CASTING CALL – LEAD ROLES IN INTERNATIONAL VERTICAL SERIES

Casting Call for Non-Union Short Film – Act-Thug

Job Description:
A heartfelt coming-of-age short film is casting for lead and supporting roles in Act-Thug, the story of Terence, a young Jamaican immigrant in Canada who discovers a deep passion for acting while navigating the pressure of loyalty and identity. This Toronto-based production explores themes of self-expression, friendship, and cultural conflict. The film is seeking authentic and emotionally grounded performances from Toronto locals, especially those of Caribbean descent.

Job Responsibilities:
• Portray characters central to a powerful coming-of-age narrative
• Collaborate with a creative team to bring emotional truth to each scene
• Participate in scheduled rehearsals and filming in August
• Deliver naturalistic performances with cultural authenticity

Requirements:

• Terence

  • Male, age 19–24

  • Black, must be able to speak Jamaican Patois

• Anthony

  • Male, age 19–24

  • Black

• Jade

  • Female, age 19–25

  • Any ethnicity

  • Must be local to Toronto

  • Passion for storytelling and character-driven film work

Compensation:
• Non-paid, non-union production
• Film credit and experience in a Toronto-based narrative short

Casting Hispanic Family for Netflix’s I Will Find You

Job Description:
The upcoming Netflix thriller I Will Find You, starring Sam Worthington, is casting a Hispanic family for a vibrant, outdoor Fourth of July picnic scene. This Toronto-based shoot is part of a high-profile project produced by Harlan Coben and features dramatic and emotionally rich storytelling. Talent will portray a family enjoying an authentic summer gathering. Real families are encouraged, but casting is open to individual actors who can be matched to form a believable family unit.

Production Details:
I Will Find You is Netflix’s first U.S.-based Harlan Coben adaptation, following a father wrongly convicted of his son’s murder. Upon receiving proof that his son might still be alive, he escapes from prison to uncover the truth. This 8-episode series is filming in Toronto from April through August 2025.

Job Responsibilities:
• Portray a family attending a Fourth of July picnic/party
• Engage naturally in background action during an exterior day shoot
• Follow direction from the production team for various setups and movements

Requirements:
• Hispanic family, ideally real (Mom, Dad, children), or actors willing to be paired
• Children must be between ages 6 and 14
• Must be local to Toronto and available for the shoot

Compensation:
• Paid background role (rate in accordance with standard BG terms)
• Non-speaking role in a Netflix original production

Actor for Yeye Role in Short Action-Comedy Film

Job Description
The short film Crouching Grandma, Hidden Apple is casting a lead actor for the role of Yeye, a spirited and tech-obsessed grandfather who joins a chaotic quest for redemption and tradition. This action-comedy explores generational differences, family bonds, and martial arts with humor and heart. Yeye brings youthful energy, comic timing, and stunt flair to the narrative, offering a standout opportunity for an actor with both presence and physicality.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray Yeye with humor, charm, and emotional sincerity

• Perform choreographed stunts or martial arts-inspired movement

• Deliver bilingual dialogue in English and Mandarin

• Commit to approximately three days of shooting in Vancouver

Requirements

• East Asian man, age 50–65

• Fluent in English and Mandarin

• Must exude youthful spirit and comedic timing

• Comfortable with stunt choreography or action movement

• Must be a local hire in Vancouver and available between July 18–22

Compensation

• Volunteer role (unpaid)

• Includes copy, credit, and meals on set

• Lead role in a UBCP/ACTRA ULB short film with festival showcase potential

Actor for Xiaomao Role in Short Action-Comedy Film

Job Description
The short film Crouching Grandma, Hidden Apple is casting for the role of Xiaomao, a spirited and artistic young girl navigating emotional challenges at a summer camp. As one of the film’s lead characters, Xiaomao brings heart and vulnerability to this martial arts-infused comedy exploring family, tradition, and self-discovery. This role is ideal for a young performer with emotional depth and bilingual fluency.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray Xiaomao with authenticity, emotion, and energy

• Deliver lines in both English and Mandarin

• Work collaboratively with cast and crew during a one-day shoot

• Bring a balance of innocence, creativity, and emotional range to the character

Requirements

• East Asian girl, age 7–13

• Fluent in English and Mandarin

• Strong expressive abilities and natural on-camera presence

• Able to portray vulnerability, artistic spirit, and fear of abandonment

• Must be a local hire in the Vancouver area

Compensation

• Volunteer role (unpaid)

