How Much Does Recognizable Name Actors Help Independent Film Distribution?

[Jody Schiesser]

I have a possibly simple question.  We at Perpombellar are exploring the value of having a recognizable Hollywood Actor as part of the cast to complete our nearly-finished dramatic independent feature, TRUMPET MY RETURN.  David Carradine is the Actor who has offered to be attached to our project.  Our other actors are talented but largely unknown.  Would having an actor of David Carradine's renown and caliber in our movie be likely to increase interest in acquiring distribution rights to a two hour feature-length film like ours?

For those of you unaware of our story, here is a short synopsis:  Newlyweds, Travis and Molly, workers at a residential school for troubled teenage girls in Savannah, Georgia, find their love put to the test when they learn that Travis' ex-flame has been abducted halfway around the world. Through their separate struggles, everyone comes to realize that there's no such thing as a casual relationship.

David Carradine would play Isaac, who is good friend and mentor of Travis and a retired magician/radio show host.  This role is pivotal in the story.

High-Definition Daily Teaser Footage of our movie is available here:
http://www.vimeo.com/groups/4273/videos

Any opinions are helpful!

Thanks,

Jody Schiesser, Producer
TRUMPET MY RETURN
Perpombellar Productions
118 Blueleaf Court
Savannah, GA  31410  USA
912.655.5617
mythago@lavondyss.com

www.TrumpetMyReturn.com
www.perpombellar.com

[Eric Darling]

I think it goes without saying - any publicity is good publicity.  This would immediately bring interest to the film from places where you would have never received it otherwise.  Of course, that shouldn't be the only reason to incorporate a "name" - strictly for promotional purposes.  I assume you believe he would bring a lot more than just his name to the marquee...

I say you just make sure you guys retain the same kind of distribution rights you would have otherwise had - this sort of thing can change the scope of a project, and you could end up being painted into corners you didn't anticipate.

[Ron Higgins]

Hmmmmmmmm . . . . . Of course a great number of successful movies have been made with great talent, and no "Names."  It comes down to ROI (Return On Investment).  How much is he going to cost?  SAG benefits?  How many copies on average has his movies sold on DVD? Once you crunch the numbers, that will tell you Yes, or No.  Nothing else is going to do it.