Famous parents, impressive bank accounts, online auctions . What would you do to have your face on the silver screen? The phenomenon of “films-for-sale” is not well-advertised, but it is one that lives and thrives in dream factories all over t

Alan Diment, Nidhi Sharma, Anna Bogdanova report for RT

Svetlana Metkina, a budding Russian actress, recently appeared alongside Sharon Stone and Demi Moore. Despite having previous acting experience, mostly on the Russian stage, it was her husband's money that paved her road to success. Michel Litvak, Metkina's husband, financed the film and, in turn, a part, specifically designed for his wife was written in, since Helen Hunt was already cast in her first-choice role.

Financing the film and securing a part cost the couple an alleged $US 40 million. Nevertheless, Metkina denies that her part was solely purchased by her husband. She claims that she is an actress in her own right, and was one before her billionaire husband began financing her dreams.

“He just wanted to make a movie himself. Why wouldn't we try to work together?” Metkina said in an interview with Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper.

Of course, making your own film is not the only way to get into one. Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and not being a Hollywood star or a producer's wife does not mean you cannot enjoy the small perks of stardom.

A matter of finance

Investing in production remains the most acceptable way to secure a part in a feature film. However, not everybody is prepared to go to the same lengths as Litvak. More innovative methods, which enjoy some popularity in Europe, are beneficial both for the film's crew, and for those who want a peak at stardom.

In 1994, the UK media was flooded with news of “Chasing the Deer”, a film with alternative funding. In order to raise the film's budget, the producers persuaded 374 people to invest 1,000 pounds each. In return, they were able to appear as extras in the film, which purported to tell the true story of the Scottish civil war of 1745-46.

All 374 names were also listed in the closing credits. But chances like this remain rare.

Film financing is a pan-European phenomenon. In May 2007 the German film director Uwe Boll sold a part in his film ‘Far Cry’. The movie is one in a line of video game adaptations that he has made. The price for a role was set at $3,000.  But since the film was shot in Canada, and the buyers were responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses, the final price tag would probably have been much more.

Charitable deeds

Those with fat bank accounts can combine their desire for fame with doing good deeds.  Stand Up to Cancer – a US-based charity – has auctioned off a set visit and walk-on part in ‘Iron Man 2’, even though the film was only in pre-production and not set for release until 2010. Bids of $20,000 and rising were soon being made. Even more optimistically, the same charity auctioned an extras role in ‘Spider man 4’, despite the fact that the film might not even happen. However, Sony Pictures did offer an alternative film part if the fourth chapter in the Spiderman saga does not get the green light.

Major film studios may not be keen on picking up strangers from the streets and putting them on film, but they sure like to be philanthropic. A ten-year-old boy won a role as an extra in the Will Ferrell comedy ‘Stepbrothers’ after his dad paid $US 47,100 to the Cancer for College Foundation in a charity auction.  The donor preferred to remain anonymous but Ferrell was quoted as being “overwhelmed with the response and generosity” shown by those keen to appear in a big movie comedy.

However, it is not only charities which need financing. Indie film directors use the same auction method in order to find both cast and money for their productions. However, this time around, bidding takes place online. In 2006, a veteran of low budget movies, Fiona Maher, offered small walk-on parts in her new project, “Blah Witch” at the starting bid of 100 pounds. And, although the reasoning behind the auction was to give struggling actors a chance to break onto the big screen, the purpose remained the same – to raise money for the film.

Bollywood calling

In India, good always triumphs over evil and dance always finds a place in daily life… but only on the cinema screen. Bollywood – or Mumbai – is one of the biggest film-producing locations in the world.

And, although directors never openly acknowledge taking money for film roles, allegations to the contrary have been made in the Indian media. Indu Mirani, film critic and editor of a popular daily tabloid, “Mumbai Mirror”, says that the phenomenon will never be openly confirmed. However, speculation that new and rising Bollywood starlets have offered money for fame is rife.
“The directors will never come forward and acknowledge the fact that they have accepted money from the aspirant stars to launch them in the film industry. It is a ”behind-the-scenes“ activity but is prevalent in the industry to quite an extent,” Mirani said.

There have also been rumours about Bollywood actresses having to “pay in kind” for the honour of being cast in a film. In July 2005, a leading Bollywood actor Shakti Kapoo was embroiled in a sex scandal after being filmed apparently offering to promote the career of an aspiring actress in return for sexual favours. India TV broadcast footage of Kapoo, famous for playing movie villains, in a Mumbai hotel room propositioning an undercover reporter who was posing as the actress.

Nevertheless, a large number of actors are reluctant to talk about such practices, mainly because they don't want to spoil their chances of getting a role in a new silver-screen project.

Live and learn

The most secure bet for anyone dreaming to make it big in the world of film, would be to try out as a professional extra. Signing up at an extras agency will cost you money, but only around 100 pounds, and not US$ 40 million. Film extras work long hours and are often exhausted at the end of a day’s shooting. But it’s often the best chance of getting on a movie set. And, who knows, you may be destined for something big.

Famous names who once worked as film extras include Matt Damon, Michael Caine and John Wayne. They have paid their entry fees, but they finally made it on sheer talent.

I've been very fortunate as an actor – John Voight