Chicago Casting Calls & Acting Auditions

Job Summary:

As a Creative Director at Catchy, you will serve as the foremost visionary and strategic leader, focused on conceptualizing and executing end-to-end campaigns targeted at gamers who build their computers with state-of-the-art hardware. This role blends deep industry knowledge, a passion for gaming culture, and experience in digital and brick-and-mortar retail to create compelling campaigns that resonate with gamers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conceptualize, develop, and pitch industry-leading creative ideas that reach key audiences across various touchpoints, with a focus on experience-led storytelling.
• Partner closely with client services, strategy, and production teams to translate client briefs into compelling creative solutions that drive results.
• Ability to provide strategic vision while providing hands-on execution
• Direct lifestyle and product photoshoots, blending digital art and photography to create compelling graphics that resonate with gamers, showcasing gaming as a lifestyle and experience.
• Create and activate brand materials to uphold Catchy high-creative standards.
• Participate in new business activities, including initial discovery, scope, proposal, and pitch development
• Evaluate and monitor the quality of creative deliverables from adherence to strategic vision, brand guidelines, and team productivity.
• Monitor consistency of brand and visual identity alignment of creative deliverables
• Lead and grow a deep network of creative freelancers, forging new collaborations, and leveraging external talents with an eye for high-quality creative deliverables.
• Have a constant pulse on creative and design trends to continually push the boundaries of our creative deliverables.
• Lead and inspire a team of creatives fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment through mentorship, resources, and training.

What You Will Bring:

• Gaming Industry Expertise: You have extensive knowledge of the gaming industry, particularly in the hardware space, understanding gamers’ preferences, trends, and aspirations.
• Extensive Creative Experience: You have 10+ years of experience in a senior creative role within an agency, with a significant focus on creative strategies in the gaming and developer industry.
• Strategic Vision: A visionary thinker with the ability to conceptualize and execute creative strategies that elevate brands and drive business goals.
• Leadership Excellence: Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and grow creative talent, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Communication and Engagement: Outstanding communication skills to articulate a clear vision, engage with technical teams, clients, and stakeholders, fostering collaboration and commitment
• Industry Leadership: A reputation for impeccable taste in design, industry-leading ideas, and a portfolio showcasing a breadth of successful, innovative campaigns and projects.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in design or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in a senior creative role, art director, or creative director experience at an agency, or consulting firm, preferably within the gaming or tech industry.
• Proven experience leading and growing a talented creative bench delivering impactful work.
• Proficiency in industry-standard design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, etc.
• Strong portfolio showcasing a range of successful, innovative campaigns across various channels.
• An extensive network of creative freelancers and creative collaborators.
• Exceptional visual and verbal presentation skills.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, managing multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining a high level of quality
• Experience working in the tech sector with B2B experience is preferred. 
• Video production experience is a plus

Catchy

Quill is a valuable part of the Staples family of brands. Since 1956, Quill has held its position as a leader in office supplies. Acquired by Staples in 1998, Quill delivers the essential services, solutions, and award-winning customer support to help our customers – and our people – thrive. When you partner with Quill, as a customer or as an associate, every workday is more rewarding. From paper, ink & toner, to technology and custom print, we deliver the right products at the right value, plus an unmatched assortment of over 900 instant rewards available with every order

What you’ll be doing:

· Oversee and be hands-on in all aspects of our creative strategy, development, and execution.

· Lead internal resources and outside agencies to complete projects as briefed by e-Commerce, Merchandise, Promotion, and Channel teams.

· Partner with marketing leadership peers to understand business needs, prioritize work, and identify new capabilities required of the creative team.

· Work with engineering and e-commerce teams to develop and maintain design consistency across the website.

· Work with sales teams to create and test marketing collateral and landing pages.

· Partner with merchandising to support key product launches, programming, and seasonal initiatives.

· Work closely with digital marketing channel partners to ensure all creative is produced on time, on budget and on brief.

