USC Grad Capstone Short Film Open Casting Call

Job Description

Quiet Mile Pictures is casting for the non-union short film Last Debt, filming in Denver, Colorado. The production is seeking an actor for the supporting role of Gaby, a complex and emotionally layered character navigating a dangerous world of deception, manipulation, and survival.

Selected applicants will be invited to submit a self-taped audition following the initial submission process.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray Gaby in a dramatic short film.
• Deliver an emotionally nuanced performance.
• Communicate using both American Sign Language (ASL) and spoken English.
• Collaborate with the director and production team throughout filming.

Role

Gaby (Supporting)

• Female
• Age 30–40
• Hard of hearing character

Character Description:
Gaby is a complex and emotionally layered individual who appears vulnerable and trustworthy but is deeply involved in a dangerous world of deception, manipulation, and survival.

Requirements

• Must be able to communicate in both ASL and spoken English.
• Deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing actors are all encouraged to submit.
• Local Denver-area talent only.
• Headshot and resume required for initial submission.

Compensation

• Paid

Job Description

A horror short film is seeking actors for multiple principal and supporting roles in a contained, performance-driven story. Set in Washington State, the film blends atmospheric horror, gothic western elements, and character-focused storytelling. The production emphasizes tension, emotional depth, and psychological dread rather than jump scares.

The project follows a fractured family confronting buried trauma and supernatural forces tied to a remote homestead. Actors with strong dramatic instincts and the ability to convey emotion through subtle, grounded performances are encouraged to apply.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray complex characters in a dramatic horror short film.
• Deliver emotionally authentic performances with minimal reliance on dialogue.
• Collaborate with the director and cast to build tension and atmosphere.
• Attend rehearsals and filming as scheduled.
• Follow production direction while maintaining character consistency throughout filming.

Requirements

Naomi Grady (Lead)

• White female, 20s–30s.
• Tough, controlled, and emotionally guarded.
• Strong dramatic range with the ability to convey intensity and restraint.
• Must be able to carry scenes with minimal dialogue.

Samuel Grady (Supporting Lead)

• Biracial male (Black/White), 20s–30s.
• Quietly determined, emotionally exhausted, and spiritually resilient.
• Strong dramatic instincts and natural delivery.

Cutter (Antagonist)

• Male, 30s–50s.
• Any ethnicity.
• Calm, patient, and intimidating presence.
• Ability to create tension through subtle performance and minimal movement.

Henry Grady (Supporting)

• White male, 50s–70s.
• Worn by life but emotionally resilient.
• Strong emotional depth and grounded performance style.

Applicants should submit:

• Headshot
• Demo reel (preferred but not required)
• Current city and local status
• Relevant skills such as firearms training, stage combat, dialects, or related experience

Compensation Details

• Paid opportunity (rate shared upon inquiry).
• Meals provided during production.
• Screen credit included.
• Copy of the completed project provided.

Job Description

An independent non-union drama short film is seeking talented actors for two lead roles. The film follows a grieving couple attending counseling sessions after the loss of their child. As they finally confront their emotions and unspoken feelings, a deeply personal conversation leads to life-changing consequences.

The production is looking for performers with strong dramatic abilities, emotional depth, and the ability to portray complex characters navigating grief, resentment, and vulnerability.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a lead character in a dramatic short film.
• Participate in video auditions and rehearsals as required.
• Deliver emotionally authentic performances in dialogue-driven scenes.
• Collaborate closely with the director and production team.
• Follow production schedules and creative direction throughout filming.

Requirements

Mary (Lead)

• Female, ages 25 to late 30s.
• Fierce, emotionally depleted, and struggling with unresolved grief.
• Strong dramatic range and emotional vulnerability required.

Tim (Lead)

• Male, ages 25 to late 30s.
• Timid, emotionally depleted, and withdrawn.
• Strong dramatic instincts and emotional subtlety required.

Additional Requirements:

• Non-union actors only.
• Must submit a video audition.
• Ability to perform emotionally demanding dramatic material.
• Previous acting experience is preferred but not required.
• Self-tape submission must include a slate with name, age, and location.

Compensation Details

• Non-paid opportunity.
• Lunch provided during production.
• Valuable experience working on an independent dramatic short film.

