“Two Sides, One Coin” NYU Student Film Open Casting Call

Job Description

A short film production is seeking background extras to portray funeral attendees in an upcoming scene filming in Chicago. This is a great opportunity for aspiring actors, film enthusiasts, and individuals interested in gaining on-set experience while contributing to an independent film project.

Selected participants will help create an authentic funeral atmosphere and may have the opportunity to work alongside the film’s cast and crew during production.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray funeral attendees in background scenes.
• Follow direction from the production team and assistant directors.
• Remain available throughout the filming period as needed.
• Maintain professional behavior on set.
• Participate in crowd and group scenes to help create a realistic environment.

Requirements

• Open to individuals of various backgrounds and experience levels.
• Ability to follow on-set instructions and work collaboratively.
• Reliable transportation to the filming location or ability to utilize provided transportation options.
• Must be comfortable participating in a funeral-themed scene.
• Friends and groups are encouraged to apply together.

Compensation Details

• Unpaid background extra opportunity.
• Free lunch and snacks provided on set.
• Transportation assistance provided.
• Valuable on-set experience and networking opportunities with filmmakers and cast.

Job Description

Aidan Middlebrook is casting actors for How Does This Work?, an independent short film exploring identity, friendship, and belonging within a high school basketball team environment. The story follows Trevor Joan, a closeted teenager who struggles to navigate a homophobic social circle while searching for meaningful connections and acceptance.

Both union and non-union actors are encouraged to submit. All performers must be at least 18 years old and able to portray younger teenage characters.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray assigned characters in a dramatic narrative short film.
• Participate in rehearsals and principal photography.
• Collaborate with the director and fellow cast members.
• Deliver authentic and emotionally grounded performances.
• Follow production guidelines regarding scripted scenes, including simulated smoking and intimacy when applicable.

Requirements

Lead Role

• Trevor Joan – Male, plays age 16, any race/ethnicity. A thoughtful teenager who suppresses his emotions and fears social rejection due to his sexuality. Includes simulated smoking and male-male intimacy scenes. An intimacy coordinator will be present.

Supporting Roles

• Chris Carlyle – Male, plays age 16, White. Popular teammate who is narrow-minded but socially successful. Includes simulated smoking.
• Sam Kelley – Male, plays age 18, any race/ethnicity. Party-focused and immature despite being older than his peers. Includes simulated smoking.
• Kyrie Davis – Male, plays age 17, Black or African American. Charismatic, confident, and well-liked. Includes simulated smoking.
• Derrick West – Male, plays age 17, White. Loyal follower who mirrors his best friend’s behavior. Includes simulated smoking.

Background Roles

• Basketball teammates and additional extras.

All actors must be 18 years or older and capable of portraying teenage characters.

Compensation Details

• This is a non-paid opportunity.
• Open to both union and non-union performers.
• Actors will receive experience, footage consideration, and networking opportunities through participation in the production.

Job Description

A psychological coming-of-age short film is casting lead and supporting roles for an upcoming production. The story follows a teenage boy navigating friendship, obsession, family trauma, and self-discovery as his relationships begin to unravel. The project explores themes of identity, loneliness, and emotional conflict through a dark and dramatic narrative.

Production is seeking talented actors capable of portraying emotionally complex characters. Some roles involve intense dramatic material, including scenes depicting violence and intimacy.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform scripted scenes for a narrative short film.
• Attend auditions, rehearsals, and filming as scheduled.
• Collaborate with the director and production team to develop authentic character portrayals.
• Participate in emotionally demanding dramatic scenes when required.
• Maintain professionalism throughout production.

Requirements

Oscar (Lead)

• Male, ages 18–21
• Caucasian
• Timid and shy teenager with underlying rebellious tendencies
• Strong dramatic acting skills
• Role includes violent and intimate scenes

Jane (Lead)

• Female, ages 18–21
• Caucasian
• Emotionally complex teenage character
• Strong dramatic acting abilities
• Role includes violent and intimate scenes

Tom (Supporting)

• Male, ages 18–21
• Any ethnicity
• Outgoing and supportive best friend character

Caroline (Supporting)

• Female, ages 18–21
• Any ethnicity
• Intelligent, empathetic, and independent personality

Megan/Mom (Supporting)

• Female, ages 40–50
• Caucasian
• Emotionally layered maternal role

Ralph (Supporting)

• Male, ages 10–14
• Caucasian
• Young supporting character dealing with family loss

Jared (Supporting)

• Male, ages 25–35
• Caucasian
• Confident supporting role with significant dramatic scenes

Compensation Details

• Compensation details will be provided to selected actors.
• Lead and supporting roles available.