· Manage an in-house creative team that includes project managers, copywriting, web design, graphic design, photography, and video.

· Deliver a consistent and differentiated brand voice, look, and feel that represents the brand and assortment in a way that is captivating and relevant to our customer.

· Develop, manage, and communicate our style guide, brand guide, voice and tone, and design standards with an eye to always evolving it and keeping it fresh.

· Direct the development of copy, brand, photography, video, voice and design standards for internal team and agency partners.

· Develop and present unique, innovative, and strategic concepts and communication solutions for a variety of projects, including for design and copy in marketing, advertisements, web pages, print materials, and other marketing assets.

· Direct photography and video produced internally and in partnership with external production resources.

· Develop and maintain a robust library of digital assets.

· Oversee and manage an efficient design operation and team that works effectively to meet deadlines and deliver projects on time and within budget.

· Analyze and report on effectiveness of the creative team and integrate feedback from internal and external partners about the impact of the team’s output.

· Stay up to date with the latest design trends and technologies and share insights and best practices with the team.

· Hire, manage, and direct full-time employees, freelance resources, and external agencies, as needed.

· Manage an internal agency budget.

What you bring to the table:

· Self-starter with strong organizational skills who can work independently and collaboratively on multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

· Solid time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks.

· Strong problem solver who knows how to ask the right questions, build hypotheses, and prove or disprove with data insights.

· Strong analytical and quantitative skills with a demonstrated ability to interpret and leverage data to drive decision making

· Strong written & verbal communication skills

· Ability to manage direct reports, and extended teams of agency resources effectively

· Proven expertise in ideation, execution, and end-to-end facilitation of complex marketing and advertising content and copy across mediums and channels, to include national TV, direct marketing, paid social, lead generation, and print.

· Experience creating and evolving brand guides, style guides, brand voice and tone, and brand architectures.

· A customer driven creative’s vision and a scientist’s curiosity, adapting the work and constantly testing and learning to achieve and improve results.

· A master storyteller, crafting engaging creative that fulfils the needs as outlined in the brief and beyond.

· Experience directing photography and video content for both social/low production and TV/high production outputs.

· Knowledge of social media platforms and trends.

· Knowledge of digital marketing practices, including SEO and A/B testing.

· Experience with print and package design.

· Expertise with Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office, and other design and editing tools.

· Experience using Jira.

What’s needed- Basic Qualifications:

· 10+ years of related experience as a Creative Director, Associate Creative Director, or Art Director in either an agency or in-house creative role

· Digital media focused portfolio with high calibre work for both awareness and performance marketing projects required

What’s needed- Preferred Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in art, design, media, or similar area of study

We Offer:

· Inclusive culture with associate-led Business Resource Groups

· Flexible PTO (22 days) and Holiday Schedule (7 observed paid holidays)

· Online and Retail Discounts, Company Match 401(k), Physical and Mental Health Wellness programs, and more perks and benefits.

Quill

Manager, Marketing Partnerships Creative – Creative Producer, 30897626

THE ROLE

Within Marketing Partnerships, Creative Production brings the creative vision to life by focusing on how the idea will be produced and implemented. This will cover everything from logistics/creative production to mapping resources, to timeline and financial management, to cross-functional coordination and partnership/agency management (and more). In many ways, Creative Production functions as the Executive Producer of the campaign – and this role is essential to managing, communicating and bringing the creative vision to life.

Creative Planning

· Input into partnership development and deal memo/related terms to ensure we can both enforce and fulfill partner commitments.

· Review all creative concepts for feasibility, ensuring that campaign can be made on-time, on-budget and within reasonable risk of our legal/BA parameters.

· Partner closely with the Creative Development team on campaign planning rollout and in selection of creative partners, if applicable. Own development of agency SOW/estimate, if applicable.

· Develop a project plan that drives timeline, budget and key cross-functional stakeholder milestones. Partner with the lead creative agency to develop and adhere to the plan.

