Short Film Casting Call for Actors

Job Description

A cinematic short film is casting supporting actors and background extras for a character-driven story set in Vancouver, British Columbia. The film follows five Black women as they navigate one unforgettable Friday evening, exploring friendship, identity, and the conversations left unsaid.

The production welcomes performers of all experience levels and backgrounds. Casting directors are especially interested in creating an authentic reflection of Vancouver’s diverse community and encourage performers from a wide range of backgrounds to apply.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform a supporting or background role in a cinematic short film.
• Follow direction from the director and production team.
• Collaborate professionally with cast and crew throughout filming.
• Help create realistic environments in office, restaurant, street, and public transit scenes.
• Arrive prepared for scheduled filming days.

Requirements

• Open to performers of all experience levels.
• All ethnicities are encouraged to apply.
• Supporting roles include:
  • Gladys: Female, 40s–60s, office colleague.
  • Colleague #1: Female, late 20s–30s.
  • Lisa: Female, late 20s–40s, potential voice-over role with a one-line performance.
  • Colleagues #2 & #3: Male, late 20s–40s, one-line roles.
  • Older Man: Male, 60s, apartment neighbor with a one-line role.
• Extras are needed for:
  • Office scenes
  • Restaurant patrons
  • Coat check staff and servers
  • Street and evening pedestrian scenes
  • Train passengers
• Must be available for filming in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Compensation

• Unpaid production.
• Screen credit.
• Digital copy of the completed film for your reel.
• Professional behind-the-scenes photos.
• Craft services provided on set.
• Priority consideration for future paid productions.
• Film will be submitted to festivals.

Job Description

A paid union short film is casting an Asian or BIPOC actress for a supporting role in an emotional, character-driven story. The film follows a Muslim father navigating a terminal cancer diagnosis as he attempts to reconnect with his estranged son through their shared love of cooking.

Casting directors are seeking an actress who can deliver a grounded and emotionally authentic performance in a one-day shoot. This is an excellent opportunity for performers interested in meaningful dramatic storytelling.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray the supporting character of Vanessa in a dramatic short film.
• Collaborate with the director and cast to deliver an authentic performance.
• Attend a one-day filming session.
• Follow production direction while maintaining professionalism on set.

Requirements

• Female actor.
• Asian or BIPOC.
• Playing age: Mid-20s to early 30s.
• Union performer.
• Strong acting ability with experience in dramatic roles preferred.
• Able to portray a smart, compassionate medical professional supporting her partner during a family crisis.
• Professional headshot, resume, and supporting materials may be requested during the application process.

Compensation

• Paid acting opportunity.
• Union production.
• One-day filming commitment.
• Build your portfolio with a professionally produced dramatic short film.

Job Description

A new non-union comedy short film is seeking talented performers for a character-driven production filming in Downtown Montreal, Quebec. This 10-minute student film follows a group of unique and unforgettable characters whose lives unexpectedly connect over the course of a summer. Set against the backdrop of a local soccer field, the story blends humor, heart, and quirky personalities into an engaging ensemble narrative.

Filming will take place over several days in Downtown Montreal. Performers with strong character instincts and a passion for independent filmmaking are encouraged to apply.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform a scripted role in a short comedy film.
• Collaborate with the director and fellow cast members during rehearsals and filming.
• Bring authenticity, personality, and emotional depth to the assigned character.
• Be available for filming in Downtown Montreal.

Requirements

• Oliver (Main Protagonist):
  • Male
  • Playing age: 17–22
  • Open to all ethnicities
  • A genuine, wide-eyed character searching for a sense of belonging.
• Alma (Main Protagonist):
  • Female
  • Playing age: 15–21
  • Person of Color (POC)
  • A quiet but determined soccer player who admires the older players around her.
• Celeste:
  • Female
  • Playing age: 18–23
  • Caucasian
  • A confident French girl with a bold personality and natural charm.

Compensation

• Non-union production
• Unpaid opportunity
• Gain experience working on a student short film.
• Build your acting portfolio and collaborate with an emerging filmmaking team.

Job Description

A paid, non-union short film is casting two lead actors for Counting Stars, a heartfelt story about love, reflection, and the people who help us realize how far we’ve come. The production is seeking experienced performers to portray a mature couple in a quiet, character-driven film shooting in Calgary, Alberta.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray one of the two lead characters in the short film.
• Deliver authentic and emotionally grounded performances.
• Collaborate with the director and production team.
• Be available for the scheduled production day.

