There is a trend in film today.

More and more well-known actors are starting to test the waters away from the big screen,
experimenting with independent films. There seems to be an interest now for established actors to “test their chops” with smaller films - perhaps as a way of proving their credibility as actors, or, perhaps just to help a struggling filmmaker find the way to the big screen?

It may also be an avenue for once established actors, and those who may consider that word foreign to themselves, to get back in the game to revive their careers. And it includes beauty as well as brawn, such as Vanessa Williams in My Brother and John Turturro in Do the Right Thing.

But this is a two-way street. If an independent production can help a needy actor, then the actor will surely help the indie.

Big Actors equal big exposure which in turn equals big money, the well-known Hollywood equation. These elements are heavily considered when the film is being introduced to different distribution companies. Writers and directors understand this. They know how hard it is to sell a film that has no big name, nor even a notable name. Or even names that are popular, if not on the top-of-the-list, such as Christian Bale, Lindsay Lohan, America Ferrera, they give the boost that all smaller films need.

Frank Langella, who can hardly be considered struggling, shows his love for indie films in his upcoming film adaptation Starting out in the Evening, adapted and directed by Andrew Wagner.
Langella, who definitely is considered one of the most accomplished screen and stage actors of our time, hardly needs to prove himself in a small indie.

What then, makes a director such as Wagner take that leap of faith and contact a “name” about appearing in a film? If a director or producer has enough faith in the developing film, then why not call up someone as credible as Mr. Langella; it can’t hurt to have a two-time Tony award winner as the face on the film.

It is the best action a small production can take: independent filmmakers tying in with known actors to sell their film to major distributors. Cuts the grueling work of getting the film noticed in half, and provides a bit of fun with the press.

Looking at it in this light, it makes perfect sense.

If the type of financing it takes to get into distribution is not available, turning toward an established actor may reap the necessary attention a small movie needs. If producers are reluctant to ask that “name,” they will never hear an affirmative answer. There are actors who may want to take on a project just to lend that helping hand for which the industry is so well-known.