Aspiring to land a role in a new feature film can be a game-changer for your acting career. If you’ve been searching for a Zach Braff movie casting opportunity, look no further than Clean Hands. This upcoming true-story drama, starring Braff, is gearing up for production in Georgia and currently open casting calls are underway. Whether you’re a seasoned actor or just learning how to audition for movies, this guide will walk you through what Clean Hands is about, who’s involved, how the casting process works, and how to audition for a chance to be part of this impactful project.
Key Takeaways
- “Clean Hands” is a true-story drama: It follows ex-detective Kevin Simmers and his daughter Brooke amid the opioid crisis, depicting one father’s redemption journey after losing his daughter. The film is a call for empathy and awareness through powerful storytelling.
- Notable cast attached: The cast includes Zach Braff as Kevin Simmers and rising talent Esther McGregor as Brooke, with Abigail Spencer as Kevin’s wife Dana, Holt McCallany as Congressman David Trone, and Lucas Till as a sheriff’s deputy.
- Filming in Georgia (Spring 2025): Clean Hands is being filmed on location in Georgia – notably in downtown Gainesville, GA – with production kicking off in late April 2025. This means plenty of background actor jobs in Georgia for local talent.
- Casting led by industry pros: Veteran casting director Laray Mayfield (known for Gone Girl, The Social Network) is casting the film’s principal roles, while Set Life Casting Atlanta is handling local extras casting calls in Georgia.
- Find casting calls on Project Casting: You can find Clean Hands casting calls and auditions on industry sites like Project Casting. For example, a recent Clean Hands casting call on Project Casting is seeking real couples as extras in Gainesville, GA. Keep an eye out for these listings and submit with the required photos and info.
- Audition tips to stand out: Know the story’s emotional core, follow all casting instructions, and showcase authenticity. From highlighting your film extras experience to demonstrating emotional range, our audition tips below will help you land a role on Clean Hands.
What is “Clean Hands” About?
Clean Hands is a feature film based on the powerful true story of Kevin and Brooke Simmers. Kevin Simmers was a narcotics officer whose life is upended when his teenage daughter Brooke struggles with opioid addiction and ultimately tragically dies of an overdose. In her memory, Kevin and his wife Dana establish Brooke’s House, a women’s addiction treatment center that has since helped many in recovery. The film explores the devastating impact of the opioid crisis and one father’s path to redemption and advocacy after personal loss.
Directed by Jake Allyn (actor/director from Ride), Clean Hands aims to inspire and shed light on real-world issues. “It’s a call for empathy and awareness wrapped in cinematic storytelling,” the casting call notes. In other words, the movie isn’t just entertainment – it’s meant to spark conversation and hope. For an actor, this means any role you play will contribute to telling a story with real impact. In fact, production is underway with a mission to “inspire, inform, and save lives through storytelling rooted in truth and empathy,” offering actors a chance to be part of a project with real-world significance.
Who is in the Cast of “Clean Hands”?
One exciting aspect for actors eyeing this project is the stellar cast already attached. Here’s who we know is starring in Clean Hands:
- Zach Braff – Leads the film as Kevin Simmers, the former narcotics detective turned grieving father. Braff is known for Garden State and recent roles in Ted Lasso and Shrinking, and his involvement brings star power to the project.
- Esther McGregor – Co-stars as Brooke Simmers, Kevin’s teenage daughter. Esther McGregor (who appeared in Obi-Wan Kenobi and Bleeding Love) is a rising talent taking on this emotional role.
- Abigail Spencer – Plays Dana Simmers, Kevin’s wife and Brooke’s mother. (Spencer’s credits include Mad Men and Timeless, so expect a nuanced portrayal of a mother coping with loss.)
- Holt McCallany – Portrays Congressman David Trone, a Maryland politician in the story. McCallany (known from Mindhunter and Fight Club) adds gravitas as a supporting character connected to the Simmers’ story.
- Lucas Till – Takes on the role of a Sheriff’s Deputy in the film. Till’s experience (X-Men, MacGyver) will lend authenticity to the law enforcement aspects of the plot.
These announced cast members set the bar high. For an aspiring actor, sharing scenes with actors of this caliber is both thrilling and challenging. The good news is that a project of this size will also need many background actors and possibly a few day-player roles, meaning there are opportunities to work alongside this cast if you can get your foot in the door through the casting process.
Who is Casting “Clean Hands”?