Job Description

An independent comedy short film is casting three featured interview roles for a key comedic sequence. The project centers on a job interview that becomes increasingly bizarre, with the featured characters portraying professionals attempting to maintain their composure while reacting to absurd situations.

Casting directors are seeking performers with strong comedic instincts, expressive reaction skills, and the ability to deliver believable deadpan performances.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a featured interview panel character in a comedy short film.
• Deliver reaction-based performances with strong comedic timing.
• Participate in filming of key comedy sequences.
• Follow direction from the production team and collaborate with fellow cast members.
• Attend filming and complete any required audition submissions.

Requirements

Eugene

• Male, ages 20–30.
• Any ethnicity.
• Modern tech-industry appearance and demeanor.
• Strong reaction-based acting skills.
• Ability to balance professionalism with comedic responses to unusual situations.

Izzy

• Female, ages 20–30.
• Any ethnicity.
• Stylish, creative, and expressive personality.
• Strong deadpan comedic instincts.
• Comfortable portraying a highly observant and professional character with unique personal style.

Gladys

• Female, ages 50–60.
• Any ethnicity.
• Strong presence and commanding demeanor.
• Ability to portray an elegant and intimidating HR representative.
• Excellent expressive reaction skills.

Compensation Details

• Paid opportunity.
• Non-union production.

Requirements

• Must be non-union (not SAG-AFTRA).
• Strong comedic timing and reaction-based acting ability.
• Must be local to the area or able to self-report to set.
• Audition tape required.

Job Description

A UCLA Extension student short film is seeking a talented actress for a lead role in an upcoming narrative production. The project is looking for a performer with strong on-camera presence and the ability to portray a wide range of emotions naturally and authentically.

This opportunity is ideal for actors looking to gain additional footage for their reel, build their portfolio, and collaborate on a creative short film project.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a lead character in a narrative short film.
• Deliver authentic and emotionally engaging on-camera performances.
• Collaborate with the director and production team throughout filming.
• Attend scheduled rehearsals and production activities as required.
• Follow creative direction while contributing to the storytelling process.

Requirements

• Female actress, ages 23–35.
• Strong on-camera presence.
• Ability to portray a broad range of emotions naturally and authentically.
• Comfortable working on a student film production.
• Open to all ethnicities and backgrounds.
• Prior acting experience is preferred but not required.

Compensation Details

• Unpaid opportunity.
• Professional footage for your acting reel.
• Portfolio-building material.
• Experience working on a narrative short film production.

Job Description

Valencia College Film Production students are casting actors for several upcoming final summer film productions. These non-union student films offer performers the opportunity to gain on-screen experience while collaborating with emerging filmmakers on a variety of dramatic projects.

Multiple productions are casting lead, supporting, and character roles across different genres and storylines. Filming is scheduled to take place throughout the summer in the Orlando area.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray assigned characters in student film productions.
• Attend auditions, rehearsals, and filming dates as required.
• Collaborate with directors and fellow cast members.
• Follow production schedules and creative direction.
• Deliver authentic and engaging performances suited to each project.

Requirements

Project 1 Roles

Dan

• Male, late 40s.
• Ethnicity open.
• Retired military father struggling to reconnect with his family.

Debbie

• Female, late 40s.
• Ethnicity open.
• Perfection-driven mother struggling to emotionally connect with her son.

Evan

• Male, ages 17–18.
• Ethnicity open.
• Quiet teenager dealing with depression and anxiety.

Dr. Desai

• Any gender, 40s–50s.
• Dedicated medical professional with a direct demeanor.

Project 2 Roles

Agnes

• Female, age 16.
• Hispanic.
• Strong dramatic acting skills required.

David

• Male, 40s–50s.
• Hispanic.
• Working-class father figure with emotional depth.

Mother

• Female, 30s–40s.
• Hispanic.
• Warm and resilient parent character.

Nunu

• Female, 60s.
• Hispanic.
• Energetic and expressive grandmother role.

Mara

• Female, late 30s.
• Hispanic.
• Character shaped by hardship and life experience.

Police Officer

• Male, 40s–50s.
• Latino.
• Authority figure role.

Project 3 Roles

Eugenia

• Female, approximately 60 years old.
• Hispanic.
• Spanish-speaking role.

