Chapman University

Job Description
A graduate-level short film is casting non-union actors for a character-driven narrative project filming in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas. This student film offers meaningful roles with emotional depth and strong storytelling, making it a great opportunity for performers looking to build credits and collaborate with an emerging creative team. Spanish-speaking and bilingual performers are encouraged to apply for select roles.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform scripted scenes for a narrative short film

• Portray culturally grounded and emotionally authentic characters

• Take direction from the director and collaborate with cast and crew

• Participate in rehearsals and on-camera performances as scheduled

Requirements

• Non-union actors only

• Ability to work in Los Angeles or Orange County, California

• Roles available:

  • Yulissa: Female, Mexican, early 20s, lead role

  • Marley: Male, Black, early 20s, lead role

  • Coatlaxopeuh: Female, Mexican, 40s–50s

  • Citlali: Female, Mexican/Latinx, ages 18–23 (must appear younger)

  • Mochilitas: Male, Mexican, mid-20s

• Spanish-speaking or bilingual performers encouraged for certain roles

• Prior acting experience preferred but not required

Compensation

• Copy, meal, and screen credit provided

• Student film produced under SAG Micro Budget guidelines

• Valuable experience on a graduate-level film production

Casting “God’s Gift,” a Chapman MFA thesis. 

Willow (29) is a conscientious, diligent plantswoman and marijuana grower. Her careful and methodical approach has gained recognition throughout the world of legal and illegal growing and selling. Fresh out of a botched engagement, Willow plans to move on with her life and business until she realizes that her ex-fiancé, Sean (29) is spying on her via Cassidy (21), a long-time client along the illegal route, and doesn’t plan on leaving the business as easy as she hoped. Never the one to go down without a fight, Willow lures Cassidy in and convinces her to be a pawn in her plot to get rid of Sean for once and for all.

Shoots 4/2-4/11 in the LA area. Please submit LA local only.

Roles:

Willow, 25 to 35 years old, Black female. A quiet, intuitive young woman who uses her green thumb to grow and sell marijuana. Former business partner and ex-fiancé to Sean, uses Cassidy to do her dirty work. Her cold demeanor is a result of her dysfunctional relationship, but she’s not the victim that she appears to be.

Cassidy, 18 to 25 years old, Black female. Sweet, sensitive, quick on her feet drug dealer who gets caught between Willow & Sean’s mess. Masculine and dominant, yet naive in the most unsuspecting of ways.

Sean, 25 to 35 years old, Black, East Asian, Mixed Ethnicity, Southeast Asian male. Willow’s ex-fiancé, hell bent on making sure his ex continues to share the weed business with him. Abusive, but aloof and not the kingpin that he sees himself as.