Job Description

A comedy skit production is seeking talented actors and actresses with strong improvisational skills for upcoming sketch comedy content. Casting directors are looking for performers between the ages of 30 and 50 who can deliver authentic, engaging, and comedic performances in a collaborative production environment.

This opportunity is ideal for experienced performers who excel at improvisation and character-driven storytelling.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform in comedy skits and scripted content productions.
• Utilize strong improvisational abilities during rehearsals and filming.
• Collaborate with directors, writers, and fellow cast members.
• Bring unique character interpretations and comedic timing to scenes.
• Attend scheduled auditions, rehearsals, and filming sessions as required.

Requirements

• Ages 30–50.
• Strong improvisation skills are required.
• Previous acting experience preferred.
• Professional headshot and acting résumé.
• Demo reel showcasing acting experience and performance ability.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented production environment.

Compensation Details

• Compensation details will be disclosed to selected candidates.

Job Description

An independent narrative film production is seeking actors of all experience levels for a dramatic short film exploring immigration, identity, family, politics, justice, and the human stories that connect them. Casting directors are looking for performers who can bring authenticity, emotional depth, and humanity to a powerful story. Multiple paid principal and supporting roles are available.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray assigned characters in a dramatic short film.
• Participate in rehearsals, filming, and production activities as required.
• Deliver emotionally compelling performances.
• Collaborate with the director, cast, and crew throughout production.
• Follow creative direction while maintaining professionalism on set.

Requirements

Principal Roles

Shri Thanedar

• Male, 50–70
• South Asian
• Determined politician navigating public scrutiny, personal conviction, and political pressure.

Mateo Duarte

• Male, 20–40
• Latino
• Intelligent, resilient, and deeply connected to his family and community.

Maria Jose

• Female, 20–40
• Latina
• Strong-willed and compassionate, carrying significant emotional weight.

Shashi

• Female, 40–70
• South Asian
• Maternal figure whose wisdom and emotional depth anchor key moments of the film.

Catalina

• Female, 20–40
• Latina
• Confident, outspoken, and driven by a strong sense of justice.

Judith Brooks

• Female, 40–70
• Any ethnicity
• Seasoned political figure balancing principle, optics, and public responsibility.

Rose Johnson

• Female, 30–60
• Any ethnicity
• Professional, composed, and influential within the political landscape.

Supporting Roles

ICE Regional Director

• Male or Female, 40–70
• Any ethnicity
• Authoritative, strategic, and composed under pressure.

Police Officer

• Male or Female, 25–60
• Any ethnicity
• Professional law enforcement presence.

Congressional Aides

• Male or Female, 20–40
• Any ethnicity
• Sharp, ambitious, and politically savvy.

Reporter

• Male or Female, 25–60
• Any ethnicity
• Strong on-camera presence and confident delivery.

Compensation Details

• Paid roles
• Compensation will be discussed with selected candidates.

Patty (“Mee Maw”) – Supporting Role

Job Description

A non-union narrative short film is casting an actress to portray Patty, also known as “Mee Maw.” Chelsea’s grandmother is sharp-tongued, funny, and unforgettable, bringing humor and wisdom to the story. Producers are seeking a performer with strong character acting abilities and a memorable screen presence.

This featured supporting role offers the chance to play a vibrant character in a heartfelt narrative film.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray Patty (“Mee Maw”) in scripted scenes
• Participate in rehearsal and filming sessions
• Deliver authentic and engaging character performances
• Collaborate with cast and production staff
• Follow direction from the creative team

Requirements

• Woman, ages 65–77
• Hispanic, Indigenous, or Mixed ethnicity
• Strong personality and character acting skills
• Ability to portray a humorous and outspoken grandmother
• Local hire in the San Antonio, Texas area
• Available for rehearsal and filming dates

Compensation

• $200 per day

Linda – Supporting Role

Job Description

A non-union narrative short film is seeking an actress to portray Linda, a confident and charismatic woman who becomes the girlfriend of Chelsea’s father. This memorable supporting role requires strong screen presence, charm, and the ability to bring energy and personality to the character.

The role offers the opportunity to work closely with the principal cast in a character-driven story.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray Linda in scripted scenes
• Attend rehearsals and filming as scheduled
• Collaborate with cast and production team
• Follow creative direction from the director
• Contribute to the story’s emotional and comedic moments

Requirements

• Woman, ages 27–35
• Confident personality and strong on-camera presence
• Comfortable portraying a flirtatious and outgoing character
• Strong acting skills preferred
• Local hire in the San Antonio, Texas area
• Available for rehearsal and filming dates

Compensation

• $200 per day

Chelsea – Child Lead Role

Job Description

A non-union narrative short film is casting a young actress for the lead role of Chelsea. Producers are seeking a talented girl who can bring warmth, intelligence, and emotional depth to this heartfelt story. Chelsea is wise beyond her years and serves as the emotional center of the film.