The Translator

• Male, mid-20s.
• Hispanic.
• Spanish-speaking role.

The Doctor

• Male, 45–60 years old.
• Professional medical role.

The Mother

• Female, approximately 70 years old.
• Hispanic.
• Spanish-speaking role.

Project 4 Roles

Mike

• Male, approximately 20 years old.
• Character drawn toward danger despite wanting a better life.

Nikol

• Female, 20s–30s.
• Protective and ambitious character.

Anna

• Female, 20s–30s.
• Strong-willed and determined personality.

Project 5 Roles

Amara

• Female, late teens.
• Ethnicity open.
• Former track athlete recovering from cancer.

Lynn

• Female, 30s.
• Ethnicity open.
• Devoted mother role.

Chris

• Male, 40s.
• Ethnicity open.
• Complex antagonist role.

Nurse

• Female, 40s.
• Caring and supportive character.

Dr. Haines

• Male, 30s.
• Professional medical role with minimal dialogue.

Compensation Details

• Non-paid opportunity.
• Non-union student film productions.
• Valuable experience working with Valencia College filmmakers.

Lead and Supporting Actors for Psychological Drama Short Film

Job Description

An independent short film is now casting lead and supporting roles for a psychological drama production filming in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The story follows two estranged sisters who reunite after one returns home from rehab, forcing them to confront unresolved tensions and a mysterious presence affecting their lives. This project offers actors the opportunity to take on emotionally complex and character-driven roles in a compelling narrative film.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray emotionally layered characters in a dramatic short film
• Participate in rehearsals and filming as scheduled
• Collaborate closely with the director and fellow cast members
• Deliver authentic and engaging performances
• Follow production guidelines and maintain professionalism on set

Requirements

• Strong acting ability and emotional range
• Comfortable performing in dramatic and character-focused scenes
• Ability to take direction and collaborate with the creative team
• Available for filming in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
• Seeking talent for the following roles:
  • Lead female-presenting role portraying an older sister
  • Lead female-presenting role portraying a younger sister
  • Supporting male-presenting role portraying a symbolic and mysterious character
• Non-union performers encouraged to apply

Compensation

• Valuable independent film experience
• Opportunity to work in a character-driven psychological drama
• Professional footage for acting reels
• Collaboration with emerging filmmakers and creative talent

Job Description

An independent short film is seeking two lead actors for a dramatic psychological story exploring memory, regret, love, and reality. The project follows a married couple trapped in a fractured world created by their own emotional struggles as they confront the wounds that drove them apart.

This festival-focused indie production offers performers the opportunity to take on emotionally complex lead roles while receiving IMDb credit and exposure through festival submissions.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray one of the film’s lead characters in a narrative-driven indie short film.
• Deliver emotionally nuanced and compelling performances.
• Collaborate with the director and production team throughout filming.
• Participate in rehearsals, self-tape submissions, and production activities as required.
• Help bring the film’s psychological and dramatic themes to life on screen.

Requirements

Maya (Lead)

• Female
• Ages 22–32
• Strong, intelligent, and introspective character
• Ability to portray deep emotional complexity and vulnerability

Alex (Lead)

• Male
• Ages 22–32
• Easygoing yet emotionally guarded character
• Ability to portray subtle emotional conflict and personal growth

General Requirements

• Acting experience preferred.
• Must submit a resume, headshot, reel, and/or self-tape.
• Strong dramatic acting skills.
• Comfortable performing emotionally intense scenes.

Compensation Details

• Non-paid opportunity
• IMDb credit provided
• Festival submission exposure
• Valuable portfolio and networking experience

Job Description

A coming-of-age short film is seeking feminine actors to portray 18-year-old characters in a heartfelt sapphic story. This independent, non-union production will film in the Metro Atlanta and Chattanooga areas and offers performers the opportunity to gain valuable on-screen experience while contributing to a meaningful narrative project.

The production is casting two principal roles and welcomes submissions from performers who are comfortable portraying LGBTQ+ themes and relationships on screen.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray one of the lead characters in a coming-of-age short film.
• Participate in rehearsals, filming, and production activities as required.
• Collaborate with the director, producers, and fellow cast members.
• Deliver authentic and emotionally engaging performances.
• Follow creative direction and maintain professionalism throughout production.