The casting for Clean Hands is being handled by top industry professionals. Laray Mayfield is the casting director leading the charge. Mayfield is an award-winning casting director known for her work on major films like Gone Girl and The Social Network, so the principal casting is in very experienced hands. This means that the main roles (like those played by Braff, McGregor, etc.) were likely cast through an agency and audition process managed by Mayfield’s team. If you’re an actor with representation aiming for a speaking role, your agent would typically reach out to Mayfield’s office or submit your reel for any remaining speaking parts.
On the ground in Georgia, Set Life Casting Atlanta is the company handling casting calls for extras and background actors. In fact, the Clean Hands casting notices on Project Casting are posted by Set Life Casting in the Atlanta/Gainesville area. Set Life Casting is known for casting background talent in the Southeast, which means they are responsible for finding local actors to populate the world of Clean Hands (think police officers in a crime scene, pedestrians, support group attendees, etc.). If you’re looking to work as a background actor, Set Life Casting Atlanta is a name to know – they’re your point of contact for this production’s extra work.
How does this benefit you? For one, having a Project Casting call run by Set Life means the production is actively seeking talent from the local community. It’s not an “insiders only” situation; they want new faces. And since Clean Hands is filming in Georgia, they prefer actors who can work as local hires. That’s where you come in if you’re in the area or can get there for filming.
How Does the Casting Process Work for “Clean Hands”?
The casting process for Clean Hands works on two levels: principal casting and background casting. Here’s a breakdown of how it works and how you can get involved:
- Principal Roles (Leads/Supporting): The main characters (like Kevin, Brooke, Dana, etc.) were cast by Laray Mayfield, likely through agency submissions and auditions. For these kinds of roles, actors usually audition via their agents or through casting director workshops. Since those parts are already announced with name actors, don’t be discouraged – it’s normal for an independent film to attach known talent to lead roles. However, smaller speaking roles (if any remain unfilled) could still be cast during production. These might include a few lines as a police officer, a counselor, a reporter, etc. If any such roles are open, they would also be cast by the casting director (through agent submissions or specific casting calls). Keep an eye on industry trades or casting platforms in case any last-minute auditions for speaking roles pop up.
- Background and Extra Roles: This is where most opportunities for new and local actors come in. Clean Hands will need a lot of background actors to make its scenes realistic – for example, people in a crowd during an emotional crime scene, rehab clinic attendees, law enforcement on the scene, etc. The background casting process is typically done via open calls. In this case, Set Life Casting Atlanta has been putting out calls for specific background roles on Project Casting’s job board. Actors can apply directly to these calls without an agent. Usually, you’ll submit some basic info and photos, and if you fit what they need, you get booked.
For Clean Hands, the casting calls have been quite specific. For instance, one recent casting call is seeking “REAL couples” to play a teen couple in a pivotal scene, specifically those comfortable with on-screen kissing. The call described it as an emotional crime scene sequence and required a real male-female couple (ages 18–30) or two individuals willing to play a couple. It noted that no prior experience was required – just the ability to follow direction and portray emotion authentically in a high-intensity scene. Another casting call is looking for people to play cops and pedestrians in a crime scene, open to men and women ages 18–60, local to Gainesville. These examples show that the production is casting a wide range of everyday people. Background actor jobs in Georgia like this are ideal for aspiring actors to get on set and start building experience.
When you respond to a Clean Hands casting call, you’ll typically need to submit an application online. The Project Casting listings allow you to click “Apply” and often require creating a profile. You might also be asked to send in photos and details. For example, the casting call for the couple requested at least three recent photos (including one full-body and one with a date stamp) upon submission. Always read the casting notice instructions carefully: they will tell you exactly what to send (photos, resume, measurements, availability, etc.). Follow those directions to the letter – casting directors often eliminate candidates who don’t follow instructions, since reliability is crucial on set.
In summary, if you’re aiming for a role in Clean Hands, your best bet as an up-and-coming actor is to go for the background and smaller roles via these open casting calls. The process is straightforward: find the casting call, make sure you fit the description, submit the requested info, and then patiently wait for a booking confirmation or callback. Being proactive and professional in this process can make you stand out.
Where is “Clean Hands” Filmed?
