USC Grad Capstone Short Film Open Casting Call

Job Description
A casting team is seeking actors for featured and background roles in an upcoming action-thriller short film titled Dogs on Fire. The production is looking for performers who can portray law enforcement characters, civilians, and everyday pedestrians in a dramatic, high-intensity storyline.

This project offers performers the opportunity to collaborate with an experienced creative team on a cinematic short film. Selected talent may participate in action sequences, rehearsals, and staged blocking as part of the film’s production.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray assigned characters in an action-thriller short film

• Participate in rehearsals, scene blocking, and action sequences when required

• Follow direction from the directors and production team

• Deliver authentic and engaging performances suited to the film’s dramatic tone

• Work collaboratively with cast and crew during filming

Requirements

• Cops: Male actors, late 20s to late 30s. Must be able to run and willing to participate in rehearsals, stunts, and scene blocking.

• Homeless Woman: Female actors, ages 20–40. Must be comfortable performing physical scenes that may include being tackled during staged action moments.

• Background Actors: Adults 18+ to portray pedestrians and everyday civilians in street scenes.

• Must be able to work in the filming location

• Comfortable performing in an action-themed production environment

• Reliable and professional on set

Compensation

• IMDb credit provided

• Opportunity to gain experience working on a professionally produced short film

• On-set experience with an established production team

Job Description
A short film production is casting a male actor for a supporting role in the upcoming action thriller Dogs on Fire. Casting directors are seeking a strong performer who can portray a character involved in a high-stakes heist storyline. The project will film in the Rio Grande Valley and offers actors the opportunity to gain professional credits and demo reel footage while working on a dynamic action-focused production.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a supporting character in an action thriller short film

• Participate in rehearsals, blocking, and scripted action scenes

• Follow direction from the director and production team during filming

• Perform scenes that may involve staged action or stunt-style movement

Requirements

• Male actor in his late 20s to early 30s

• Fluent in both Spanish and English

• Comfortable performing in an action or thriller film environment

• Willing to participate in rehearsals and production blocking

• Must be able to work as a local hire in the Rio Grande Valley

Compensation

• IMDb credit

• Demo reel footage for portfolio use

Job Description
A student production team is seeking male actors for an upcoming Western drama short film filming in Willis, Texas. This non-union project tells the story of an escaped convict who stumbles upon the remote camp of a lone cowboy. As the two men develop an uneasy bond on the frontier, a relentless U.S. Marshal closes in, determined to capture the fugitive.

The film explores themes of redemption, morality, survival, and the emotional complexity of life on the frontier. The production is looking for actors capable of delivering intense, character-driven performances in a dramatic Western setting.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray key characters in a narrative Western short film

• Deliver emotionally grounded performances aligned with the film’s dramatic tone

• Collaborate with the director and production team during rehearsals and filming

• Participate in scenes that may involve horseback riding

• Maintain professionalism and commitment during the production process

Requirements

• Male actors who can portray characters within the specified age ranges

• Must be comfortable riding a horse (walking and trotting; no stunt work required)

• Ability to portray emotionally complex characters with intensity and depth

• Willingness to work on a non-union student film project

• Professional attitude and ability to collaborate with cast and crew

Roles Available

• Ben – Escaped Convict / Gunslinger (Male, 20–30)
  A hardened outlaw with a strong moral core. Despite his troubled past, he carries a quiet determination and sense of honor. The actor must be capable of portraying internal conflict and resilience. Must be comfortable riding a horse.

• James – Lone Cowboy (Male, 55+)
  An aging cowboy shaped by decades of experience and hardship. Wise and reflective, he carries the emotional weight of loss while embodying the spirit of the frontier. Horseback riding experience preferred.

• U.S. Marshal Wallace (Male, 35–60)
  A once-respected lawman driven by ambition and arrogance. Ruthless and relentless in his pursuit of justice, Wallace’s pride may ultimately become his downfall. Must be comfortable riding a horse.

