USC Grad Capstone Short Film Open Casting Call

Hooperella — Non-Union Short Film Casting (Marina)

Job Description
A non-union short film is seeking Latinx/Latine talent with big personalities for a featured role. This project is looking for performers who can bring warmth, humor, and heart to the screen, with a character-driven story centered on friendship, resilience, and rediscovering personal strength. All identities are welcome to apply, and talent must be able to work as a local hire in Los Angeles, CA.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform a featured role in a narrative short film with strong character moments.

• Take direction well and deliver natural, emotionally grounded performance choices.

• Collaborate professionally with cast and crew during filming.

• Maintain continuity across takes and stay camera-ready on set.

Requirements

• Seeking Marina: female/femme, late 20s–early 30s.

• Latinx/Latine talent encouraged to apply.

• Must speak fluent Spanish.

• Big personality, quick-witted energy, and strong on-camera presence.

• Must be able to work as a local hire in Los Angeles, CA.

Compensation

• $249/day rate.

Migratory — Short Film Casting Call

Job Description
A short film titled “Migratory” is casting for key roles in a story following a pregnant Aeta woman and a wounded American pilot as they cross war-torn terrain, facing danger while searching for safety. Production is specifically seeking Aeta individuals and talent of Aeta descent. No acting experience is required (experience is a plus, but not necessary). This project includes emotionally intense moments, physically demanding scenes, and minimal-to-moderate dialogue depending on role.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform scripted scenes for a dramatic short film with survival-focused storytelling.

• Take direction well and stay present through emotional, physically demanding moments.

• Maintain continuity across takes and work professionally with cast and crew.

• For select roles, deliver dialogue with required language/accent expectations.

Requirements

• Aeta individuals and those of Aeta descent are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Roles being cast include:

  • Liway (Aeta, screen age 18–20): Emotional vulnerability, physically demanding scenes, minimal dialogue.

  • Elyu (Aeta, screen age 18–22): Strong physical presence; expressive eyes essential.

  • Lakay (Aeta, screen age 50–60s): Calm strength and gravitas; minimal but powerful dialogue.

  • Child (Aeta, screen age 10–13): Curious, resilient, layered personality (innocence + toughness).

  • Sgt. Johnson Miller (screen age 22–26): American accent (minimal dialogue), action work, wide emotional range.

  • Japanese Leader (screen age 30–40s): Cold, methodical presence; Japanese dialogue required.

• Set cards or portfolio required for submission.

Compensation

• Compensation details will be shared with selected talent.

BEOWYN Proof of Concept Short Film Casting: Male Roles

Job Description
A proof of concept short film titled BEOWYN is casting male actors for two roles in a dark fantasy project inspired by a female retelling of Beowulf. The story is set in 1st-century Ancient Rome and incorporates Christian themes and symbolism tied to ideas of passion and resurrection. This is a strong opportunity for actors looking for reel footage, screen credit, and professional on-set experience in an indie short film production.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a principal role in scripted proof of concept scenes.

• Take direction from the director and collaborate professionally on set.

• Maintain character consistency across multiple takes and setups.

• Be prepared for wardrobe elements and on-camera styling as required.

Requirements

• Lucien: Male, ages 18–23.

• Damon: Male, ages 20–29; grim appearance. Wears a mask covering a demonic-like mouth (eyes visible).

• Must be reliable, camera-ready, and comfortable working in a dark fantasy / ancient history setting.

Compensation

• Screen credit and potential laurels.

• Professional footage for your reel (noted as shot on iPhone 16 Pro).

• IMDb credit.

• Meals and regional transportation support (as provided by production).

• Copy of the finished film.

• Optional director reference/recommendation letter upon request.

Job Description
A non-SAG paid short film is casting talent for an upcoming narrative project about a mysterious traveler who arrives with a tune no one can resist. Production is seeking actors who can bring strong screen presence and grounded performance to an atmospheric, story-driven short film. Filming will take place in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, Florida.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform scripted scenes for a narrative short film with a cinematic tone.

• Take direction from the director and adjust performance for pacing, emotion, and continuity.

• Attend an in-person audition or submit a self-tape by the requested deadline.

• Work professionally on set and collaborate with cast and crew throughout production.

Requirements

• Non-SAG talent (non-union).

• Must be able to work in South Florida (Broward/Miami-Dade).

• Must be available for auditions and filming within the production timeframe listed in the casting notice.