One of the key things to know about Clean Hands is where it’s being shot, because that tells you where you need to be available for work. The film is being filmed in Georgia, specifically in and around Gainesville, GA. Gainesville is a city northeast of Atlanta, and its downtown area is serving as a primary filming location for the movie. In fact, the production is transforming an alley in downtown Gainesville into a movie set for a crucial scene.
The choice of Georgia is not surprising – Georgia has a vibrant film industry and a generous film tax credit, which attracts many productions. Producer James Suttles, whose Georgia-based company is co-producing the film, noted that they partnered with Margate House Films to bring the movie to Georgia. While the story of Clean Hands is set in Maryland (where Kevin Simmers and Brooke’s House are in real life), the filmmakers are recreating that world in Georgia.
For actors, this means that if you want to be in Clean Hands, you need to work as a local hire in Georgia. The casting calls explicitly state you must be local to the Gainesville/Atlanta area. Productions generally do not pay travel or housing for background actors, so being in the vicinity is important. If you’re from out of state, you’d have to be willing to get yourself to Georgia on your own.
The Gainesville location also hints at the type of scenes being shot – possibly small-town settings, community gatherings, or outdoor scenes that fit the story’s setting. Gainesville’s downtown, for example, might stand in for Hagerstown, MD or other locales in the film. As filming continues, additional locations around Georgia might be used, but expect most to be in the Atlanta metro or surrounding towns. Always check the location listed on the casting call (they will usually mention the shooting location or general area, like “Gainesville, GA” or “Atlanta, GA”).
When Does Filming Start for “Clean Hands”?
Filming for Clean Hands is starting in spring 2025. According to the producers and news reports, cameras begin rolling in April 2025. In fact, a scene was scheduled to shoot in downtown Gainesville on April 24, 2025, with the city even announcing road closures to accommodate the production.
Production will likely continue through late April into May 2025, as indicated by reports that filming will take place in April and May. This timeline means that casting for extras is happening right now (or has just happened) for those specific dates. If you’re reading this in time, you’ll want to act fast to catch any open calls. If filming is already underway, don’t worry – sometimes productions have multiple phases or need additional extras as they go, so keep checking for new casting notices throughout the spring.
Knowing the filming schedule is useful for a couple of reasons. First, it tells you when you need to be available. If you apply for a role, make sure you actually will be in town and free on the shoot dates given. The casting calls usually list the date or at least the general timeframe (e.g., “afternoon shoot in late April”). Being clear on your availability (and only submitting if you can commit) will save you and the casting team time. Second, if you miss the window this time, it prepares you for the future – the movie is expected to release in summer 2026, so while principal photography is now, there could be reshoots or additional pickup shots later on (though that’s not guaranteed).
In short: filming has begun in April 2025, so the casting window is currently open and active. Mark your calendar, be ready to be on set on short notice, and keep your afternoons free if you’re hoping to get that call to come to set!
Where Can You Find “Clean Hands” Casting Calls and Auditions?
The best place to find casting calls and audition opportunities for Clean Hands is online, through reputable casting call websites and notices. One such site is Project Casting, which has been actively posting the Clean Hands casting notices. In fact, Project Casting has a dedicated job listing for Clean Hands background roles in Georgia. For example, the Project Casting job listing titled ““Clean Hands” Starring Zach Braff Casting Call for Real Couples” provides details on a specific extra role and how to apply. There’s also a listing for “Casting Call for Cops and Pedestrians,” which is another call for background actors on the same project.
If you’re an aspiring actor, you should do the following to find and pursue these opportunities:
- Visit Project Casting’s website and use the search function (try keywords like “Clean Hands casting call” or “Zach Braff casting”) to find any current postings for Clean Hands. The job listings will outline what roles are being cast (e.g., couples, police, etc.), the requirements, location, date, and how to submit. Project Casting often allows you to apply through their site by creating a profile and clicking an “Apply Now” button on the listing. Make sure your profile is complete and up-to-date before applying.
- Check Casting Company Pages: Since Set Life Casting Atlanta is handling extras, follow their social media (Facebook, Instagram) or website if they have one. Casting companies often post open calls on their Facebook pages or Instagram accounts with contact emails or submission forms. The Project Casting notices might actually be mirrored from a Facebook post or vice versa. It doesn’t hurt to also follow Georgia casting Facebook groups (e.g., “Georgia Casting Calls” or “Atlanta Extras Casting”) where local casting directors post opportunities. Keywords like “film extras Gainesville GA” or “Atlanta casting call” in those groups might lead you to the Clean Hands calls if you search.