Compensation

• Gas reimbursement for travel to set

• Meals provided on set

• Hotel accommodations if needed

• Opportunity to gain experience working on a student film production

Actors for Untitled Nashville Horror Film

Job Description
A horror film production is casting actors for multiple roles in an upcoming non-union horror movie filming in the Nashville, Tennessee area. Casting directors are seeking performers who are comfortable working in a horror environment that may include gore effects, fake blood, and special effects prosthetics. The production is looking for a range of characters including a girl-next-door type, a young male character, and several hospital patient roles that will appear in suspenseful scenes throughout the film.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray characters in a horror film production

• Perform naturally on camera in suspenseful or dramatic scenes

• Follow direction from the director and production team during filming

• Participate in scenes that may involve special effects, fake blood, or prosthetics

• Help create realistic and intense moments within the storyline

Requirements

• Female actor ages 20–35 to portray a “girl next door” type character

• Male actor ages 20–30 with a regular build and clean-shaven appearance

• Male actors ages 20–40 to portray hospital patients

• One amputee male actor encouraged to apply for a hospital patient role

• Must be comfortable with gore, fake blood, and horror special effects

• Comfortable appearing on camera in intense or suspenseful scenes

Compensation

• Paid acting opportunity

• Opportunity to work on a professional horror film production

Male Actors for Horror Short Film “The Giggler”

Job Description
A horror short film production is casting male actors for intense lead roles in an upcoming psychological thriller project. The film centers around a disturbing story involving loyalty, manipulation, and survival as a young man confronts a terrifying predator hidden behind humor and deception. Casting directors are seeking performers who can portray emotionally layered characters in a dark, suspenseful narrative.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray complex characters in a psychological horror storyline

• Deliver emotionally intense and dramatic on-camera performances

• Collaborate with the production team to bring suspenseful scenes to life

• Follow direction during scenes involving dark or thriller-themed material

Requirements

• Male actor, early 20s to portray Dom

• Male actor, mid-20s to portray Jake / “The Giggler”

• Strong acting ability and comfort with dramatic storytelling

• Ability to portray intense emotional and psychological scenes

• Comfortable working in a horror or thriller film environment

Compensation

• Paid or project-based opportunity depending on role

• Opportunity to appear in a horror short film production

Job Description
A non-union short film titled Finding Happiness is casting actors for lead and supporting roles. The story follows Emily Wilson, a student who transfers to a new school after experiencing a tragic loss in her family. As she adjusts to her new environment, she encounters new friendships, social conflicts, and unexpected romance that challenge her understanding of life and relationships.

The film will be shot in multiple Pennsylvania locations, including Allentown, Philadelphia, Lahaska, and Hatfield. Production will take place across several filming days in late May and early June.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform scripted scenes for a narrative short film production.

• Collaborate with the director and cast to portray emotionally driven characters.

• Participate in scheduled filming days and rehearsals if required.

• Deliver natural and engaging performances suited for a coming-of-age drama.

• Work professionally with the production team throughout filming.

Roles

James Jackson (Lead) – Caucasian Male
College senior and football player. Confident and athletic, James initially prioritizes sports above everything until his relationship with Emily begins to change his perspective on life.

Mark Matthews (Supporting) – Caucasian Male
College junior and one of Emily’s close friends. Confident, stylish, and in a relationship with Alex. Actors must be comfortable portraying a character in a same-sex relationship.

Alex Anderson (Supporting) – Caucasian Male
Another of Emily’s best friends. A grounded college junior who is in a relationship with Mark. Actors must be comfortable portraying a character in a same-sex relationship.

Shannon Carter (Supporting) – Blonde Caucasian Female
The popular “Queen Bee” of the school. A stylish college senior who is dating James and embodies the typical mean-girl persona.

Requirements

• Actors ideally in their late 20s who can portray college-aged characters.

• Strong acting ability and ability to work in a collaborative film environment.

• Availability for filming between May 26 and June 10 depending on role.

• Comfortable performing dramatic scenes within a coming-of-age story.

Compensation

• Lead and supporting roles are paid.

• IMDb credit.

• Meals provided on set.

• Footage for actor reels.

Charlotte – Lead Role for Short Film

Job Description
A short film titled Paper Names is casting a young actress to portray Charlotte, the central character in this character-driven story. The film follows a pregnant teenage girl who unexpectedly connects with a waitress at a diner, leading to a powerful conversation that changes both of their lives. The role offers a strong emotional arc and an opportunity for an actress to bring depth and authenticity to a coming-of-age narrative.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray the character Charlotte in a dramatic short film

• Deliver an emotionally authentic performance during dialogue-driven scenes

• Collaborate with the director and cast to develop the character’s story

• Follow direction during filming and participate in rehearsals if required

Requirements

• Female actor

• Ages 16–20

• Able to portray a teenage character with emotional depth

• Comfortable performing in a dramatic, dialogue-focused role

• Professional attitude and ability to take direction during filming

Compensation

• Paid opportunity (rate provided upon selection)

Actors for Sci-Fi Found Footage Short Film

Job Description
A sci-fi found footage short film is casting actors for an upcoming project filming in the Dallas, Texas area. The film will be featured at the Texas Horror Cult Film Festival and follows a journalist who uncovers a mysterious discovery that may not be from this world. The production is seeking performers who can bring emotional depth and intensity to this suspenseful and atmospheric story.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray key characters in a sci-fi horror short film