This is an excellent opportunity for young performers looking to take on a meaningful leading role in an independent film production.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray Chelsea throughout the film’s narrative
• Participate in rehearsals and filming as scheduled
• Deliver authentic and emotionally engaging performances
• Collaborate with the director and cast members
• Follow production guidance and direction

Requirements

• Girl, ages 8–11
• Hispanic, Indigenous, or Mixed ethnicity
• Strong personality and natural acting ability
• Able to portray a mature and thoughtful character
• Local hire in the San Antonio, Texas area
• Available for rehearsals and filming dates

Compensation

• $250 per day

Job Description

A production team is seeking female actresses for an upcoming skit project filming in Norcross, Georgia. Casting directors are looking for both Black and White actresses who are comfortable performing material that may involve controversial topics. This is a paid acting opportunity for performers interested in short-form scripted content.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform in a scripted skit production.
• Portray assigned characters and deliver lines naturally.
• Collaborate with the production team and fellow cast members.
• Follow creative direction during rehearsals and filming.
• Maintain professionalism throughout the production process.

Requirements

• Female actors ages 21–40.
• Seeking Black and White actresses.
• Must be comfortable discussing or portraying controversial topics as part of the production.
• Strong communication and acting skills preferred.
• Reliable and available for the scheduled filming date.

Compensation Details

• Paid opportunity.
• Compensation details will be provided to selected candidates.

Caridad – Supporting Role

Job Description

A SAG-AFTRA short film is casting a young actress to portray Caridad, a lovable supporting character in a moving family drama. Caridad is a 6-year-old Cuban and Filipino-American girl who is the youngest child in the family. Sweet, cheerful, and easygoing, she brings warmth and joy to those around her.

This is an excellent opportunity for a young performer to gain experience in a professional film production.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray Caridad in scripted scenes
• Follow direction from the director and production staff
• Participate in filming as scheduled
• Bring natural charm and authenticity to the role
• Work cooperatively with cast and crew

Requirements

• Female, approximately 6 years old
• Filipino, Mixed/Mestizo Filipino, Hispanic, or Latine talent
• Must portray a Cuban and Filipino-American character
• Comfortable wearing a bathing suit during beach scenes
• No water activities involved
• No acting experience required
• Parent or guardian consent required

Compensation

• SAG SPA Scale: $249 per day
• Two-day booking
• Additional 10% if represented by an agent
• Professional SAG-AFTRA film credit

Frank – Supporting Role

Job Description

A SAG-AFTRA short film is now casting a young actor to portray Frank, a supporting character in a family-focused drama. Frank is a 12-year-old Cuban and Filipino-American boy who is energetic, adventurous, and quick to make friends. Adaptable and outgoing, he embraces change and brings positivity to his family.

This role offers a great opportunity for young performers to showcase their personality and acting abilities in a professional film production.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray Frank in scripted scenes
• Follow creative direction from the filmmaking team
• Participate in scheduled rehearsals and filming
• Bring energy and authenticity to the role
• Work professionally with cast and crew

Requirements

• Male, approximately 12 years old
• Filipino, Mixed/Mestizo Filipino, Hispanic, or Latine talent
• Must portray a Cuban and Filipino-American character
• Comfortable wearing a bathing suit during beach scenes
• No water activities involved
• Acting experience is beneficial but not required
• Available for all filming commitments

Compensation

• SAG SPA Scale: $249 per day
• Two-day booking
• Additional 10% if represented by an agent
• Professional SAG-AFTRA film credit

Catalina – Supporting Role

Job Description

A SAG-AFTRA short film is seeking a young actress to play Catalina, a supporting character in a heartfelt period drama. Catalina is a 14-year-old Cuban and Filipino-American girl who serves as the responsible and mature eldest sibling in a military family. Independent and confident, she is beginning to navigate adolescence while balancing family responsibilities.

This role is ideal for young performers interested in portraying a layered and relatable character.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform scripted scenes as Catalina
• Take direction from the production team
• Convey maturity, confidence, and emotional authenticity on camera
• Attend all scheduled filming dates
• Work collaboratively with fellow cast members

Requirements

• Female, approximately 14 years old
• Filipino, Mixed/Mestizo Filipino, Hispanic, or Latine talent
• Must portray a Cuban and Filipino-American character
• Comfortable wearing a bathing suit during beach scenes
• No water activities involved
• Previous acting experience is welcome but not required
• Available for all scheduled filming days

Compensation

• SAG SPA Scale: $249 per day
• Two-day booking
• Additional 10% if represented by an agent
• Professional SAG-AFTRA film credit