Campaign Production / Implementation

· Partner closely with the Creative Development team for flawless and impactful campaign execution. This includes executional oversight and coordination of all campaign elements (video, print/ooh, talent/legal, influencer kits, digital, social media/content, activations/events, PR, etc.).

· Act as key liaison to the organic/brand partner and agency partner.

· Own and manage budgets, including reviewing and negotiating production/talent estimates/bids. This also includes recommendations for additional investment into the program.

· Anticipate bottlenecks and propose solutions in advance. Lead problem-solving when elements of a campaign go off-course during execution – making key decisions so we can continue to deliver without compromising overall creative vision.

· Act as the co-lead alongside the creative team in any bespoke AV productions/shoots to ensure the smooth running of the production, taking into account all requirements.

· Ensure all necessary assets are reviewed, approved and delivered on-time – to all necessary cross-functional partners (internal, external and agency partners).

· Coordinate with key internal teams for optimal amplification of the campaign.

Team Management and Operations

· Manage all tasks and resourcing on key projects so they move smoothly and efficiently and all tasks are properly assigned.

· Input into workflow and resource management for the entire team, anticipating and planning for thoughtful freelance and agency support.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

· Minimum 7+ years of experience on marketing partnerships and program execution, preferably with experience in an entertainment or agency environment.

· Deep experience and understanding in partnerships and program management – working on fast paced projects that involve multiple stakeholders, content production, and media activations.

· Ability to cultivate relationships and efficiently communicate across multiple cross-functional partners – internal, external and agency partners

· Operational management within a film or TV studio environment is a plus.

· Prior relationship management experience is a must.

· Works effectively and enjoys the interplay across multiple teams and stakeholders

· Strong attention to detail and analytical problem-solving skills

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

· Bias to action, proactive & innovative by nature

· Understand, advocate, and embody the company’s values and team goals.

Pay Rate Range:

· $3,750-5,000/week

Cypress HCM

Lead a dynamic team of in-house Production Artists, Graphic Designers, and Illustrators, collaborating with contracted artists to craft captivating graphics for the gaming industry’s most coveted titles. Possess a robust skill set in Illustration, Graphic Design, and Team Management, coupled with a keen eye for attention-grabbing visuals.

Direction and Leadership:

– Direct and guide visual creatives from Concept through Production Art.

– Collaborate with cross-functional teams for Visual/Aesthetic Approach, Scheduling, and Process Assignment.

– Manage visual consistency across thematic platforms by coordinating with the Design Team and Project Artists.

– Facilitate Creative Problem Solving to ensure explicit and thematic visuals align with game design rules.

– Oversee project documentation, including Art Schedules, Mock-ups, and Licensing Communication.

– Utilize Adobe Suite (Photoshop and Illustrator) and Clip Studio, jumping in as a support artist when needed.

Print Knowledge:

– Thorough understanding of printing methods and pre-press production, including silk-screen printing, offset lithography, and digital printing.

– Effective communication with Purchasing agents, Quality Control, and Vendors to meet aesthetic and quality expectations.

Licensing:

– Collaborate with A-list licensors, working within design constraints and parameters.

– Communicate effectively between the Design Team and Licensor’s Agent to deliver exceptional art packages.

Other Peripheral Skills:

– Strong background in Illustration/Graphic design; willingness to contribute hands-on to project completion.

– Deep knowledge of design team dynamics, understanding the design process from concept to playable design.

– Creative drive, ownership mentality, and ability to sense when further work is needed.

– Expertise in working with creatives, harnessing team strengths, and pushing industry limits.

– Strong writing skills for communication, script creation, and potential marketing collaboration.

– Understanding of performance through music or drama to enhance the “fun-factor” in game design.

