Would you audition for an interactive 'social' film?

If you've ever dreamed of starring in a feature film but worried that you didn't have the right look, you may want to audition for the ever-changing role of Alex.

The protagonist in an experimental film called The Beauty Inside wakes up looking like a different person every day. His video diary will be a crowd-sourced compilation of clips from ordinary people.

The so-called interactive social film, which is sponsored by Intel and Toshiba, is billed as "Hollywood's first film that gives audience a chance to play the lead role."

Actors are asked to complete assignments while filming themselves with a standard webcam against a plain white background. Everyone is asked to sign off with the words, "That's it for me."

"Auditions are reviewed by our Director Drake Doremus and a team of casting directors to select the best fit for each role," explain the filmmakers.



In addition to scores of ordinary people, the multi-part movie will feature at least two professional actors: Topher Grace of That 70s Show fame and Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Actor Matthew Gray Gubler also appears in the film's trailer.

Although other films have crowd-sourced footage from people around the world, many - like Life in a Day - have been presented in more of a documentary style.

The Beauty Inside will weave a fictional story out of people's entries, and will also take real-time popularity into account. Actors are encouraged to get their friends to "like" their performance on Facebook in order to stand out among the crowd.

The cinematic experiment also has a decidedly commercial bent, as Alex uses a Toshiba Portégé Ultrabook, inspired by Intel.

The first of six installments of the film will go live on August 16, when Alex will begin narrating his story on the film's Facebook page.

What do you think of this concept? Do you see it as an artistic experiment, a commercial gimmick - or, perhaps a bit of both?

Have you participated in or watched any experimental films organized on social media?



(This survey is not scientific. Results are based on readers' replies.)