• Reliable communication and professionalism throughout the casting process.

Compensation

• Paid short film (rate shared upon selection).

Non-Union Short Film “June” Casting Three Speaking Roles for a Tense Survival Thriller

Job Description
A non-union, low-budget short film is casting three roles for an intimate, character-driven thriller. The story follows a devoted couple facing danger and uncertainty as memory loss and outside threats push them to the edge. This project is being created to build portfolios and is filming at a single outdoor-friendly location setting.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a scripted character in a short film with emotional range and strong on-camera presence.

• Collaborate with the director and cast to bring authentic, grounded performances to tense scenes.

• Be prepared for a small-team production environment and maintain professionalism on set.

Requirements

• Non-union talent, any ethnicity.

• Must be available for a three-day shoot (one afternoon, one full day, one morning).

• Role options:

  • Jake (Male, 30s): Protective husband; tough, burly, and sensitive. Shaggy beard is a plus.

  • June (Female, 30s): Loving wife with fading memory after a head injury; emotional, vulnerable, and compelling.

  • Twitch (Male, 20s–40s): Intense marauder; strong physical presence and intimidating energy.

Compensation

• Unpaid / volunteer project (portfolio-building opportunity).

First Love Short Film Casting: Lead and Supporting Roles

Job Description
A non-union short film is casting for a faith-based romantic dramedy about a woman whose whirlwind connection pushes her to reflect on where her devotion truly lies. This is a great opportunity for actors seeking paid short film roles, non-union acting work, and meaningful, character-driven storytelling. Selected talent will receive pay, copy, credit, and meals.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a scripted character with emotional truth and clear relationship chemistry

• Take direction from the director and collaborate with scene partners

• Arrive prepared, professional, and ready to work across scheduled shoot days

• Deliver natural dialogue and grounded reactions that support the story’s tone

Requirements

• Must be able to work in the Orlando, Florida area as a local hire

• Roles available:

  • Thomas (Lead): Black male, 30s; confident, emotionally available, intentional, warm, consistent presence

  • Raven (Supporting): 20s–30s; open ethnicity; observant, grounded, subtly funny; loyal friend energy with calm, intuitive presence

• Able to provide current headshot, resume, and reel during the application process

Compensation

• $100/day

Cary Role for Non-Union Short Film

Job Description
A non-union short film is casting Cary, a lead role in a haunting, nearly wordless father-son story filming in Honolulu, Oahu. This role requires an intense, watchful presence, with performance driven through the eyes and subtle behavior rather than dialogue. Ideal for actors seeking short film lead roles, non-union acting opportunities, and strong reel footage.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray Cary with a controlled, emotionally charged performance and minimal dialogue

• Communicate tension, intelligence, and inner conflict through subtle physical cues

• Take direction and maintain continuity during a focused, one-day shoot

• Remain present and engaged in quiet, emotionally driven scenes

Requirements

• Plays ages 16–26 (must be 18+)

• Any ethnicity

• Strong non-verbal acting ability and intense on-camera presence

• Must be able to work in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawai‘i

• Able to provide current photos/headshot and basic details during submission

Compensation

• $50 flat

The Man Role for Non-Union Short Film

Job Description
A non-union short film is casting The Man, a lead role in a haunting, nearly wordless father-son story filming in Honolulu, Oahu. This role calls for a grounded, physical performance with strong emotional presence, relying more on expression and movement than dialogue. Ideal for actors seeking short film lead roles, non-union acting work, and reel footage.

Job Responsibilities

• Deliver a stoic, emotionally resonant performance with very little dialogue

• Communicate story and inner life through physicality, pacing, and subtle expression

• Follow direction and maintain continuity during a fast, one-day shoot

• Perform safely in beach/ocean conditions as required for the scene

Requirements

• Male-presenting, late 30s–50s

• Any ethnicity

• Must be able to work in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawai‘i

• Comfortable filming in ocean water up to waist-deep

• Able to provide current photos/headshot and basic info during the application process

Compensation

• $50 flat

Job Description
A student graduation short film is casting supporting talent for an emotional, music-driven story set in 1980 Berlin. This indie short film explores friendship, loss, and the pull of art and addiction as a band faces a turning point on their first tour. The production is seeking performers who can bring authenticity, warmth, and edge to character-driven scenes. Prior acting experience is preferred but not required.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a supporting character in a narrative student short film

