Short Film ‘My Friend Natty’ Open Casting Call

“My Friend Natty” short film casting call: Discovering a talent for a tale of innocence and shadows in New York.

The world of indie filmmaking is buzzing with the announcement of an open casting call for the short film “My Friend Natty,” a narrative woven with threads of childhood innocence and the enigmatic presence of a spectral entity. The production seeks to cast a trio of characters, each pivotal to the story’s heartfelt and haunting journey.

At the heart of the film is the lead role of a boy, aged 8 to 10, embodying a mixed ethnicity or white background. The character requires a delicate balance of shyness and inner strength, with a personality as intelligent and observant as endearingly awkward. The boy’s attachment to his stuffed animal is a key element of the role, calling for an actor who can navigate emotions—from the lightness of playfulness to the depths of fear and bravery.

Supporting the narrative is the ghost character, a role that breaks traditional age and ethnic boundaries, inviting an actor from any background to embody this concealed villain. The character is a spectral figure who intertwines maturity with childlike mischief, hiding a potentially sinister nature. This role demands a nuanced performance, crafting a ghostly pallor and a multifaceted personality that can form a complex, layered relationship with the young lead.

The short film also calls for an actor to play the widowed father, a man torn between the joys of raising his son and the worries of his child’s social struggles. This role, suited for an actor between 35 to 50 years old of mixed ethnicity or white descent, is all about emotional diversity. The father’s character arc demands an exploration of paternal love, concern, and the intricacies of rebuilding life amidst loss.

Actors with previous experience may find these roles particularly appealing, though the casting call also opens the stage for fresh faces with a genuine passion for storytelling. Availability throughout the shooting schedule is a must; for local talents, this could be the perfect opportunity to shine. Young performers will need the guiding presence of a legal guardian on set, ensuring a safe and supportive environment during production.

The compensation reflects the indie spirit of the project, offering $250 for a day’s commitment. While no additional compensation is provided for travel or accommodations, the experience promises to be rich in artistic collaboration and performance growth.

“My Friend Natty” is more than a short film; it’s an invitation to be part of a story that tugs at the heartstrings and delves into the mysteries that lurk in the corners of childhood imaginations. For those eager to bring life to these characters, the casting call is a doorway to an experience that could resonate with audiences and stay with them long after the credits roll.

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Check out the casting call breakdown below to audition for a role in the upcoming casting call.

Short Film ‘My Friend Natty’ Open Casting Call

Roles:

1. BOY (Lead Role)
   Age: 8 to 10 years old
   Ethnicity: Mixed Ethnicity, White
   Character Traits: This role requires a boy who can portray a shy yet innerly strong character. The character is intelligent, observant, and has a certain endearing quality that appeals to adults, although he might appear awkward to his peers. He has a strong attachment to a stuffed animal and shows a range of emotions, from playfulness and curiosity to fear and bravery. Acting experience is preferred but not required.
2. GHOST (Supporting Role)
   Age: 35 to 45 years old
   Ethnicity: Open to all ethnicities
   Character Description: The ghost character is the concealed villain of the story. The actor must present a ghostly appearance, suggesting poor health and lack of sunlight. The character is a complex blend of maturity and childlike impishness, masking a potentially sinister nature. The role demands an ability to convey subtlety and depth, making the character’s attempts to bond with the boy appear genuine and layered.
3. DAD (Supporting Role)
   Age: 35 to 50 years old
   Ethnicity: Mixed Ethnicity, White
   Character Overview: This role portrays a widowed father striving to rebuild his life while caring for his son. The character is a mix of loving paternal affection and concern about his son’s social interactions. The actor should be able to portray a range of emotions, from joy in his son’s company to worry about his well-being in the outside world.

Requirements:

• Prior acting experience is preferred but not mandatory.
• Must be available for the entire shooting schedule.
• Local talent preferred or must be willing to work as a local hire.
• For child roles, a legal guardian must be present during filming.

Compensation:

• $250 for the day of shooting.
• No additional compensation for travel or accommodations.
• Non-union.

Interested? Apply Now!

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