NFTS/BBC/Sean Connery Talent Lab Short Film Open Casting Call

Job Description

A final-year Film Production student at the University of Derby is casting for the graduation short film Faultline (formerly The Hard Way Home). Set in 1980s Derby, this gritty coming-of-age drama follows a troubled teenage boy caught between gang loyalty and the last person fighting for his future—his grandmother.

The production is seeking actors based in or around the Midlands for a range of lead, supporting, and extra roles. This is a character-driven period drama exploring identity, pressure, and the possibility of change.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray assigned character in a dramatic short film

• Perform with a Derby (Midlands) accent where required

• Participate in rehearsals, self-tape auditions, and potential in-person callbacks

• Wear 1980s period costume for applicable roles

• Collaborate closely with director and cast ensemble

Roles Available

Scott

• Playing age 16–20

• Derby (Midlands) accent

• Tough, emotionally guarded teenager involved in the local skinhead scene

• Must be comfortable shaving head on screen for one scene

Si / Henno / Shaw / Daz

• Playing age 16–21

• Derby (Midlands) accent

• Members of a local skinhead gang

• Intimidating, confrontational, fiercely loyal

• Must be comfortable shaving head for the role

Teenagers & School Students (Extras)

• Playing age 16–21

• Derby (Midlands) accent

• Multiple background roles for town and school scenes

• Must be comfortable wearing 1980s period costume

Requirements

• Actors must be based in or around the Midlands

• Strong dramatic performance skills

• Comfort portraying intense, emotionally complex material

• Applicants under 18 require parental/guardian consent

• Submit headshot, CV, showreel (if available), playing age, and availability

Compensation Details

• Unpaid student production

• Travel expenses covered

• Food provided on shoot days

Job Description
A short film production is seeking individuals with firsthand experience raving in the 1990s to participate in a paid research session in London. Producers are looking for authentic voices who can share personal stories, memories, and cultural insights from the 90s rave scene to help inform the development of an upcoming short film.

This is a unique opportunity for those who were part of the underground club and rave culture of the 1990s to contribute creatively to a film project through lived experience.

Job Responsibilities

• Participate in a research session for a short film

• Share personal experiences from the 1990s rave scene

• Discuss music, culture, fashion, and atmosphere of the era

• Provide authentic insights to support script and character development

• Be available for an in-person session in London

Requirements

• Must have real experience attending raves in the 1990s

• Comfortable speaking openly about past experiences

• Available for a scheduled research session in London

• Reliable and punctual

Compensation

• Paid participation

• Opportunity to contribute to a creative short film project

• Professional research credit

• Collaborative experience with filmmakers

Job Description
A short film production is seeking someone with real-life experience as a bike courier to participate in a paid research session. This project will help inform an upcoming short film and aims to capture authentic stories and insights from individuals who have worked in courier delivery.

Producers are looking for someone comfortable sharing their professional experiences on camera or in a recorded discussion setting. This opportunity is ideal for current or former bike couriers based in London who can provide genuine perspective and industry knowledge.

Job Responsibilities

• Share personal experiences working as a bike courier
• Participate in a filmed or recorded research session
• Provide insight into daily routines, challenges, and courier culture
• Be available for an in-person session in London

Requirements

• Real experience working as a bike courier
• Based in or able to work in London
• Comfortable speaking about professional experiences
• Available on the specified production date

Compensation

• Paid research participation
• Opportunity to contribute to a short film project
• Professional collaboration with a film production team

Lead Child Actor (Refugee or Migrant Background) for Short Film

Job Description
A short dramatic film is casting a thoughtful, curious child (age 9–12) to play the lead character Elmi, who forms a powerful friendship amid rising tension. The production welcomes first-time performers and offers a supportive environment for young talent to shine.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray Elmi with honesty and emotional depth

• Work closely with the director to develop the character’s journey

• Collaborate with another young co-star to depict a believable friendship

• Attend fittings, rehearsals, and seven shoot days

• Maintain focus and professionalism on set

Requirements

• Boy or girl aged 9–12

• Refugee or migrant background strongly encouraged (e.g., Eritrea, Sudan, Somalia, Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Vietnam)

• No prior acting experience required; enthusiasm and authenticity valued

• Able to travel to a British seaside town for all filming dates

• Parent or guardian consent and supervision throughout production

Compensation

• Paid role (rate disclosed upon selection)

• Travel and meals covered during filming

• Screen credit and footage for future opportunities