Requirements

• Lead Male: Ages 40–50. Thoughtful, kind, reflective, and carries quiet emotional depth.
• Lead Female: Ages 40–50. Warm, witty, understanding, with a strong yet gentle presence.
• Must be available to film in Calgary, Alberta.
• Non-union performers welcome.

Compensation

• Paid opportunity.
• Non-union production.
• Lead role in a character-driven short film.

Job Description

Writer and director Vahab Gaeeni is casting the lead actress for Look at This Face, an independent psychological short film shooting in Toronto. The production is seeking a talented female performer who is fluent in both English and Persian (Farsi) and has previous acting experience.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray the lead character in a dramatic short film.
• Participate in a three-day shoot in Toronto.
• Collaborate closely with the director to bring the character to life.

Requirements

• Female, 25–30 years old.
• Fluent in English and Persian (Farsi).
• Previous acting experience required.
• Based in Toronto or able to travel for filming.
• Available for the scheduled July shoot dates.

Compensation

• Not specified

Job Description

A Concordia University student production is casting lead roles for Round Are We, a 10–15 minute non-union short film shooting in Downtown Montreal. The ensemble film follows a collection of quirky, interconnected characters whose lives intersect over the course of a summer, blending comedy, drama, and soccer-themed storytelling.

Synopsis

During one eventful summer, a drummer rushing to his biggest gig, a young girl determined to prove herself on the soccer field, and a boy searching for a place to stay unexpectedly cross paths. Set primarily around a neighborhood football pitch, Round Are We tells a series of fast-paced, character-driven stories connected by humor, music, and shared experiences.

Roles Available

Oliver (Lead)

• Male
• Ages 17–22
• Height: 5’7″–6’1″
• Any ethnicity

Alma (Lead)

• Female
• Ages 15–20
• Height: 5’3″–5’8″
• Dark complexion

Celeste

• Female
• Ages 18–23
• Height: 5’6″–5’10”
• Caucasian

Compensation

This is an unpaid opportunity.

Job Description

An independent dramatic comedy short film is casting three actors for a non-union production in Calgary, Alberta. The story follows a young man struggling to rebuild his life as he faces an existential and spiritual dilemma during an evening campfire. This character-driven project explores themes of family, mental health, and resilience. Virtual auditions are being accepted.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a featured character in an independent short film.
• Participate in a virtual audition if selected.
• Collaborate with the director and production team during filming.
• Deliver authentic and emotionally compelling performances.

Requirements

• Non-union actors.
• Casting the following roles:
  • Pete: Male, mid to late 30s.
  • Lena: Female, late 20s to early 30s.
  • Pete’s Mother: Female, mid to late 60s.
• Comfortable performing material involving mental health and substance abuse themes.
• Available to film in Calgary, Alberta.

Compensation

• Unpaid acting opportunity.
• Non-union production.
• Opportunity to gain experience and build your acting portfolio.

Volunteer Cast for Historical Indie Short Film

Job Description

A non-union independent short film is casting lead, supporting, and child roles for a historical drama filming in Vancouver, British Columbia. Set in 1892 Nova Scotia, the story follows an isolated young woman whose friendship uncovers a dark family secret. Casting directors are seeking passionate performers for this volunteer production, which offers on-set experience, meals, and screen credits.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray historically inspired characters in a dramatic short film.
• Perform scripted scenes under the director’s guidance.
• Collaborate professionally with the cast and crew throughout production.
• Help bring an emotional period story to life.

Requirements

• Seeking the following roles:
  • Blythe (Lead): Female, ages 18–25, European or African/Black ethnicity. A compassionate and creative young woman with dreams beyond her isolated life.
  • Agatha (Lead): Female, ages 18–25, European ethnicity. Curious, devoted, and charismatic with a mysterious family background.
  • Mary (Supporting): Female, ages 35–55, European or African/Black ethnicity. Strong-willed, caring, and hardworking with six lines of dialogue.
  • Henry: Male, ages 8–12, European or African/Black ethnicity. Quiet, responsible, and respectful. No dialogue.
• Must be able to work in Vancouver, British Columbia.
• Comfortable performing in a period drama set in the late 1800s.

Compensation

• Volunteer opportunity.
• Meals provided during production.
• Screen credit.
• Gain experience working on an independent short film.

Job Description

An independent dramatic comedy short film is casting three actors for a non-union, unpaid production in Calgary, Alberta. The film explores themes of personal growth, family relationships, and mental health through an emotional yet humorous story. Virtual auditions are being accepted, making this a great opportunity for actors interested in independent filmmaking.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray one of the featured characters in a short film.
• Participate in virtual auditions if selected.
• Collaborate with the director and production team during filming.
• Deliver authentic, emotionally driven performances.

