I'm curious - how much $$$ would it take to hire a "name" actor for around a week or so?
I'm not talking about a George Clooney or a Brad Pitt - just someone recognizable.
This isn't a "if you have to ask, you can't afford it" type question... I have a fair amount of money to spend, but I'm just curious as to whether or not this is even a possibility considering I have no clout
I don't believe this is what you're asking, Dane, but I'm going to
mention it anyway;
For working actors, “names”, money comes first and the project
second. Some will work on any project as long as their rate is met.
Some are more discriminating. Time is also an issue. Some actors
get a lot of work and love working so they got from project to
project. Some take time off between projects. My overall point is
there is no “one-size-fits-all” answer.
Dane, name actors charge from as low as $2,500/$5,000 per day to
upwards of $15,000 per day. There is only one way to find out – you
need to contact the actor you're interested in with an offer. As Dima
found out most will not quote a rate – they will consider an offer. The
good news is you cannot make too low of an offer. For discussion let's
say Trejo's rate is $5,000 per day. You have $15,000 for two weeks
budgeted and make that offer. A firm offer for a project that is already
funded. The agent will NOT laugh you out of the office. They will tell
you their clients current quote and ask how close you can get to that.
At $25,000 per week there is some room for negotiation. If you are
offering the talent a great part, something they don't typically get to
play, there is a good possibility the agent will make a deal.