• Includes credit, copy of the film, and on-set meals

• Lead role in a UBCP/ACTRA ULB short film with potential festival exposure

Actor for Auntie Role in Short Action-Comedy Film

Job Description
The short film Crouching Grandma, Hidden Apple is casting for the role of Auntie, a sharp-witted shopkeeper with a hidden soft side. Set in a world that blends tradition, comedy, and Kungfu-inspired action, Auntie is a key supporting character who brings grounded charm and quiet strength to the story. This is an exciting role for a bilingual actor with strong comedic instincts and the potential for physical performance.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray Auntie with confidence, humor, and emotional nuance

• Deliver dialogue in both English and Mandarin

• Support story progression through character interaction and subtle shifts

• Perform stunts if able (not required but a plus)

Requirements

• East Asian woman, age 30–40

• Fluent in English and Mandarin

• Strong character presence with both edge and warmth

• Stunt experience is a bonus but not mandatory

• Must be a local hire in the Vancouver area

Compensation

• Volunteer role (unpaid)

• Includes credit, copy of the film, and meals provided

• Principal role in a UBCP/ACTRA ULB short film with festival potential

Actor for Waipo Role in Short Action-Comedy Film

Job Description
The short film Crouching Grandma, Hidden Apple is casting for the role of Waipo, a seemingly frail elder who is actually a retired Kungfu master. This action-comedy blends humor, tradition, and martial arts in a story about love and generational reconciliation. Waipo delivers surprise, strength, and wisdom in a brief but memorable appearance. Ideal for an actor with physicality and a flair for character roles.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray Waipo with subtle strength and commanding screen presence

• Deliver lines in English and Mandarin with clarity and emotion

• Perform choreographed stunt or martial arts movement

• Participate in a one-day shoot with the creative team

Requirements

• East Asian woman, age 60–70

• Fluent in English and Mandarin

• Must be comfortable with stunt work or martial arts choreography

• Able to portray both frailty and power with authenticity

• Must be a local hire in the Vancouver area

Compensation

• Volunteer role (unpaid)

• Includes on-screen credit, copy of the film, and meals

• Featured role in a UBCP/ACTRA ULB short film with festival exposure

Actor for Nainai Role in Short Action-Comedy Film

Job Description
An action-comedy short film titled Crouching Grandma, Hidden Apple is seeking a lead actor for the role of Nainai. This character is a stern yet deeply loyal grandmother who sets out on a wild quest through the city to find the perfect apple. The story blends humor, tradition, and heartfelt generational themes, brought to life through dynamic Kungfu-inspired stunt scenes. This is a strong lead role in a creatively rich production, perfect for actors looking to shine in both dramatic and physical performance.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray Nainai with emotional range, combining strength and warmth

• Perform choreographed Kungfu or Shaolin-inspired stunt sequences

• Collaborate with directors and cast during a three-day shoot

• Deliver bilingual dialogue in English and Mandarin

Requirements

• East Asian woman, age 50–65

• Fluent in English and Mandarin

• Strong character presence with the ability to convey discipline and compassion

• Must be comfortable performing stunts or choreographed action

• Local to Vancouver and available for 3 shoot days between July 18–22

Compensation

• Volunteer role (unpaid)

• Includes copy, credit, and on-set meals

• Lead role in a UBCP/ACTRA ULB short film with festival visibility

Actor for Cadet Cordova Role in Short Film

Job Description
An upcoming short film titled The Summer I Found Myself is seeking a talented actor to portray Cadet Cordova, a supporting lead in this heartfelt, character-driven coming-of-age story. Set at a Naval summer camp, the film explores themes of friendship, identity, vulnerability, and transformation among four misfit cadets learning to connect and grow as a unit. This volunteer role offers meaningful screen time and strong emotional arcs within a tightly written 8-minute narrative.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray Cadet Cordova with depth, nuance, and emotional authenticity

• Participate in table reads, rehearsals, and two-day on-location shoot

• Collaborate with cast and director to capture the arc from outsider to romantic connection

• Bring subtle physical and emotional shifts to reflect growth and self-discovery

Requirements

• Male actor, age 16–29 (to play 17)

• Open to all ethnicities; IBPOC actors strongly encouraged

• Slim to average build preferred

• Character background: PEI farm kid seeking real friendship; plays an “enemies to lovers” dynamic with a fellow cadet

