Actors and Background Talent for Horror/Thriller Short Film
Job Description
An upcoming horror/thriller short film is casting actors and background performers for a suspenseful project shooting in New York City. The story centers on emotional depth and eerie tension, offering a fantastic opportunity for emerging and experienced talent to work on a paid and credited independent production. Filming will take place toward the end of July.
Job Responsibilities
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Perform in scripted scenes as principal or background characters
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Follow direction from the director and production team
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Portray emotionally-driven or atmospheric moments depending on the role
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Work professionally on set and maintain continuity between takes
Requirements
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Russian-speaking male and female actors, ages 18–60
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Caucasian male actor, ages 12–18, to play a younger version of the main character (parental approval required)
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Background extras of any ethnicity, ages 18–60
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Must be based in or able to work as a local hire in NYC
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Comfortable working in the horror/thriller genre
Compensation
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Paid roles with full credit
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Meals and transportation provided on shoot days
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Great exposure for indie film portfolios and reels
Related jobs:
Job Description
An upcoming student thesis film is seeking background extras for a dramatic funeral scene filmed at a church location. This production is part of a senior thesis project and will feature both interior and exterior scenes. The opportunity is ideal for individuals interested in gaining on-set experience and being part of a narrative-driven independent film.
Job Responsibilities
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Appear as an extra in a large funeral scene
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Follow on-set direction from the production team
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Maintain continuity and professionalism during filming
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Participate in interior and exterior background scenes as needed
Requirements
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Open to all genders and backgrounds
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Must be 18 years or older
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Comfortable appearing in crowd scenes
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Available during the filming window
Compensation
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Food provided on set
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On-screen credit
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Copy of the final film upon distribution
Job Description
An independent short film is casting actors and crew members for a no-budget, emotionally driven project filming in London. This poetic drama explores themes of loss, grief, love, and quiet resilience through an intimate, character-focused story. The production welcomes emerging talent and is especially open to filmmaking and acting students looking to build experience and reel-worthy material.
Job Responsibilities
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Perform scripted scenes for a dramatic short film
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Portray emotionally grounded, character-driven performances
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Collaborate closely with a small independent production team
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Participate professionally throughout a multi-day shoot
Requirements
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Open to actors of all experience levels
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Seeking:
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Actors
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One voice actor
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Crew members
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Filmmaking and acting students are strongly encouraged to apply
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Must be available to film in London
Compensation
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No-budget independent short film
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Valuable on-set experience
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High-quality footage provided for reels
Multiple Roles for Sci-Fi Short Film
Job Description
A dramatic sci-fi short film is casting multiple lead, supporting, and featured roles for a character-driven story exploring humanity, trauma, and technology. This project centers on emotionally complex characters navigating fear, grief, control, and resilience. Performances rely heavily on strong facial expression, physical acting, and subtle emotional depth. This is an MFA thesis film with a professional set environment and a collaborative creative team.
Job Responsibilities
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Portray scripted characters in dramatic, emotionally intense scenes
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Convey fear, trauma, grief, restraint, or determination through performance
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Follow direction from the director and production team
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Maintain focus, continuity, and professionalism on set
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Collaborate in ensemble and group scenes when required
Available Roles
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Loretta Copeland (Lead): Female, appears 40s, emotionally complex character navigating loss of humanity
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The Interviewer: Black female, 20s–30s, controlled delivery with expressive eyes
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Therapist: Black female, 20s–50s, calm, empathetic, emotionally conflicted
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Young Hispanic Person: 20s–30s, fear-driven, strong physical acting
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Asian Woman: 20s–30s, panicked, emotionally heightened role
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Gaffer: Male, 20s–30s, traumatized and anger-driven
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Young Black Man #1: 20s–30s, grief-stricken and emotionally vulnerable
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Young Black Man #2: 20s–30s, fearful yet determined
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Eldest Son: Black male, 25–35, protective and emotionally driven
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Youngest Son: Black male, 18–25, dissociative and withdrawn
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Loretta’s Brother: Black male, 40–55, outspoken, protective, and intense
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Loretta’s Sister: Black female, 30–45, composed, stubborn, emotionally restrained
Requirements
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Open to performers of all experience levels (acting experience preferred but not required for all roles)
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Comfortable performing emotionally intense material
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Strong facial control and physical acting skills for featured roles
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Reliable, professional, and collaborative on set
Compensation
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Deferred pay
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Screen credit provided
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Meals provided during filming
Older Assassins – Background Actors for Vertical Short Film
Job Description
A vertical short film is casting background actors to portray seasoned, older assassins. These characters should embody wisdom, quiet danger, and authority, bringing depth and experience to the on-screen world.
