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Actors Wanted for Graduate Short Film in Los Angeles and Orange County

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

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Job Description

“Bloodline,” a supernatural student short film, is casting background performers to portray vampires. The film follows estranged vampire brothers who return to their desert hometown for their father’s funeral and become drawn back into a family legacy they thought they had escaped. Selected extras will help populate the supernatural world of the film and contribute to the atmosphere of key scenes.

Job Responsibilities

  • Appear on camera as a vampire background performer.
  • Follow blocking and direction from the production team.
  • Maintain appropriate character and continuity during takes.
  • Work professionally alongside the cast and crew.

Requirements

  • Black or Hispanic male and female performers.
  • Comfortable portraying a vampire in a supernatural film.
  • Acting experience encouraged but not required.

Compensation

  • Unpaid.
  • Meal provided.
  • IMDb credit.

Job Description

A supernatural student short film titled “Bloodline” is casting a male actor for the role of Lackey #2. The story follows two estranged vampire brothers returning to their dying desert hometown for their father’s funeral, where a reunion with their youngest sibling forces them to confront a powerful family legacy. The production is seeking a performer with a henchman-like presence who can fit naturally into the film’s dark supernatural world.

Job Responsibilities

  • Portray Lackey #2 in the supernatural short film.
  • Follow scripted direction and blocking during filming.
  • Maintain the character’s intimidating henchman presence.
  • Collaborate professionally with the cast and crew.

Requirements

  • Male actor.
  • Black or Hispanic.
  • Henchman-type look or presence.
  • Acting experience encouraged but not required.

Compensation

  • Unpaid.
  • Meal provided.
  • IMDb credit.
$$

Job Description

An independent psychological and supernatural horror short film is casting a male lead for a performance-driven project filming in the Los Angeles area. The role has minimal dialogue and relies heavily on subtle physical acting to communicate mounting fear, confusion, and panic. The production is seeking an actor who can deliver grounded, believable horror reactions through facial expressions, eye movement, breathing, and body language rather than exaggerated performances.

Job Responsibilities

  • Perform the lead role in a psychological and supernatural horror short film.
  • Convey fear, confusion, tension, and panic primarily through physical performance.
  • Deliver subtle, natural reactions during suspenseful and frightening scenes.
  • Complete a short self-tape audition for consideration.

Requirements

  • Male actor, 20s to early 30s, with a youthful appearance.
  • Hispanic/Latino or Caucasian.
  • Preferably approximately 5’6″–5’10”.
  • Strong ability to communicate emotion through eyes, breathing, facial expressions, and body language.
  • Comfortable performing psychological and supernatural horror material.

Compensation

  • $800 total.
  • Approximately 1–1.5 days of filming.
Job Type:
Actor
Skills:
Acting

Job Description

An independent horror short film is casting a male actor to portray Paul, one of four paranormal investigators at the center of “Phasmo.” What begins as an investigation into unexplained activity inside a suburban home quickly becomes a dangerous encounter with something far more sinister. Paul is a tough former military member with a sarcastic personality and dry sense of humor. He remains composed under pressure but must transition naturally from comedic exchanges into serious, frightening moments as the group realizes the danger they are facing.

Job Responsibilities

  • Portray Paul as tough, sarcastic, and composed under pressure.
  • Deliver dry humor naturally during character-driven scenes.
  • Transition convincingly between comedic and intense horror moments.
  • Perform scenes involving fear, tension, and high-stress situations.
  • Collaborate closely with the ensemble cast and production team.

Requirements

  • Male actor, mid-to-late 20s.
  • Comfortable performing in horror and suspense scenes.
  • Strong comedic timing and dramatic performance ability.
  • Able to portray a grounded former military character.
  • Comfortable working with a small independent film crew.

Compensation

  • Unpaid.
  • Food provided during production.
  • Screen credit provided.
  • Non-union production.

Job Type:
Actor
Skills:
Acting

Job Description

An independent horror short film is casting a female actor to play Izzy, a charismatic and playful paranormal investigator in “Phasmo.” The story follows four investigators entering a suburban home after reports of unexplained activity, disappearances, and deaths, only to discover something increasingly dangerous inside. Izzy is confident, flirty, and naturally charming, bringing humor and energy to the group while still reacting authentically when the investigation becomes frightening.

Job Responsibilities

  • Portray Izzy as confident, playful, and charismatic.
  • Perform dramatic, comedic, and horror-driven scenes.
  • Convey believable fear and intensity as the story escalates.
  • Work collaboratively with the cast and independent production crew.
  • Follow direction during paranormal and high-stress scenes.

Requirements

  • Female actor, mid-to-late 20s.
  • Comfortable performing in a horror film.
  • Able to portray fear, tension, humor, and flirtation naturally.
  • Comfortable working as part of a small independent film production.
  • Headshot required.

Compensation

  • Unpaid.
  • Food provided during production.
  • Screen credit provided.
  • Non-union production.
Job Type:
Actor
Skills:
Acting

Kid Actors for One-Shot Short Film

Job Description

A non-union short film titled “What Would a Turtle Think?” is seeking young actors ages 11–18 for an ambitious one-shot production filming in the Cleveland, Ohio area. The entire 4-minute film will be captured in one continuous take without cuts or do-overs, giving young performers a unique opportunity to experience a technically challenging filmmaking process. The project includes a rehearsal and filming day, and some roles may include dialogue. Please note that the film deals with sensitive subject matter.

