As I've been reworking my pilot and pitch bible, I've been thinking: are there too many characters? Not a lot of speaking parts (maybe around 8-9 speaking parts total, because the pilot includes a small introduction through a character who 'shows the main character around', so we see a couple of characters that will have speaking parts in the future but not really in the pilot). But because it takes place in a University, and then a main city square, I'm worried maybe it'll seem like 'too much' to the producer because it'll require a lot of extras. I've noticed that, lately at least, most tv shows have a very limited number of extras (i.e. our flag means death has very few scenes that are not within the ship and limited to specific characters, what we do in the shadows the same, especially during the first episodes).
Will that be a problem? Should I find a way around it and limit the extras? The outdoor setting is very important because of the concept, if I can't get around that is my script non-viable?
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Hi Aikaterini Athina Bougoulia don’t focus on the number of characters- Ocean’s 11 has a bunch of colorful characters. FOCUS on what the characters add to the story. Are they helping the story advance? Do they add key dialogue? Can some of the characters be combined into 1 character instead?
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Hi Colette and thanks. I don't worry about the secondary characters too much, I've thought about them and although they're all important so far it's possible I'll eliminate one or two in the end. My concern is about the extras. The script and setting requires a lot of them even from the pilot and I'm not sure if that is viable. .
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Again, focus on the story not Casting. Extras are not a big deal unless the scene really needs them (or doesn’t). If you really feel the extras are needed just make sure you can explain why. The producers will make the final decisions about how many people to hire based on budget.
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Colette "ByFilms" Byfield is right, Aikaterini Athina Bougoulia ("The producers will make the final decisions about how many people to hire based on budget."). Even though it's a university and a main city square, the producers might decide to set the scenes during the periods when there's little or no foot traffic.
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No doubt each character serves a function. Are there any “single use” characters. If yes. Can their job be given to another character, making that character deeper and reducing the speaking characters.
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I agree with the above. If you have a great script and concept for a show they're not going to say "but there is a shot that may require extras" and throw it out. If it is an issue they will find a work-around if they like your project enough.
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From someone who's asked the same question to themselves, go with your gut, Aikaterini. If you feel the characters and locations are necessary for your story, use them. If you have a good story, someone will notice. I wish you the best of luck.
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I'd say worry not of extras volume especially in spec script...don't have functional character, don't let them "speak"...
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In budgetary terms, a large cast isn't necessarily an issue. What matters is the number of actors you have in per day of shooting. You have to think of minor characters and extras as more like shift work. It is more paperwork and brings about additional logistical issues but that should be compensated by the increase in production value.