Since its launch, LiveMansion.com has grown to over 100,000 members who have placed over 600,000 votes, during the three rounds of the director competition and casting call. Even more captivating than its free membership, is the eligibility of community members to earn “producer points” for each vote they have cast during talent search and director competition. The most frequent participants will be brought to the set and earn equity in the film among other undisclosed benefits.
Ckrush, Inc. was thrilled to announce and welcome John Leguizamo, Cara Buono and Al Palagonia (who replaced Michael Rapaport last minute) to judge the finalists’ tapes.
[IMG:R]As the finalists mingled in anticipation for the onslaught of their audition tapes, I spoke with an eager participant in an attempt to capture some of the angst and experience throughout this new casting process. Hopeful indie actress Sylvianne Chebance, who is trying out for the ‘alpha-female’ part of Sabrina, declared that she was “really excited to do the final scene…and bringing all these stars like John Leguizamo on board to judge us is wonderful. It’s a great opportunity to be seen and to get feedback.”
Rather than fear what the pros may have to say, Chebance asserted that she is “looking forward to hearing what they have to say.” Although debatable, she admitted, “I’m so nervous…I’m the only one…everyone else is so calm.” Presumably so, competitions often lead to cattiness, however Chebance’s refreshing reply indicated no cattiness in the competition, and she further commented, “We’re really supportive of each other and we’re very different, too, in our categories, so there’s no competition.” The diversity of each candidate seems to be a blessing in disguise.
Introductions were made, photographs were taken and the event commenced. Leguizamo, Buono and Palagonia prepped the finalists by assuring them they would be fair, gentle and constructive with their critiques. Each of the six scenes were followed and accompanied by valuable commentary such as: “the actor was trying too hard…make sure to look in the mirror while rehearsing…and less is more.” They offered honest criticism and helpful advice by suggesting “if you don’t sound like you’re reading from a script, then it’s real acting.” Spanning a wide range, the display of emotions on some of the actors’ faces could have been described as uneasiness, indifference, appreciation, insult, disappointment–or even aloofness. However in their closing remarks, the judges commended the finalists for “being brave” and reminded them that they “have all heard negative things about themselves, but hopefully they were said in a way that will encourage them to do better and improve.”
Following the judging period, when asked about this type of casting process, Leguizamo told Hollywood.com that, “This is awesome. Studios have cornered the market too hard and monopolized it. It’s great that it’s open and people can do their own films–like what happened with the music industry. The budget always gave the studios the power but now that you can do it in smaller ways, it’s the new birth of independent cinema.” When asked if he hoped this would set a trend he said, “Yes, that’s what you hope for but this movie has to be huge. That’s the key.” In his final remarks, he commented about the finalists saying, “There were a lot of good qualities and it’s brave to put yourself out there for others to judge. I would never do it!”
Both Leguizamo and Buono stated the importance of getting past tough criticism and getting over it in order to succeed. “You get judged, criticized, rejected…that’s the territory of being an actor.” In her struggling days, Buono said she had to overcome serious rejection and criticism regarding her ethnicity, accent, and overall look. It’s all about improving yourself, staying positive and perseverance. Buono’s best advice was to “trust your instincts,” and that’s exactly what theater actor Damian Maffei, trying out for the part of Jack, is doing. He was pleased with their objective critique and said, “He appreciated their positive feedback.” Not surprising considering how impressed all of the judges were with his innate acting ability. We’ll see if he nabs the ‘ambitious-slacker’ role.
All in all, the consensus was that one type of casting process isn’t necessarily better than the other. The beauty of this process is that it eliminates the casting couches, agents, callbacks, long negotiation processes, and preferences given to big name celebrities. Palagonia offered encouragement by pointing out that whereas the world may operate as “it’s not what you know, it’s whom you know–this will give people an opportunity…to actually get a part.” Chebance corroborated by stating that this type of “casting opens more doors” to try out for different types of roles she may have not had the chance to try out for otherwise.” With all voting based strictly on talent chosen by the online community members, Leguizamo may have had a point when he professed, “It’s communism at work!”
From last week’s directing competition judged by Spike Lee to this week’s casting call, this online community is being aptly mentored by luminaries of the ‘indie’ world. And anticipation only continues to build as Live Mansion: The Movie is set to begin production this summer.
Check out LiveMansion.com now to see the audition tapes along with the panel’s comments and to partake in the voting and casting process!