• Deliver authentic and emotionally engaging performances

• Follow direction from the director and production team during filming

• Collaborate with cast and crew to support the story’s suspenseful tone

Requirements

• Male cameraman (early 20s to early 30s)

• Female reporter (early to mid-20s)

• Male “crazy guy” character (late 20s)

• Male farmer (late 30s to mid-50s)

• Female group leader (mid to late 20s)

• Comfortable performing in a sci-fi or horror-style film environment

• Ability to bring emotional intensity to character roles

• Must be able to work as a local hire in the Dallas, Texas area

Compensation

• Paid opportunity (rate discussed upon selection)

Actors for Historical Short Film

Job Description
A historical short film is casting actors for a dramatic project exploring the days following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the journey of his funeral train. This powerful story focuses on grief, freedom, and the moral crossroads of a nation during a defining moment in American history. The production is seeking dedicated performers who are passionate about bringing meaningful historical stories to life on screen.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray characters in a historical short film production

• Deliver authentic and emotionally grounded performances

• Follow direction from the director and production team

• Participate in scheduled filming days and collaborate with cast and crew

Requirements

• Male and female actors

• Open to Midwest-based performers

• Comfortable performing in a historical drama setting

• Professional attitude and ability to take direction

• Acting experience preferred

Compensation

• Paid role in an independent nonprofit production

Lead Actors for Comedy Short Film

Job Description
A Columbia MFA second-year short film titled The Last Virgins in New York is casting two lead actors for a character-driven comedy filming in New York City. The story follows two close friends navigating love, expectations, and self-discovery as they confront their insecurities and the pressures surrounding relationships. The project blends humor with heartfelt moments as the characters challenge their own beliefs about intimacy, identity, and friendship.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray one of the two lead characters in a narrative short film

• Deliver comedic and emotionally grounded performances

• Collaborate closely with the director and fellow cast members

• Participate in rehearsals and filming on location in New York City

Requirements

• Claire: Female, around 27, sweet, awkward, and funny bartender struggling with confidence and self-worth

• Livvy: Female, around 27, confident and controlling personality who must confront letting go of her strict expectations

• Strong comedic timing and natural on-screen presence

• Comfortable performing in a character-driven independent film

Compensation

• Compensation details provided upon selection

Male Actor for Short Film Role

Job Description
An independent short film is casting a male actor for a lead role in an upcoming production filming in New York City. The story centers around Arlo, a thoughtful and quietly charismatic character navigating life with curiosity and ambition. The project explores youthful energy, personal growth, and the pursuit of what comes next, offering actors the opportunity to bring a layered and emotionally grounded character to life on screen.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray the character Arlo in a narrative short film

• Deliver natural and emotionally engaging performances on camera

• Collaborate with the director and cast during rehearsals and filming

• Participate in scenes that support the film’s character-driven storyline

Requirements

• Male actor in his mid to late 20s

• Strong on-camera presence and expressive acting ability

• Comfortable performing in a dramatic independent film project

• Available to film in New York City

Compensation

• Compensation details provided upon selection

Actors for Faith-Based Supernatural Thriller Short Film

Job Description
An independent supernatural thriller short film is casting multiple actors for several principal roles in an upcoming faith-based production titled The Price of Power. The story explores themes of faith, temptation, and supernatural power as characters confront mysterious forces and personal struggles. Filming will take place in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area, and the production is seeking talented performers who can bring emotional depth and strong screen presence to this cinematic project.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a scripted character in a supernatural thriller short film

• Deliver compelling on-camera performances in dramatic scenes

• Collaborate with the director and cast during production

• Participate in rehearsals and filming in the Grand Rapids area

• Help bring emotional depth and authenticity to character-driven scenes

Requirements

• Open to actors of all races and backgrounds

• Gloria: Female, ages 9–12, strong and intelligent child with a mysterious spiritual presence

• Michael: Male, ages 25–35, compassionate and grounded man who becomes Gloria’s protector

• Natas: Male, ages 30–50, charismatic yet intimidating supernatural antagonist

• Pastor John: Male, ages 35–60, a pastor facing financial pressure and inner conflict

• Pastor Samuel: Male, ages 45–75, a wise and spiritually grounded former pastor

• Parent or guardian required on set for child performers

• Must be available for filming in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Compensation

• Non-paid project

• On-screen film credit

• Professional footage for actor reels

• Meals and catering provided on set

• Transportation support for actors living within 30 minutes of Grand Rapids