Booker High Short Film Production

Job Description

The short film “Atelophobia” is casting actors for principal roles in a tense, character-driven story centered on the disillusionment of perfection and the unease that grows when “normal” life starts to crack. The production is looking for performers who can deliver grounded dramatic work, subtle psychological tension, and emotionally controlled performances that escalate as suspicion and stress intensify.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform scripted dramatic scenes with strong emotional realism and continuity.

• Take direction and adjust performance choices across multiple takes.

• Collaborate professionally with the director and production team.

• Maintain character consistency and deliver natural reactions to escalating tension.

• Arrive prepared, on time, and ready to work with wardrobe/character notes provided by production.

Requirements

• Must match one of the character breakdowns below.

• Must be able to work as a local hire (production requests local talent).

• Strong dramatic acting ability and comfort portraying anxiety, suspicion, and psychological unease.

• Submission must include: headshot, resume, actor’s name, age, location, and a 1-minute dramatic clip (scene/monologue).

Roles Needed

Alec Schmidt (Lead, Male, 30s–40s, White)

• Brownish hair; clean, put-together appearance

• Personality: tense, controlled, anxiety breaking through; on edge and increasingly suspicious while trying to maintain normalcy.

Liz Schmidt (Supporting, Female, 30s–40s, White)

• Brunette; well-groomed, often in dresses; “seems perfect”

• Personality: calm on the surface but worn down; growing fragility under stress; heightened awareness of cameras/surveillance.

Chuck Palanaski (Supporting, Male, 40s–50s, Multi-racial)

• Slightly larger frame; thick-rimmed glasses; casual clothes showing wear

• Personality: outwardly cheerful/friendly but unsettling; controlled “surveyor” type who asserts influence and makes others uncomfortable.

Compensation Details

• Compensation details are not listed in the casting notice. Any pay, stipend, or credit information will be shared by production during the selection process.