Open Jobs:
Actors and Background Talent for “The Vanguard” Psychological Thriller Short Film
Job Description
“The Vanguard” is casting lead, supporting, day player, and background roles for a psychological thriller short film shooting in Oakland, California. The story follows an outspoken podcaster whose celebration after receiving a prestigious honor from an elite organization takes a disturbing turn following an unexpected confrontation. The production is seeking performers for a diverse ensemble of ambitious professionals, influential organization members, event staff, security personnel, and gala guests.
Job Responsibilities
- Perform in an assigned lead, supporting, day player, or background role.
- Bring authenticity and emotional depth appropriate to a psychological thriller.
- Deliver scripted dialogue naturally for speaking roles.
- Follow direction, blocking, and performance notes from the filmmaking team.
- Maintain character and continuity throughout production.
- Work professionally and collaboratively with cast and crew.
- Perform moderate physical action when required for security guard roles.
Requirements
- Simone: Black actor, 30s, lead role; poised, intelligent, ambitious, and accustomed to questioning the world around her.
- Adrian: Open ethnicity, late 30s, lead role; charming, affectionate, attentive, and able to portray Simone’s fiancé and longtime Vanguard member.
- Julian: Black actor, 30s, lead role; able to portray a brilliant, passionate, fiercely defiant scientist with a strong sense of conviction.
- The Founder: Open ethnicity, 60s, supporting role; elegant, magnetic, emotionally precise, and commanding.
- Marcus: Black actor, late 50s, supporting role; suave, composed, socially effortless, and able to portray The Founder’s trusted right-hand man.
- Nia: Black actor, mid-30s, supporting role; intelligent, observant, publicly fearless, and confident.
- Vanguard Staffer: Open ethnicity, 40s–60s; calm, professional, procedural, and comfortable within an elite organizational environment.
- Handler: Open ethnicity, 40s–60s; efficient, courteous, and quietly authoritative.
- Security Guards: Two performers, open ethnicity, 30s–50s; commanding presence and natural authority with moderate physical action required.
- Photographer: Open ethnicity, ages 20s and older; polished and professional Vanguard event staff member with one line.
- Aide: Open ethnicity, ages 20s and older; polished and professional Vanguard event staff member; non-speaking role.
- The Four Fellows: Open ethnicity, ages 20s–40s; accomplished, polished, and aspirational.
- Donors/Gala Guests: Open ethnicity, ages 30s and older; affluent, elegant, and comfortable portraying guests within The Vanguard’s polished world.
- Must be able to work in Oakland, California.
- Self-tapes are not required for the Photographer and Aide roles.
Compensation
- SAG-AFTRA SPA pending.
- Additional compensation details will be provided to selected performers.
