“Talkback” Short Film Casting Call

Job Description

A 5-minute, one-take student short film titled A Thief in the Night is seeking actors for two principal roles. This suspense-driven project will be filmed on location in Glebe and is intended for university showcase screenings and film festival submissions.

The story follows a thief attempting to evade detection after breaking into a young woman’s home—only for her to mysteriously disappear without a trace.

This is an unpaid student production offering food, screen credit, and a copy of the completed film.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray one of two lead roles in a continuous one-take short film

• Deliver emotionally grounded performances in a suspense/thriller setting

• Collaborate closely with the student director and crew

• Participate in rehearsals and all scheduled shoot days

• Provide a self-tape or previous acting clip for consideration

Requirements

The Thief

• Male

• Ages 18–30

• Open ethnicity

• Height between 5’8” – 6’4”

• Tall, slender or average build

• Must convincingly portray a character dealing with grief

Young Woman

• Female

• Ages 18–30

• Open ethnicity

• Height between 5’4” – 5’10”

• Able to portray a character frustrated with repetitive life circumstances

• Strong acting ability required

• Comfortable performing in a one-take filming format

Compensation Details

• Unpaid student film

• Food provided

• Screen credit

• Copy of completed film

• Invitation to university showcase screening

Job Description
Casting is underway for Papaya Picking, an upcoming short film centered on a daughter and her mother with dementia as they embark on a fantastical adventure to spark fading memories. The production is seeking female Asian actresses, particularly those who can speak Thai or another Southeast Asian language.

This paid opportunity offers principal and supporting roles in a heartfelt, character-driven story blending emotional depth with moments of satire and exaggeration. The project calls for naturalistic, grounded performances with strong emotional authenticity.

Roles Being Cast

Principal Role – Female, 30–45 (South-East Asian, preferably Thai)
Character: A caring yet brave daughter who retells a childhood story in hopes of reconnecting with her mother. She is tender, occasionally impulsive, and deeply yearning for reconnection.

Supporting Role – Female, 50+ (South-East Asian, preferably Thai)
Character: The mother living with dementia. A layered role requiring subtle emotional shifts and grounded performance.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray emotionally complex characters in a short film production

• Deliver naturalistic, grounded performances

• Balance subtle satire and heightened moments when required

• Perform scenes in Thai or another Southeast Asian language (minimum basic level required)

• Participate in rehearsals and scheduled filming days

Requirements

• Female Asian actresses (South-East Asian heritage preferred)

• Thai language ability preferred (or another Southeast Asian language)

• Comfortable working in outdoor environments

• Available in the Greater Melbourne area

• Strong emotional range and ability to perform nuanced character work

Compensation Details

• Paid opportunity

• Approximate rate: $200 per day for a 3-day shoot

• Further details to be confirmed