I have some very specific questions and I'm hoping the fine actors on this forum can draw on their experience in answering them. Hopefully this will be instructive for many of us. I'm a screenwriter. I have two screenplays (horror and sci--fi) I want to take to market. Before I do so, however, I want to make sure they are the best they can be. Part of my plan is to use table reads - the perfect opportunity to discover some unspeakable dialogue or clunky exposition. I want to record the read on audio. I've never done a table read. So, what I'm looking for are the protocols / best practice: 1) I can't pay anyone, so what should I offer as basics (food, drink etc.)? 2) Other than the usual registering of the scripts, are there any legal issues? Should I ask everyone participating to sign a waiver saying they have no legal claim on the table read performance and recording, and/or a NDA? Any examples of relevant pro formas that do the job without being intimidating? 3) Scripts - distributed as hard copies or as electronic copies? Should I expect actors to print out their scripts or print them for them? 4) How should I cast for the roles? Invite people to contact me, send them a script sample, and listen to them over the phone? (For a table read it's the voice that counts, not the physical appearance of the actor.) Or is there a better way? Skype? Something else? What would you prefer? Should I post a list of roles and ask actors to 'pitch' for one or the other? 5) I think I should start the read by asking everyone present to give their name, the name of the character they are playing, and a one-line description of the character, starting with the leads. Good idea? 6) Should scripts be marked up in any way? Or will actors do that themselves? 7) Should I 'direct' the read? Stop the proceedings and ask an actor to read in a certain way? Or let it flow? 8) Pre-read briefing for all actors around the table (for tone, style, etc.). Good idea? 9) Anything else I've missed? And now it gets weird. Anyone ever done a VIRTUAL table-read, with everyone sitting at home? The reason I ask is because I live in the middle of nowhere, in a country where few speak English. I may be able to use the local am dram Shakespearean society, but I don't think demons and aliens are their thing. I'm therefore wondering if the technology would allow me to do a virtual table read, with actors from around the world sitting in the comfort of their own homes. Anyone ever done anything like that? Any thoughts you have will be greatly appreciated.
Geoff, I’ll try to answer your questions – from my perspective as a Screenwriter/Producer and sometime Director. The table read is an absolute necessity period. When I have a script as good as I can make it; I generally try to work open casting into the process up front. I set up a table read after I have found a probable cast. This does two things for me – it shows me the stumbling blocks in the script (there always are some) and it gives me an understanding of the cast chemistry. I can’t pay ‘em either but I certainly provide food/drinks. My greatest source of acting talent is the local University, the Community Collage and some of the “little theater” groups. I think the overall process is very personal and requires that your cast actually be together during the read (they’ll be together when you shoot.) I just don’t think you can do a meaningful electronic virtual table read