“Pretty Ugly”: Psychological Thriller to Film in Wilmington This Summer
Wilmington, North Carolina, is gearing up for a major feature film this summer as prolific director Erica Dunton returns to direct her sixth Wilmington-based movie, Pretty Ugly. Filming begins June 2, making it one of the few productions to set up in the region during a notably slow 2025 for the entertainment industry.
What is Pretty Ugly About?
Pretty Ugly is a psychological thriller that doubles as a thought-provoking social commentary on the modern obsession with beauty standards and online culture. Co-written by Erica Dunton and actress Jazzy De Lisser, the film delves into the mental and emotional toll of curated perfection on social media. The feature is set to challenge audiences while telling a gripping story grounded in today’s digital reality.
Erica Dunton’s Deep Wilmington Connection
While Erica Dunton hails from England, she’s no stranger to Wilmington. She’s directed several projects in the area, including To.Get.Her, Red Means Go, and The 27 Club. Her work on hit TV series like Outer Banks, Ted Lasso, and Amazon Prime’s The Summer I Turned Pretty has further solidified her reputation in the industry.
Her strong ties to Wilmington are also familial. Her father, Joe Dunton, was a major figure in film camera innovation and ran the Joe Dunton & Co. camera shop in town. Her brother, Lester Dunton, currently operates DuntonCine Studios, offering equipment rentals and visual effects services to productions.
Jazzy De Lisser Stars and Co-Writes
Starring opposite the lens is English actress and model Jazzy De Lisser. Known for her roles in Game of Thrones, Vampire Academy, and Top Boy, De Lisser is no stranger to complex and intense performances. She also stars in Lena Dunham’s upcoming Netflix series Too Much, debuting July 10.
In a recent interview, De Lisser revealed that Pretty Ugly was inspired by an article she read about society’s relationship with beauty and social media. She quickly shared it with Dunton, and the idea blossomed into a full-fledged film.
Filming Details and Locations
Filming for Pretty Ugly is scheduled to begin on June 2, with permits filed for scenes on Rankin Street (June 2–5) and Wayne Drive (June 6). The production is seeking background actors of all ages and types, providing rare opportunities to get on set with a professional team.
Casting Directors for Pretty Ugly
Casting for Pretty Ugly is being handled by two industry veterans:
- Alan Scott Neal, known for his work on Euphoria (2019), Uncut Gems (2019), and The Sympathizer (2024), brings extensive experience and insight into character casting for high-profile projects.
- Kimmie Stewart Casting, based in Wilmington, is a long-time regional leader in casting for television, film, and commercial productions. With past credits including Outer Banks and The Summer I Turned Pretty, they bring local expertise and a broad network of Southeastern talent.
Now Casting for Pretty Ugly – Apply Today
If you’re local to Wilmington, NC, and looking to get on a professional film set, now is your chance. Pretty Ugly is hiring background actors for a variety of roles.
1. Salon Customer
Job Description: Female background actors to portray salon customers in a beauty salon scene.
Requirements: Female, 18+, all races, local to Wilmington.
Compensation: $80/day
Click here to apply now!
2. Hair Stylist
Job Description: Female background actor to portray a working hair stylist.
Requirements: Female, 18+, all races, local to Wilmington.
Compensation: $80/day
Click here to apply now!
3. Police Officers
Job Description: Background actors to portray uniformed officers in a dramatic scene.
Requirements: All genders, ages 25+, specific costume sizes (36/29 to 40/32), local to Wilmington.
Compensation: $80/day
Click here to apply now!
4. Bingo Players
Job Description: Mature actors for a lively bingo hall scene.
Requirements: All genders, 55+, local to Wilmington.
Compensation: $80/day
Click here to apply now!
5. Church Congregation Members
Job Description: Background actors for a heartfelt church scene.
Requirements: All genders, 18+, local to Wilmington.
Compensation: $80/day
Click here to apply now!
6. College Students
Job Description: Actors to portray college students in energetic campus scenes.
Requirements: All genders, ages 18–25, local to Wilmington.
Compensation: $80/day
Click here to apply now!
7. Professors
Job Description: Actors to portray university faculty in academic scenes.
Requirements: All genders, 30+, local to Wilmington.
Compensation: $80/day
Click here to apply now!
8. Waiter
Job Description: Male actor to portray a restaurant waiter in a serving scene.
Requirements: Male, ages 25–40, local to Wilmington.
Compensation: $80/day
Click here to apply now!
9. Restaurant Patrons
Job Description: Actors to appear as dining guests in a restaurant scene.
Requirements: All genders, 18+, local to Wilmington.
Compensation: $80/day
Click here to apply now!
Conclusion
With a dynamic script, seasoned cast and crew, and local roots, Pretty Ugly promises to be a powerful film about beauty and the impact of digital culture. If you’re ready to gain experience and work on a high-quality production, apply today through Project Casting and get on set in Wilmington.