Job Responsibilities
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Portray a veteran assassin with calm intensity
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Deliver subtle, controlled reactions on camera
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Follow direction and maintain character consistency
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Support the visual storytelling of the film
Requirements
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Men and women
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Late 30s and older
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Athletic build preferred (not frail)
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Ability to project wisdom, confidence, and danger
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Reliable transportation required
Compensation
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$90 for up to 6 hours
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Paid non-union background role
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Short filming days with possible multiple-day booking
Assassin Nuns – Background Actors for Vertical Short Film
Job Description
A vertical short film is seeking background performers to portray Assassin Nuns as part of a disciplined female battle squad. These roles require athletic movement, focus, and the ability to project intensity and control in action-driven scenes.
Job Responsibilities
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Portray a member of a coordinated assassin squad
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Perform controlled physical movements for action scenes
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Follow choreography and on-set direction
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Maintain intensity and discipline on camera
Requirements
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Women ages 20s–40s
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Athletic, disciplined physicality
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Able to move well and perform repeated physical actions
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Comfortable portraying intensity and authority
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Reliable transportation required
Compensation
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$90 for up to 6 hours
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Paid non-union background role
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Opportunity to work on action-oriented scenes
Lounge Assassins – Background Actors for Vertical Short Film
Job Description
A vertical short film is casting background actors to portray Lounge Assassins in a stylish, cinematic production. These characters should project a strong, intimidating presence with a mysterious edge. This is a great opportunity for performers who enjoy bold, visually striking roles without long workdays.
Job Responsibilities
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Portray a stylish assassin in background scenes
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Convey intimidation, confidence, and mystery on camera
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Follow direction from the director and production team
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Maintain character presence throughout filming
Requirements
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Men and women
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Tall, imposing look preferred
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Strong on-camera presence with unique features
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Comfortable portraying intimidating or mysterious characters
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Reliable transportation required
Compensation
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$90 for up to 6 hours
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Paid non-union background role
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Short filming days
Job Description
A comedy-horror short film is seeking two Producers to join the creative team on a paid production. This project centers on bold, socially driven storytelling and is specifically looking to collaborate with BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ producers. The producers will support the project from development through post-production, contributing to both creative and logistical aspects of the film.
Job Responsibilities
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Assist with fundraising efforts including investors, crowdfunding, and grants
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Support production planning and organization from pre-production through post-production
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Coordinate with the creative team to ensure smooth workflow and communication
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Assist with production paperwork and administrative tasks
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Support social media and promotional efforts as needed
Requirements
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Open to BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ producers
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Experience or interest in fundraising for short films
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Ability to start immediately and remain involved through post-production
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Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills
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Comfortable managing multiple tasks in a collaborative environment
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Social media experience preferred
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Previous experience with SAG-AFTRA low-budget or micro-budget paperwork preferred but not required
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Must be based in Los Angeles
Compensation Details
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Paid opportunity
Light Eater – Short Film Casting Call
Job Description
A Sundance Indigenous Program–supported short film is casting Navajo actors for two leading roles in an intimate, character-driven story. Light Eater explores identity, control, healing, and reconnection through the lives of two women navigating adulthood in Los Angeles. This project seeks grounded, emotionally present performers for a focused, story-first production filming over two days.
Job Responsibilities
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Portray a principal character in a narrative short film
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Deliver emotionally authentic, character-driven performances
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Collaborate closely with the director and creative team
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Participate fully in rehearsals and scheduled shoot days
Requirements
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Navajo performers
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Ages 30s
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Must be Los Angeles local
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Comfortable working on an independent short film production
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Roles available include:
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Esther: A disciplined, self-controlled woman who relies on structure, routine, and prevention to maintain order in her life
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Lucy: An emotionally open woman seeking momentum and reconnection after moving to Los Angeles
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Compensation
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Paid roles (rate provided by production)
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Two-day shoot
Job Description
A student short film is casting actors for Uncle Mac, an emotional, character-driven project exploring family, mental health, and reconciliation. The story follows Mac as he visits his estranged sister and learns she is struggling deeply, forcing him to confront difficult truths and his own limitations. This is a non-union, unpaid opportunity ideal for actors seeking meaningful material, festival exposure, and reel-worthy scenes.