Abrazo Group

Casting Call: Background Dancers for “That’s Dope” Sketch Show

Job Detail: Join the vibrant and dynamic production of “That’s Dope,” a sketch comedy show with a flair for the energetic and the entertaining. Inspired by the comedic genius of “In Living Color” and “Dave Chappelle,” our show is on the hunt for four talented female background dancers to complete a lively four-person dance ensemble.

Job Responsibilities:

• Perform choreographed dance routines as part of the show’s background ensemble.
• Participate in rehearsals as scheduled by the choreographer and production team.
• Maintain a high level of energy and enthusiasm during performances.
• Collaborate with the production team and other dancers to ensure a cohesive visual presentation.
• Be prepared to take direction and feedback from the choreography director.
• Contribute to the creative process with improvisational skills during non-choreographed segments, if required.

Requirements:

• Proven experience in dance, with the ability to learn and perform choreographed routines.
• A versatile dance skill set, capable of performing in various styles as the show may require.
• Ability to work well in a team environment and adapt to the dynamic nature of a live sketch show.
• Must be reliable, punctual, and have a strong work ethic.
• Professional demeanor and a positive attitude are essential.
• Must be available for all rehearsals and live show tapings as per the production schedule.
• Age: 18+ (due to scheduling and legal requirements).

Compensation:

• This is a paid position. Specific rates will be discussed during the casting process.
• Credit will be provided, along with exposure on a nationally syndicated sketch comedy show.
• Additional perks include professional exposure, network opportunities, and the chance to work with a talented and creative team.

We are excited to offer this opportunity to passionate performers who are ready to dance their way into the hearts of our audience. If you believe you have the skill, the charisma, and the dedication to be part of “That’s Dope,” we would love to hear from you. Please send us a message with your resume, a headshot, and any video links of your dance performances to apply.

Casting Call: Actor for a Leading Role in GENESIS

About the Project: GENESIS is an upcoming project that seeks to explore rich narratives and complex characters. We are currently casting for a pivotal role that demands a strong and compelling presence on screen. This project promises to be an exciting opportunity for actors looking to make a significant impact in the industry.

Job Details: We are seeking an actor to play a key role in GENESIS. The character is an older, weathered man hailing from South Asian (Indian), Kurdish, or Pakistani backgrounds. We are looking for someone with a unique and interesting look. This role is perfect for individuals who embody resilience, depth, and a rich cultural heritage.

Job Responsibilities:

• Collaborate closely with the director and other actors to bring the character to life.
• Participate in rehearsals as scheduled.
• Be available for costume fittings, makeup sessions, and promotional activities as required.
• Commit to the filming schedule, which may include long hours and travel.

Requirements:

• Male actor, portraying an older, weathered character.
• South Asian (Indian), Kurdish, or Pakistani descent.
• Unique and interesting physical appearance.
• Strong ability to convey emotions and a compelling screen presence.
• Previous acting experience is not required, but a passion for storytelling and the ability to take direction well are essential.
• Must be fluent in English. Fluency in additional languages relevant to the character’s background is a plus.

Compensation Details:

• Competitive pay rate, commensurate with the demands of the role and experience of the actor.
• Travel and accommodation expenses covered if filming requires relocation.
• Additional benefits include daily allowances, costume and makeup services, and the opportunity to work with a dedicated and talented team.

Casting Call: Lead and Supporting Roles for “Female Heist” Feature Film

Job Detail: We are currently seeking talent for lead and supporting roles in the upcoming feature film “Female Heist.” This project will be filmed on location in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. We are looking for dedicated and passionate individuals to bring life to our dynamic characters.

Job Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively with the film’s director and fellow actors to create compelling scenes and character interactions.
• Memorize lines and deliver them with authenticity and in line with the director’s vision.
• Be able to take direction and adapt performances as required.
• Maintain a professional attitude and work ethic throughout long shooting days.
• Be prepared to work as a local hire in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, for the duration of the shoot.