• Must be local to Vancouver or able to work as a local hire in Delta, BC

• Comfortable with emotionally expressive roles

Compensation

• Volunteer opportunity

• On-screen credit

• UBCP ULB short film with festival potential

• Strong supporting lead role with character depth

Actor for Cadet Ren Role in Short Film

Job Description
A short film titled The Summer I Found Myself is casting for the role of Cadet Ren, a principal character in a coming-of-age story set at a Naval summer camp. This heartfelt 8-minute film explores personal growth, rebellion, and reluctant teamwork among four very different teens. Cadet Ren is the energetic class clown whose charm hides a deep resistance to authority and collaboration. This is a great opportunity for an emerging actor to showcase charisma, comedic timing, and layered emotional beats.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray Cadet Ren with bold energy, humor, and vulnerability

• Participate in rehearsals and a two-day shoot on location in Delta, BC

• Collaborate with a diverse cast and production team in a festival-bound project

• Balance comedic delivery with subtle emotional shifts

Requirements

• Male actor, age 16–29 (to play 17)

• Open to all ethnicities; IBPOC actors strongly encouraged

• Lean, athletic, or muscular build preferred

• Character type: rebellious, funny, magnetic; dislikes teamwork but hides deeper feelings

• Must be a Vancouver local or able to work as a local hire

• Comfortable with fast-paced, dialogue-driven scenes

Compensation

• Volunteer role with on-screen credit

• Strong principal role in a UBCP ULB short film

• Ideal for actors looking to build their reel with a dynamic, memorable part

Actor for Cadet Vale Role in Short Film

Job Description
A powerful short film titled The Summer I Found Myself is casting a principal role for Cadet Vale, a unique and emotionally rich character in a coming-of-age story set at a Naval summer camp. The film follows a group of misfit teens as they navigate friendship, identity, and self-discovery. Cadet Vale is an oddball with a tough home life who ultimately finds a chosen family among fellow cadets. This role offers a strong emotional arc and an opportunity to showcase depth and vulnerability on screen.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray Cadet Vale with authenticity, sensitivity, and depth

• Participate in rehearsals and a two-day location shoot in Delta, BC

• Work closely with cast and director to bring nuance to a character in transformation

• Express character development through both spoken and non-verbal performance

Requirements

• Female actor, age 16–29 (to play 16)

• Open to all ethnicities; IBPOC actors strongly encouraged

• Slim or average build preferred

• Character type: introverted, emotionally guarded, later opens up and bonds with others

• Must be local to Vancouver or able to work as a local hire

• Comfortable with expressive, emotionally layered roles

Compensation

• Volunteer role with screen credit

• UBCP ULB short film project with festival potential

• Ideal for actors looking to expand their portfolio with a heartfelt lead

Actor for Petty Officer Role in Short Film

Job Description
A bold and satirical short film titled The Summer I Found Myself is casting a principal role for the Petty Officer, a comedic yet commanding drill sergeant at a Naval summer camp. This character brings a mix of intensity and humor to the story, setting the tone for discipline while also reflecting the exaggerated structure of youth military programs. The Petty Officer is central to the cadets’ transformation and brings memorable energy to each scene.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a commanding, sharp, and satirical drill sergeant with strong comedic timing

• Deliver scripted dialogue with clarity, confidence, and humor

• Participate in rehearsals and a two-day shoot in Delta, BC

• Work collaboratively with a diverse cast and creative team

Requirements

• Actor of any gender, age 17–30

• Open to all ethnicities; IBPOC actors strongly encouraged

• Strong presence, bold voice, and expressive delivery

• Comfortable portraying an authoritative figure with exaggerated traits

• Must be based in Vancouver or able to work as a local hire

Compensation

• Volunteer role with on-screen credit

• Principal role in a UBCP ULB short film

• Great opportunity to showcase comedic and character acting in a festival-ready project

Actors Needed for Short Film Projects – Volunteer Opportunity

Job Description
Actors are needed for multiple short film projects produced as part of the 20th anniversary of the Mighty Asian Moviemaking Marathon (MAMM), hosted by the Vancouver Asian Film Festival. This exciting opportunity is open to actors looking to gain experience, build their reel, and connect with other creatives in the industry. While this is a volunteer-based project, it offers powerful networking exposure and creative collaboration with filmmakers working across various genres and themes.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform in one of several short films being produced during the event

• Participate in rehearsals, table reads, and on-set filming

• Collaborate closely with emerging and experienced directors and crew

• Contribute creatively to a fast-paced, festival-driven production

Requirements

• Open to actors of all experience levels and backgrounds

• Must be available for rehearsals and production dates (TBD by individual films)

• Passionate about independent film and Asian representation in media

Compensation

• Volunteer role (unpaid)

• Opportunity to grow your reel and industry network

• High-visibility platform with festival screenings

• Join a celebrated filmmaking community with over 180 projects to date