I'm writing a spec script that I would like to recruit a popular soap actress that has a fan base in my target demographic. How do start to do this? What I can tell you about the actress is that she has been in the industry since she was six (and on the same show). I checked her IMDB profile and she has a manager (probably her mom).
Filmmaking / Directing : Signing a name soap opera star to help produce by Brian McAndrew
Signing a name soap opera star to help produce
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Do you plan on paying her? Might be a good idea to have money in hand in case she agrees. You also don't contact the manager. You contact the agent. The agents are the ones who deal with movie and show jobs. Since she is on a show, they are also probably going to want to know your movie schedule. If your schedule conflicts with her show, she will put the show first.
You will first approach the actors agent with an offer. You need a great, finished script that offers the actor a challenge - something they don't usually get to do. Tell them exactly where you plan to shoot and exactly how many days you will need their client. You should have a start date, but let them know it's flexible. Be prepared to pay for their living expenses if they are from out of town and for all travel expenses even if they live in your town. Something very important to keep in mind when you approach a working actor - especially a recognizable one. This is what they do for a living. Many are willing to help out a low budget moviemaker, but this is much more than a hobby to them - working for the SAG ULBA or on deferred pay takes them off the paying market for the length of your shoot. First on the list are offers at or above their "quote". A guaranteed paycheck. Second on the list are scripts from studios and producers for less than their quote - but these are also firm offers (money is attached, they get paid when they say "yes"). These are projects where the script may be more important than the money - but there is still money (and often a high profile writer, producer or other actor) attached. Third in line are pet projects. The star has a pet project they will take to the studio or producers with no money attached, but it's a story they really love. Fourth in line are scripts from friends or friends of friends. No money attached, but at least brought to them by someone known to them personally. Eventually we go all the way down to some total stranger with a script and no money. Imagine the odds of doing that script instead of any of the others? Knowing that you are number five on a very long list of scripts being offered should help you decide how to approach agents or managers. You want the actor to produce - that might help you. But not if you are hoping this actor will find the money for your movie. If you have the money and offer the actor a job as producer/star you have an attractive project. Good luck. Not impossible to do.
@Rik Carter @Amanda Murray From all of my research on her is that she represents herself. I also have a long list of companies (sponsors) to contact and I'm open to giving away a majority stake of the show (since I lack experience in this field since I'm a aspiring screenwriter/filmmaker). Yes I do plan on paying her.