Requirements:

• For the role of JACOBO: Male, aged 20-30, open to all ethnicities. The character is a rugged islander with a dubious moral compass, who plays a pivotal role in the film’s plot by stealing money from a female protagonist.
• Must have strong acting skills and the ability to embody the character’s persona.
• A Caribbean/West Indies accent is highly desirable.
• Must be reliable, punctual, and have a flexible schedule to accommodate shooting requirements.
• Previous acting experience in film or theatre is preferred but not mandatory.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. and able to work as a local hire in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.

Compensation:

• Talent rate is $250/day.
• The rate is based on a standard 8-hour workday, excluding overtime and per diems.

Casting Call: Feature Film “Female Heist” – Lead and Supporting Roles

Job Detail: We are currently casting for various lead and supporting roles for the upcoming feature film “Female Heist.” Production is set to take place in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. We are looking for dynamic individuals to bring life to the film’s colorful and intense narrative.

Job Responsibilities:

• Portray a given character following the director’s vision
• Participate in readings, rehearsals, and costume fittings
• Collaborate with other cast and crew members
• Be punctual and maintain a professional demeanor on set
• Available for the entire shooting schedule in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

Requirements:

• For the role of POLICE #3: Individuals aged 30 to 40, all ethnicities, any gender
• Must have a very fit body type and clean-cut looks
• Must be able to convincingly portray a police officer
• Must be able to work as a local hire in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands
• Caribbean/West Indies accent is a plus but not mandatory
• Previous acting experience preferred but not essential

Compensation: Talent rate is $250/day.

Casting Call: City Official for “Female Heist” Feature Film

Job Description: We are currently casting for lead and supporting roles for an upcoming feature film titled “Female Heist.” We are seeking individuals to portray a city official, aged between 30 to 50 years old, from any ethnicity and gender. Candidates must have a proper and distinguished appearance suitable for the role of a city official.

Job Responsibilities:

• Portray the character of a city official in a realistic and convincing manner.
• Collaborate with the main cast and support ensemble to ensure a seamless interaction on-screen.
• Work closely with the director and adhere to the guidance on character development.
• Be available for wardrobe fittings, makeup sessions, and rehearsals as required by the production schedule.
• Maintain a professional demeanor on set and follow the production protocols.

Requirements:

• Age: 30 to 50 years old.
• Open to all ethnicities and genders.
• Must have a distinguished look appropriate for the role of a city official.
• Acting experience in film, television, or theater is preferred but not mandatory.
• Must be able to work as a local hire in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
• Availability for the entire shooting schedule, which will be communicated upon casting.
• Ability to follow direction and work well under pressure.

Compensation Details:

• Talent rate: $250 per day.
• Duration of the role and the total number of working days will be determined after the selection process.

Casting Call: Feature Film “Female Heist” – Lead and Supporting Roles

Job Detail: We are currently casting for lead and supporting roles for the upcoming feature film “Female Heist”. This action-packed film requires dynamic and versatile actors who can bring intensity and authenticity to their roles.

Location: St Thomas, Virgin Islands (Must be able to work as a local hire)

Roles Open for Casting:

• HR Rep: Female, ages 30 to 40, open to all ethnicities. The character is an islander who works at the hotel and is responsible for hiring personnel. An authentic Caribbean/West Indies accent is highly desirable.

Job Responsibilities:

• Study and interpret scripts to bring the character to life.
• Attend all rehearsals and work closely with the direction team to develop the portrayal of the character.
• Participate in promotional activities for the film as required.
• Maintain a consistent performance and professionalism on set.
• Collaborate with other cast members to ensure a cohesive performance.

Requirements:

• Acting experience in film, TV, or theatre preferred.
• Must have the ability to portray complex emotions and develop a deep understanding of the character.
• Must be able to work as a local hire in St Thomas, Virgin Islands – no travel or accommodation compensation will be provided.
• A professional attitude and reliability are paramount.
• Ability to perform with an authentic Caribbean/West Indies accent is a plus for the HR Rep role.

Compensation:

• Talent rate: $250 per day.