CASTING CALL: Controlling the Narrative
STATUS: CLOSED
We are finished casting this project! If you’re interested in future gigs, please sign up for general consideration.
SHOOT DATES: Mon 8/22-Sat 8/27 (3-6 days, TBD)
COVID19: Vaccination required for all cast + crew
QUESTIONS: Please email us at casting@weeblemountain.com
WHO WE NEED
We’re casting the lead role of JESSIE in the short film Controlling The Narrative. We need:
Trans and/or non-binary actors age 14-25, all ethnicities.
We’re open to all gender expressions, and would love to see submissions from any actors who identify as non-cisgender.
No professional acting/modeling experience is needed to apply. As queer filmmakers, we honor the fact that there are many barriers to access for LGBTQ+ talent to train as actors, and we’re open to anyone with an interest in film acting.
People of all identities (races, sizes, physical abilities, genders, sexualities, religions, ethnicities, countries of origin, and more) who fall within the given parameters are welcome and encouraged to apply. We are committed to representing authentic diversity across all projects.
Don’t fit these roles? We encourage you to sign up for general consideration.
ABOUT THE FILM
LOGLINE After the death of her estranged mother, DANICA, a cutthroat Hollywood producer, develops a "cinematic dissociative disorder," and starts finding herself inside of the movie pitches she hears at work. With the help of her wise-beyond-their-years trans and/or non-binary teen, JESSIE, DANICA must learn that the only way to get past grief is to go through it.
FULL SUMMARY: Starring a 50+ woman and her trans and/or non-binary teen, Controlling the Narrative will give a much-needed platform to underrepresented voices. Although touching on topics such as sexism, homophobia, asexuality, single parenthood, and racism, the foundation of the story is simply a mother and child learning that, together, they can confront family tragedy head on. To have people with underrepresented identities in leading roles, but to *not* make the story arc about their underrepresented identities is refreshing and even radical.
Employing hidden movie homages and an underlying critique of the current media and cultural landscape, Controlling the Narrative is smart, funny magical realism with a message. This film will bring a female-driven, emotional story to a more mainstream audience. It intentionally weaves together tropes from various genres including action- adventure, family dramedy, and even video games. By stretching the boundaries of these often prescribed categories, it invites audiences to go outside their comfort zones.
Because of the topic, this short film provides a unique opportunity for its diverse Portland crew to showcase multiple visual styles. For DANICA'S "real life," we will take a more distanced, sterile approach, using pale colors, wide shots with miles of negative space and little to no camera movement. I want the audience to feel how removed and distracted DANICA herself feels. When DANICA enters into a fantasy world, there will be an abrupt and dramatic change to a more brightly colorful world, filled with sounds, and shots will be tighter, composed more traditionally, with lots of movement. DANICA, and by extension, the audience will be more engaged with these fantasies. And of course, the payoff will be the ending,
DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT: Controlling the Narrative is a female-driven, personal allegory illustrating what happens when we run away from our own grief. It is a creative exploration—via magical realism narrative storytelling—of my own complicated relationship to family, as a queer person, a filmmaker, and a parent. As our entire world has been forced to face our shadows in isolation, this film opens up the conversation about how to begin to turn toward each other again.
I am a co-founder of Couch Film Collective, a non-profit dedicated to supporting underrepresented people in film. Our team always hires women/non-binary, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ crews— people historically given fewer opportunities and lower pay. The community impact of this project encompasses both the production process and end product, as all my work does. I am passionate about changing toxic set culture, while also creating art that bridges our deep divides.
My love of creating story through film goes back to childhood. After being recruited by college professors into the world of social issue PBS documentaries, I worked for a decade in the field. I co- or associate produced multi-award-winning Out Run, Ask Not, Mr. Cao Goes to Washington, States of Grace, Emmy-nominated A Village Called Versailles, and creative directed the Witness to Guantanamo project, which was nominated twice by the American Bar Association for its Silver Gavel Awards. I directed, edited, produced, and distributed dozens more feature and short films, which have been widely used to promote change on topics ranging from racism, homophobia in the military, child abuse, politics, and climate change. Most recently, I directed two narrative shorts, commercials, and produced a short film and two web series. I believe this industry is uniquely positioned to transform global dialogue and culture.
FULL SCRIPT: Controlling the Narrative Confidential, to be used for casting purposes only.
ROLES AVAILABLE
JESSIE (Lead) non-binary and/or trans, any ethnicity. Obstinately sincere, too smart for their age. JESSIE uses art and writing to process their grandmother's bigotry and their mother's co-dependency, often demonstrating the most emotional maturity of the three.
Project Information
TYPE: Short Film
UNION STATUS: SAG. Non-Union talent are welcome to submit.
DIRECTOR: Eva Moss (do not contact)
SHOOT LOCATION: Portland, Oregon (transportation/lodging will be provided)
SHOOT DATES: Mon 8/22-Sat 8/27 (3-6 days, TBD)
Please do not request work off or clear your schedule unless requested to do so via email (we will give you as much notice as possible). Production can be somewhat flexible around your schedule.
PAY IF HIRED: SAG ULB SCALE (~$211/day)
Talent agents: 10% agency fee available on all rates.
HIRING REQUIREMENTS: Must be US-based, age 14+, and be legally eligible to work in the US. Must comply with COVID19 protocols.
COVID19 CONSIDERATIONS: Please only apply if you would feel safe working during COVID19 given the information below.
The first audition process will be 100% remote (no in-person auditions)
Vaccination required for all cast + crew.
Note that as on-camera talent, you will sometimes be required to remove your mask, for active photography and makeup application.
HOW TO APPLY
Please use the link below for instructions on submitting a self-tape for this project Please review these instructions ASAP as you will need to prepare your lines and find a reader to help you record your audition.
DEADLINE TO APPLY: 11:59pm PST on Tue 7/26 -
Late submissions accepted on a rolling basis.
If you have a talent agent, it is mandatory to list your agency on your application.
QUESTIONS? Please email casting@weeblemountain.com
Non-Disclosure Agreement: By applying for this project, you agree not to mention your involvement in the project, nor disclose to outside parties any details regarding the advertiser, product, or shoot that may be shared during the casting process. Violation of the NDA may result in termination and/or legal action.
Have Thoughts? We strive to use inclusive and affirming language in our casting process. Please let us know if you have any feedback for us.
About Us: We’re a casting agency that finds actors, models, and extras for photoshoots, commercials, TV, and movies. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Our owner, Rachel Mossey, is also on IMDB.
Interested in Other Gigs? We encourage you to visit our sign up page to learn about general consideration.