Requirements

• Non-union actors.
• Casting the following roles:
  • Pete: Male, mid to late 30s.
  • Lena: Female, late 20s to early 30s.
  • Pete’s Mother: Female, mid to late 60s.
• Comfortable performing material that includes themes of mental health and substance abuse.
• Available for filming in Calgary, Alberta.

Compensation

• Unpaid acting opportunity.
• Non-union production.
• Opportunity to build your acting portfolio and gain independent film experience.

Open Casting Call for Dance Short Film

Job Description

A finalist project for the Innovate Dance Film Showcase is casting union and non-union performers for the upcoming short film Along the Road. Filming will take place in Metro Vancouver, with rehearsals scheduled in mid-July and production at the end of the month. This magical realism dance film explores themes of friendship, heritage, and cultural connection across generations.

Casting directors are seeking performers with movement experience for multiple roles. Lion dance experience is a strong asset for one featured child role, while movement or dance experience is preferred for most adult characters. Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray one of the film’s featured or supporting characters.
• Participate in scheduled movement rehearsals before filming.
• Perform choreographed movement and dramatic scenes on camera.
• Collaborate with the director and creative team throughout production.

Requirements

• Open to both union and non-union performers.
• Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Available for rehearsals on July 16–22.
• Available for filming on July 30–31 in Metro Vancouver.
• Submit a headshot, demo reel, and CV.

Roles Available

• Rian – Chinese child, open gender (approximately age 9), curious and energetic with movement or dance experience. Lion dance experience is a strong asset.
• Indian Person at Silk Road – Open gender, approximately age 30. Movement experience preferred.
• Chinese Person at Silk Road – Open gender, approximately age 30. Movement experience preferred.
• Punjabi Man on Railroad – Ages 20–30. Movement experience preferred.
• Chinese Man on Railroad – Ages 20–30. Movement experience preferred.
• Punjabi Grandpa – Ages 60–80. Good comedic timing is a plus.
• Chinese Grandpa – Ages 60–80. Comfortable portraying a gentle daily park stroll.

Compensation

• Paid opportunity for selected performers.
• Work on an Innovate Dance Film Showcase finalist project.
• Gain professional film and dance performance experience.

Job Description

A compelling opportunity is available for a talented lead female actress to star in an independent drama short film inspired by the groundbreaking performance art of Marina Abramović. This expressive, non-speaking role is ideal for performers who can convey powerful emotion through movement, facial expressions, and physical presence.

Filming will take place in Montreal over a two-day production schedule. Meals will be provided, and performers will receive a copy of the completed film. This project is also open to ACTRA members.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray the lead female character in a dramatic, non-speaking role.
• Express emotion through body language and facial expressions.
• Collaborate closely with the director throughout filming.
• Participate in a two-day shoot in Montreal.
• Help bring an artistic and emotionally driven story to life.

Requirements

• Female actor for the lead role.
• Comfortable with performance art and expressive storytelling.
• Strong non-verbal acting skills.
• Able to attend the full filming schedule in Montreal.
• Previous acting experience is beneficial but not required.

Compensation

• Unpaid opportunity.
• Meals provided during production.
• Copy of the completed film.
• Open to ACTRA members.

Job Description

A non-union short film is seeking actors for two lead roles in a coming-of-age drama titled Nightbreak. The story follows two young women who meet unexpectedly at a bar and spend a transformative night together, exploring themes of desire, isolation, identity, and the uncertainty of the futures they have chosen for themselves.

This character-driven drama offers performers the opportunity to portray emotionally complex characters navigating connection, vulnerability, and self-discovery.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a lead character in a dramatic short film.
• Participate in rehearsals and filming as scheduled.
• Collaborate with the director and cast to develop authentic character relationships.
• Deliver emotionally nuanced performances that support the film’s themes.
• Follow creative direction while maintaining character consistency throughout production.

Requirements

Mia

• Femme-presenting.
• Ages 18–25.
• Ability to portray a reserved, introspective, and emotionally layered character.
• Strong dramatic acting skills preferred.

Juliette

• Femme-presenting.
• Ages 18–25.
• Ability to portray a charismatic, impulsive, and emotionally complex character.
• Strong dramatic acting skills preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Headshot required.
• Resume required.
• Demo reel preferred.
• Non-union performers welcome.
• Must indicate the role being auditioned for in the application subject line.

Compensation Details

• Volunteer opportunity.
• Valuable experience on an independent short film production.
• Opportunity to build credits and collaborate with emerging filmmakers.