- Project Casting’s “Find Jobs” section is another place to browse. The listing for Clean Hands might appear under categories like “Extras Casting” or by the casting company name (Set Life Casting). In the case of Clean Hands, the listing shows the company and location (Set Life Casting Atlanta – Gainesville, GA) which helps verify you have the right one.
- Audition Platforms: While extras roles won’t typically be on Actors Access or Backstage (those are more for principal roles), it’s worth keeping an eye on them just in case. Sometimes a smaller speaking role might get posted on Breakdown Services (Actors Access) if they need someone local. Also, Project Casting’s blog might feature an article about Clean Hands casting (like the one you’re reading, hint hint) which often includes the application link.
When you find a casting call, be sure to click through any provided URL to the official notice or application form. For instance, the Project Casting listing provides a link to “View Details & Apply” which either gives an email or a submission portal. In this case, it’s likely a direct submit form on Project Casting’s site. If the notice instead provided an email (like “submit to [email protected] with subject CLEAN HANDS”), you’d follow those instructions. Always use the official channel listed – do not send your info via random DMs or unverified contacts claiming to be casting. Legit casting calls will have a clear method to submit.
Finally, remember to be patient after submitting. Casting directors often receive hundreds of submissions for extras. They will typically only contact you (often via email or text) if you are selected or if they need more information. Keep checking the Project Casting page for Clean Hands regularly – new roles (for different scenes or dates) can be posted as the filming progresses. It’s common for productions to put out multiple waves of casting calls (today it’s a couple needed, next week it could be “seeking mourners for a funeral scene,” etc.). By staying vigilant, you might catch the perfect role for your look and availability.
Pro tip: If you don’t see any current calls, don’t be afraid to reach out proactively. For example, some casting companies allow you to join their database. Set Life Casting might have an online sign-up form or email list for extras. Being in their system means they can find you for future projects too. Just ensure any such sign-up is via an official website or communication – never pay to join a casting database that isn’t well-known. Real casting agencies for extras do not charge actors to be considered.
Best Audition Tips for Landing a Role on “Clean Hands”
So, you’ve found a casting call for Clean Hands that fits you – fantastic! Now, how do you maximize your chances of actually landing the role? Whether you’re auditioning for a speaking part or submitting for a background role, many of the same principles apply. Here are some of the best audition tips (tailored for Clean Hands and film auditions in general) to help you shine:
- Do Your Homework on the Story: Clean Hands deals with intense real-life subject matter, so show the casting team that you understand the gravity of the story. Take a moment to research Kevin and Brooke Simmers and the opioid crisis background. Knowing the context (for example, understanding what Brooke’s House is and why it’s important) can inform your performance. If you’re asked to read for a role or even to react as an extra, you’ll deliver more authentic emotion if you grasp the stakes. This kind of preparation is what seasoned actors do, and it can set you apart as someone who takes the work seriously.
- Highlight Your Emotional Range: This film is, at its core, an emotional drama about loss and hope. Casting directors like Laray Mayfield will be looking for actors who can convey authenticity and depth. In your audition (or self-tape), be ready to tap into those emotions. For a principal role audition, that means preparing a scene or monologue that shows vulnerability, whether it’s grief, desperation, or heartfelt resolve. Even for background actors, you might be asked to improvise some reaction (e.g., looking distraught in a vigil scene). Show that you’re capable of handling heavy scenes. If you have past experience with dramatic roles, subtly mention it in your submission or resume. Pro tip: If you’ve personally volunteered or worked with addiction/recovery causes, that empathy can come through in your performance – just be careful to keep the performance genuine and not overly theatrical. Clean Hands aims for realism and empathy, so underplayed, honest acting will go further than melodrama.
- Follow the Casting Instructions Meticulously: This cannot be stressed enough. The quickest way to lose an opportunity is to ignore the directions given in the casting call. If the notice says “submit 3 photos, including one full-body”, do exactly that. If they request your availability and stats, provide them clearly. Label your email subject line as instructed, or fill out every field in the online form. These details matter. Casting directors and assistants often have to sort through hundreds of submissions; they will appreciate the ones that make their job easier. By following instructions, you demonstrate that you’re professional, can take direction, and are likely to be an easy collaborator on set. On the flip side, an application missing key info might get tossed out because they don’t have time to chase you for details. Treat the submission itself as your first audition – it’s your chance to show you can do what’s asked.