Job Responsibilities

  • Perform in a 4-minute narrative short film.
  • Participate in a continuous one-shot filming process.
  • Attend the required rehearsal before filming.
  • Memorize and perform assigned actions and dialogue, if applicable.
  • Maintain focus and character throughout the uninterrupted take.
  • Follow direction from the director and production team.
  • Collaborate professionally with other young performers and crew members.

Requirements

  • Young actors ages 11–18.
  • Must be comfortable participating in a project involving sensitive subject matter.
  • Must be able to work in the Cleveland, Ohio area.
  • Must be available for both the rehearsal and filming.
  • Able to memorize blocking and repeat performances consistently.
  • Comfortable working within the demands of a continuous one-shot production.

Compensation

  • Volunteer roles include food on set and IMDb credit.
  • Compensation for speaking roles is negotiable.
  • Travel gas stipend provided for performers traveling from out of town.
$$
Job Type:
Actor
Skills:
Acting

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.
$

Job Description

A short film is casting a Black female actor to portray Michelle, an accomplished defense attorney in her 40s–50s who is intelligent, resilient, and accustomed to maintaining high expectations. Described as a power player, Michelle is confident and reserved but faces a more vulnerable challenge in her personal life as she learns to open herself to love. The role calls for a commanding performer who can balance professional authority with subtle emotional vulnerability.

Job Responsibilities

  • Portray Michelle as a confident and accomplished defense attorney.
  • Perform dramatic and relationship-focused scenes with emotional nuance.
  • Balance the character’s strength, intelligence, and reserved nature.
  • Follow direction and collaborate professionally with cast and crew.

Requirements

  • Black female actor.
  • Playing age: 40s–50s.
  • Strong dramatic acting and on-camera presence.
  • Able to portray authority alongside emotional vulnerability.

Compensation

  • Compensation details not specified.
$

Job Description

A short film is seeking a Black female actor to portray Alesha, a holistic healer and loctician in her 40s who embodies wisdom, intuition, and empathy. Alesha is emotionally deep and accustomed to carrying the pain of others, but she remains guarded when it comes to her own relationships. Her character journey involves learning to receive the same love and emotional support she regularly gives to others.

Job Responsibilities

  • Portray Alesha with warmth, intuition, and emotional depth.
  • Perform character-driven dramatic and relationship scenes.
  • Communicate the character’s wisdom while revealing her guarded vulnerability.
  • Work closely with the director and fellow cast members.

Requirements

  • Black female actor.
  • Playing age: 40s.
  • Strong ability to portray emotionally nuanced material.
  • Comfortable performing a mature, intuitive, and empathetic character.

Compensation

  • Compensation details not specified.
$

Job Description

A short film is casting a Black female actor to portray Dashia, a successful marketing executive in her 30s navigating ambition, independence, and romance. Dashia is characterized as a successful romantic who is ambitious and loyal but also guarded and insecure, with a tendency toward control. Her story centers on learning how to love while maintaining her own identity, requiring a performer who can balance confidence with emotional vulnerability.

Job Responsibilities

  • Portray Dashia in dramatic and relationship-focused scenes.
  • Bring authenticity to the character’s ambition, loyalty, and emotional vulnerability.
  • Develop believable chemistry with other principal performers.
  • Take direction and collaborate with the production team.

Requirements

  • Black female actor.
  • Playing age: 30s.
  • Able to portray a confident yet emotionally layered professional.
  • Strong dramatic and interpersonal performance skills.

Compensation

  • Compensation details not specified.
$

Job Description

A short film is casting a Black male actor to portray Marcus, a celebrated filmmaker in his 40s–50s whose career has been built around telling emotionally honest stories. Following a devastating personal loss, Marcus earns critical acclaim for his most personal film and begins navigating a new chapter in both his career and personal life. Marcus is an introspective artist who is empathetic and visionary but emotionally unavailable, conflict-avoidant, and still grieving.

Job Responsibilities

  • Portray Marcus with emotional depth and authenticity.
  • Perform dramatic scenes centered on grief, relationships, and personal growth.
  • Capture the character’s introspective and emotionally guarded personality.
  • Collaborate with the director and follow creative direction throughout production.

Requirements

  • Black male actor.
  • Playing age: 40s–50s.
  • Strong dramatic and character-driven acting ability.
  • Comfortable portraying emotionally complex relationship material.

Compensation

  • Compensation details not specified.
$

Job Description

An upcoming short film titled Ravish is casting actors for lead and supporting roles in New York City. The story follows a man who unexpectedly comes face-to-face with his ex-lover, forcing a violent reckoning with their shared history. The production is currently casting Birdie, a deeply vulnerable young woman with an unpredictable edge, and Chris, a confident romantic who believes he has found something genuine in his relationship with Marty.

Job Responsibilities

  • Portray one of the featured characters in the short film.
  • Deliver natural and emotionally grounded performances.
  • Perform scripted scenes while following creative direction.
  • Work collaboratively with the director, cast, and production team.
  • Maintain professionalism throughout production.

Requirements

  • Birdie: Female, early 20s. Impulsive and introspective with a vulnerable side beneath a hard exterior. Must have strong comedic timing and be equally capable of explosive dramatic performance.
  • Chris: Male, 20s–30s. Confident, romantic, grounded, and comfortable portraying a gay character who embraces a dominant role within his relationship.

Compensation

  • Copy and credit provided.
  • Meals provided.
  • Transportation covered or provided.

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Expiration date:
03-10-2026

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