“Skellig” Open Casting Call

Job Description

BAFTA-winning Des Hamilton Casting is seeking a child performer for a lead role in an upcoming short film by award-winning director and photographer Renee Maria Osubu. The production is particularly interested in children whose lives have been shaped by migration, relocation, or seeking refuge. No previous acting experience is required, and lived experience is valued.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray the Hero Child in a lead role for the short film.
• Perform naturally and authentically on camera.
• Work closely with the director and production team.
• Follow age-appropriate direction during filming.
• Participate professionally with the support of a parent or guardian.

Requirements

• Any gender.
• Ages 9–12.
• Must be based in the UK.
• Must have Sudanese, Congolese, or Palestinian heritage.
• English should be a second or additional language.
• Seeking children who do not speak with a British accent.
• No previous acting experience required.
• Applications must be submitted by a parent or guardian.
• Children and families with lived experience of migration, relocation, or seeking refuge are especially encouraged to apply.

Compensation

• Paid opportunity.

Job Description

“Breakdown,” a horror short film, is seeking a female actor to portray Ashley in a supporting role. The character is primarily heard rather than seen, with her emotional journey progressing from fear and vulnerability toward an increasingly sinister presence. The role requires a strong vocal performer who can convincingly portray distress, crying, and menace, alongside a brief on-camera appearance.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray Ashley in a supporting role.
• Deliver a strong, emotionally driven vocal performance.
• Progress naturally from fear and vulnerability to menace.
• Portray distress and crying convincingly.
• Participate in a brief on-camera appearance.
• Follow the director’s performance guidance.

Requirements

• Female actor.
• Playing age: 24–35.
• Strong vocal and emotional performance skills.
• Comfortable portraying fear, distress, crying, and menace.
• Comfortable with a brief on-camera appearance.
• Available to work in Leeds.

Compensation

• Paid, low-budget production.

Job Description

“Breakdown,” a horror short film, is seeking a male actor to play Bobby, the lead character. After dismissing his ex-girlfriend’s fears, Bobby follows her desperate message to an isolated lay-by and discovers her abandoned car, where he realizes her disappearance may be a trap. This demanding lead role carries most of the film and requires an actor capable of sustained tension, emotional dialogue, panic, and physical performance.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray Bobby as the lead character.
• Perform emotionally intense dialogue and sustained tension.
• Portray panic and fear convincingly.
• Perform simulated vomiting and choreographed physical action.
• Carry solo scenes and perform directly to camera.
• Follow direction throughout exterior night filming.

Requirements

• Male actor.
• Playing age: 24–35.
• Strong dramatic and emotional acting ability.
• Comfortable acting alone and directly to camera.
• Comfortable with simulated vomiting.
• Able to perform physical action safely.
• Available to work in Leeds.

Compensation

• Paid, low-budget production.

Job Description

Golden Age Studios is casting a Black or Mixed-Race actress to play Kyra, one of the leading roles in the upcoming London-based short film RUN. RUN is a zombie thriller following two survivors trying to navigate a world overrun by the infected. After running out of food, they are forced to embark on a dangerous supply run. An encounter with the infected separates them, leaving both characters fighting their way back to each other.

Kyra, ages 21–28, was once a kind-hearted and innocent person, but surviving the zombie apocalypse has transformed her into someone colder and more hardened. Beneath that exterior, traces of her former kindness remain. She is fiercely protective of others and willing to risk her own life to help them, a quality that serves as both her greatest strength and greatest weakness.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray Kyra, a lead character in the zombie thriller short film RUN.
• Deliver a layered performance balancing toughness, vulnerability, and compassion.
• Participate in rehearsals, filming, and other production activities as required.
• Collaborate closely with the director and fellow cast members.
• Perform dramatic and thriller-focused scenes involving survival and danger.

Requirements

• Black or Mixed-Race female actress.
• Playing age: 21–28.
• Strong dramatic acting ability and commitment to the character.
• Comfortable performing within the zombie, horror, and thriller genres.

Compensation

Compensation is not specified.

Lead Child Actor (Refugee or Migrant Background) for Short Film

Job Description
A short dramatic film is casting a thoughtful, curious child (age 9–12) to play the lead character Elmi, who forms a powerful friendship amid rising tension. The production welcomes first-time performers and offers a supportive environment for young talent to shine.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray Elmi with honesty and emotional depth

• Work closely with the director to develop the character’s journey

• Collaborate with another young co-star to depict a believable friendship

• Attend fittings, rehearsals, and seven shoot days

• Maintain focus and professionalism on set

Requirements

• Boy or girl aged 9–12

• Refugee or migrant background strongly encouraged (e.g., Eritrea, Sudan, Somalia, Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Vietnam)

• No prior acting experience required; enthusiasm and authenticity valued

• Able to travel to a British seaside town for all filming dates

• Parent or guardian consent and supervision throughout production

Compensation

• Paid role (rate disclosed upon selection)

• Travel and meals covered during filming

• Screen credit and footage for future opportunities