- Polish Your Headshots and Résumé: When applying, you’ll be judged initially by the materials you send. For Clean Hands, a project seeking “real” people, make sure your headshots look like you (how you currently appear, not an over-stylized version from 5 years ago). Casting wants to see your face clearly – good lighting, in focus, neutral background if possible. Since one casting call was for a couple of teenagers (played by adults 18–30), looking youthful and genuine in the photo is key if you fit that. Tailor your pictures to the role type: for a “cop” extra, a more serious or authoritative look could help; for a “grieving parent at a rehab opening,” a softer approachable look might be better. Along with photos, have a concise résumé ready (even if you’re new, list any acting classes, theater roles, or special skills). If you don’t have much acting experience, don’t fret – the casting call explicitly said “no prior experience required” for background roles. In that case, focus on skills or traits: Are you CPR certified? Have you worked in healthcare or law enforcement? Little details can sometimes match you to a specific extra role (for instance, if they need someone who can handle fake medical gear as a paramedic extra). Include such relevant info in your submission notes.
- Be Ready to Improvise and Take Direction: If you get called in for an audition or even cast as an extra, be mentally prepared to take direction well. The casting team and director might ask you to adjust something on the fly. In an audition, they could say, “Try the scene again, but with more restraint this time,” or for extras, on set the AD might reposition you or ask you to mime a conversation. Show flexibility and a positive attitude. A tip for auditions: practice your sides or any potential scenes in multiple ways. Could you play the emotion internally and understated, but also have the option to play it more openly if asked? Versatility is a plus. Jake Allyn, the director, may be present at auditions for speaking roles or observing taped auditions; he’ll be keen on actors who can portray sincerity. Demonstrating that you can listen and adjust your performance is huge. A small example – if your audition is a self-tape, follow any provided guidelines about framing, slate, etc., and perhaps include a take where you make a bold choice and a take that’s more subtle. This gives the casting team options and shows you can interpret direction even when none is given explicitly.
- Emphasize Local Availability and Reliability: When it comes to landing the job, especially for background work, being reliable is often the tiebreaker between two equally suitable candidates. Clean Hands is filming on a tight schedule (just a few weeks in Georgia), so if you’re available for the shoot dates, say so clearly. If you live in Atlanta or Gainesville, mention that you’re local. Casting loves local hires because it means you’re less likely to bail due to travel issues. If you have a flexible day job or no commitments that conflict, you can mention “open availability in April/May.” And if you do get booked, treat it with professionalism: show up on time (early is better), bring the wardrobe items if they ask (sometimes extras are asked to bring options of their own clothes), and be ready to stay the whole day. Word gets around – if you’re easy to work with, Set Life Casting and others will remember for future gigs. Many background actors who make good impressions keep getting called back. So think long-term: this could be your entry into regular film work in the area.
- Stay Positive and Persistent: Not every submission will turn into a booking, and that’s okay. You might not hear back from the Clean Hands casting call you applied to – sometimes they simply select who they need and only notify those folks. Don’t be discouraged. The film and TV industry is a marathon, not a sprint. Use each audition or submission as a learning experience. If you don’t get cast, Clean Hands is one of many productions; take what you learned here and apply it to the next opportunity. Perhaps attend local workshops or join community film projects to keep honing your craft in the meantime. And if Clean Hands has multiple scenes requiring extras, you can even apply to more than one casting call (just ensure they’re different scenes/dates; you generally can’t be the same extra in two different looks unless it’s a crowd scene). Persistence and professionalism will pay off eventually. Who knows – if this film is a success, there may even be premiere events or related projects down the line, and having worked on it (even in a small capacity) is a networking plus.
Lastly, remember why you’re doing this. Clean Hands isn’t just another credit on your résumé; it’s a chance to contribute to a story that could genuinely move people. Casting director Laray Mayfield and the production team chose to open up these roles to newcomers for a reason – they want authenticity. So bring your authentic self to the table. Be genuine in your desire to be part of the project, and that enthusiasm will shine through.
Inspire and be inspired – if you land a role, you’ll not only get to act alongside professionals like Zach Braff, but you’ll also be part of sharing an important message. Every big actor started somewhere, often in the background or with a single line. This could be that start for you. So go ahead, polish that application, take a deep breath, and hit “send” on that casting submission. Clean Hands is calling – it’s your time to answer!