Requirements

• Feminine-presenting actors able to portray 18-year-old characters.
• Comfortable performing in a sapphic coming-of-age story.
• Non-union talent.
• Must submit a headshot, demo reel (if available), and social media profiles (if applicable).
• Strong acting ability and willingness to collaborate in an independent film environment.

Compensation Details

• Volunteer / unpaid opportunity.
• Meals provided during production.
• Screen credit.
• Copy of the completed film.
• Lodging provided for actors on location.

Job Description

A student film project is seeking actors for a dramatic short film centered on family expectations, personal identity, and relationships. The story follows a college senior who must defend her same-sex relationship when her controlling mother unexpectedly visits, creating tension and forcing long-overdue conversations about independence and acceptance.

This production is being created as part of a directing course project and offers performers the opportunity to gain experience, screen credit, footage for reels, and meals during filming.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a principal character in a scripted dramatic short film.
• Attend auditions and rehearsals as required.
• Collaborate with the director and fellow cast members.
• Deliver emotionally authentic performances.
• Participate in scheduled filming days in Los Gatos, California.

Requirements

Cheri

• Early 20s
• East Asian female
• Lead role
• Must portray a partially closeted bisexual college senior navigating family conflict and personal independence.

Mrs. Wu

• Mid-40s to 50s
• East Asian female
• Supporting role
• Strong dramatic acting abilities to portray a traditional and controlling mother.

Aster

• Early 20s
• Any ethnicity
• Supporting role
• Must portray Cheri’s confident and supportive girlfriend.

Compensation Details

• Unpaid student film opportunity.
• Screen credit provided.
• Copy of the completed project provided.
• Meals included during production.
• Lunch, water, and snacks provided on set.

Job Description

A student-produced sports comedy short film is seeking a male actor for the lead role. The story follows a short-statured high school outsider who joins the basketball team after a popular star takes away the one thing that made him unique. Determined to prove himself, he sets out to out-dunk the tallest player in school in an uplifting and comedic underdog story.

No prior acting experience is required, making this a great opportunity for aspiring performers interested in gaining on-camera experience.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray the lead character in a student short film.
• Participate in rehearsals and filming sessions as scheduled.
• Collaborate with the director and fellow cast members.
• Bring comedic timing, energy, and authenticity to the role.
• Follow production direction throughout filming.

Requirements

• Male actor.
• Must be under 4’9″ in height.
• No previous acting experience required.
• Comfortable performing in a lead role.
• Able to work in the Denver or Aurora area during production.
• Submit recent photos and height measurements for consideration.

Compensation Details

• Student film opportunity.
• Compensation details were not specified by production.

Job Description

A new Twilight Zone-inspired independent short film is casting actors for multiple lead and supporting roles. The project follows an investment consultant whose life takes a dark turn after accidentally lending an old friend the wrong suit. Featuring gritty undertones, dark visuals, and a fresh take on a classic style of storytelling, this production welcomes performers of all experience levels.

This non-union independent film offers an opportunity for actors to gain experience working on a creative short film production with a unique psychological and dramatic premise.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray scripted characters in a narrative short film.
• Attend rehearsals, auditions, and filming sessions as required.
• Collaborate with the director and production team.
• Deliver compelling and authentic performances.
• Help bring the film’s dramatic and suspenseful atmosphere to life.

Requirements

Rod

• Male, 40s
• White-presenting
• Fit and traditionally handsome appearance
• Clean-cut professional demeanor
• Strong acting skills to portray an ambitious and morally complex investment consultant

Ben

• Male, 40s
• Slightly hefty build
• Able to portray a financially struggling father with emotional depth and resilience

Aline

• Female, ages 17–21
• Any ethnicity
• Strong dramatic acting abilities
• Able to portray a determined young woman seeking a better future

Andrew

• Male, late 20s
• Any ethnicity
• Professional appearance
• Strong supporting actor with ambitious and driven character qualities

Mr. Earl

• Male, 60s
• Any ethnicity
• Able to portray a seasoned company executive and mentor figure

Compensation Details

• Unpaid opportunity.
• Non-union production.
• Valuable experience working on an independent short film.