Job Responsibilities
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Perform a scripted role in a dramatic short film
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Collaborate closely with the director and production team
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Bring emotional authenticity and nuance to character-driven scenes
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Participate fully during scheduled filming days
Requirements
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Non-union performers
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Strong dramatic acting ability
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Comfortable portraying sensitive subject matter
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Availability for filming in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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Roles available include:
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Mac: Male, mid to late 20s
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Julia: Female, late 20s to early 30s
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Sophie: Female, child/teen role
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Compensation
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Unpaid role
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On-screen credit
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Festival and portfolio exposure
Background Actors for Vertical Short Film
Job Description
A non-union vertical short film is casting background actors for a fast-paced, story-driven production filming in San Antonio, Texas. This project offers the opportunity to be part of a creative, professionally produced series with a strong production team. Local talent is required, as travel and lodging will not be provided.
Job Responsibilities
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Appear as background talent in a scripted vertical short film
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Help create realistic restaurant, banquet, and event environments
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Follow on-set direction and maintain continuity
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Work efficiently in a fast-moving production setting
Requirements
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Must be based in San Antonio, Texas (local hires only)
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Open to men and women across various age ranges depending on role
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Specific roles include:
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Banquet guards (male, 35–50, must fit 32/32 pants)
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Chefs (men and women, 25–40)
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Culinary competition crowd (men and women, 20s–30s)
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Restaurant guests (men and women, 25–50)
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Assistant (male, 30s, must own a black suit)
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Bodyguard/chauffeur (male, 40s, athletic, must own a black suit)
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Butler (male, 50s, must fit size 42 suit)
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Maid (female, 40s, must fit size M or L costume)
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Must be available to work multiple consecutive shoot days if selected
Compensation
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$100 for up to 10 hours
Lead Role – Male
Job Description
A non-union production is casting a male lead for a narrative-driven instructional film. This role centers on a complex character in the process of rebuilding his life after difficult past choices. The character is quiet, guarded, and principled, navigating his own sense of right and wrong while learning to reconnect with others. This is a strong dramatic acting opportunity requiring emotional depth, subtlety, and a natural on-screen presence.
Job Responsibilities
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Portray a layered lead character with emotional honesty and depth
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Convey a wide emotional range, including grief, guilt, anger, sadness, warmth, and hope
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Deliver a grounded, natural performance that feels authentic and believable
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Work closely with the production team during rehearsals and filming days
Requirements
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Male actors, age range 28–34
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Caucasian appearance
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Blonde hair
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No visible tattoos on the upper torso
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Strong screen presence with the ability to handle dramatic material
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Must be available for multiple filming and rehearsal days
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Non-union talent only
Compensation
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$500 per filming day
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$250 per rehearsal day
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Gas mileage reimbursement for studio travel
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Travel and accommodations provided for out-of-state talent if cast
Lead Role – Female
Job Description
A non-union production is casting a confident female lead for an in-house instructional film. This role calls for a strong actress with a calm, grounded presence who embodies clarity, kindness, and purpose. The character remains composed under pressure, leads with intention, and approaches every situation with focus and emotional control. This is a paid acting opportunity suited for professionals seeking principal roles in narrative-driven instructional content.
Job Responsibilities
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Portray the lead character with confidence, composure, and emotional consistency
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Deliver dialogue and actions with precision, professionalism, and clarity
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Maintain a calm, positive presence throughout rehearsals and filming
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Collaborate effectively with the production team during scheduled shoot days
Requirements
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Female actors, age range 30–35
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Caucasian appearance
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Blonde or fair hair coloring
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Strong acting ability with a grounded, composed performance style
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Must be available for several days of filming and rehearsal
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Non-union talent only
Compensation
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$500 per filming day
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$250 per rehearsal day
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Gas mileage reimbursement for studio travel
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Travel and accommodations provided for out-of-state talent if cast