• Take direction and collaborate with a small film crew on set

• Participate in rehearsals or scene prep as needed

• Deliver natural, story-focused performances that support the lead characters

Requirements

• Talent age range: 20–30

• Roles identify as female (no specific look required)

• Available for a multi-day shoot window (exact schedule shared upon selection)

• Strong communication and reliability on set

• Acting experience is a plus, but new talent is welcome

Compensation

• Unpaid student film (no budget)

• Screen credit and on-set experience

• Portfolio-building footage may be available upon request (if permitted by production)

The Writer Next Door – Non-Union Short Film Casting (Coming-of-Age Drama)

Job Description
A non-union coming-of-age drama short film is casting talent to film near Danbury, Connecticut and surrounding areas. This character-driven short film centers on young adults navigating identity, friendship, family dynamics, and the emotional pull of growing up. Performers with strong natural acting, grounded emotion, and authentic scene work are encouraged to apply.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform scripted scenes with emotional realism and strong character work

• Take direction from the director and adjust performance as needed

• Collaborate professionally with cast and crew during rehearsals and filming

• Maintain continuity and consistency across takes and setups

Requirements

• Non-union talent only

• Must be able to work as a local/self-report hire near Danbury, CT (and surrounding areas)

• Must fit one of the roles below (or be able to portray the listed age):

  • Lola (Lead): Woman, Latina, to appear 16–18; a young woman facing personal battles and big future decisions after high school

  • Stephanie (Supporting Lead): Woman, any race/ethnicity, to appear 33–40; professional writer, guarded but warm underneath

  • Carla (Supporting): Woman, Latina, to appear 40ish; Lola’s single mom, a nurse—strong, dedicated, and protective

  • Santi (Supporting): Man, any race/ethnicity, to appear 16–18; senior in high school, aspiring dancer, extroverted and friendly

  • Hazel (Supporting): Woman, any race/ethnicity, to appear 16–18; honest, chill, keeps her circle small

  • Maya (Supporting): Woman, any race/ethnicity, to appear 30ish; publicist/manager/friend—supportive and caring

Compensation

• Compensation details will be provided upon selection

Job Description
A paid short film is casting union and non-union talent in Brooklyn, NY for two featured roles. This project is ideal for actors who excel at nuanced, character-driven work, including strong internal performance and grounded, natural dialogue.

Job Responsibilities

• Deliver emotionally honest performances with strong on-camera presence

• Follow direction, blocking, and continuity throughout the shoot

• Collaborate professionally with cast and crew in a fast-paced environment

• Maintain character consistency across takes and setups

Requirements

• Open to union and non-union talent

• Must be able to work in Brooklyn, NY

• Availability for either an evening shoot (4:00 PM call time) or an early morning shoot (4:00 AM call time)

• Role 1: Pran — Male, 20s–30s; calm exterior with intense inner life; strong internal acting required

• Role 2: Mariah — Female, 20s–30s; warm, sharp, grounded; confident, intelligent on-screen presence

Compensation

• Paid role (rate provided upon selection)

Job Description
A non-dialogue short film casting is seeking actors for a psychological drama where storytelling is driven by physicality, expression, and emotional presence rather than spoken lines. This project explores identity, grief, and the masks people wear to survive everyday life. Non-union talent is welcome. This is an unpaid acting opportunity with credit, copy, and meals provided.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform on camera with strong non-verbal acting, emotion, and expressive physicality

• Take direction and adjust performance to match the film’s psychological tone

• Collaborate with cast and crew in a professional, respectful on-set environment

• Stay consistent with blocking, continuity, and character movement throughout scenes

Requirements

• Comfortable acting with minimal to no dialogue (performance-based storytelling)

• Must be able to communicate emotion through facial expression, body language, and presence

• Roles available:

  • Man (Lead, 20s): thoughtful, introspective, emotionally vulnerable; hiding inner pain behind composure

  • Woman (Lead, 20s): warm, genuine, approachable; brings optimism and emotional balance

  • Office Manager (Supporting, 30s–50s): confident, commanding, relatable; authority and emotion through presence

  • Office Employee (Supporting, 30s): friendly coworker; subtle support and grounded office presence

  • Bartender/Server (Supporting, 20s–30s): calm, observant; communicates through subtle gestures

Compensation

• No pay (non-union)

• Screen credit provided

• Copy provided

• Meals provided