Short Film

The Messenger

SAG-AFTRA Members, please login to your Membership Benefits deals and discounts page to activate your Casting Workbook membership.

Details

Union:

Non union

Area of media:

Short Film

Network:

Paid?:

Rates:

Meal, Transportation, & Credit will be provided.

Deadline:

Apr 30, 2024

Callbacks:

If Requied

Shooting starts:

Aug 30, 2024

Shooting finishes:

Sept 2, 2024

Shooting locations:

Toronto, ON & Pickering, ON

Cities for response:

Toronto

Comments

This Short Film will be submitted to multiple Film Festivals Around The World.
Please feel free to follow the Director & Production Company on Instagram for Film Updates.
Please do not submit any self-tapes on social media.

Storyline

In "The Messenger," grieving father Alph struggles with the overwhelming loss of his visually impaired son, Holden. Consumed by sorrow and battling his own mental health demons, Alph embarks on a poignant journey of self-discovery. Along the way, he encounters Mr. Quinn, a blind bakery owner who shares a profound connection with Holden. Through Mr. Quinn's guidance and the unexpected encounter with a young disabled child, Alph confronts his inner turmoil and finds hope in unexpected places. As the story unfolds, Alph faces a pivotal moment of decision, leaving audiences captivated and wondering about the fate of his journey.

Roles

Role type	Role	Gender & Age range
Lead	Mr. Quinn	Male 40 - 99 Years old
Description Role Description: Mr. Quinn is a distinguished Black male aged 40 and over. He exudes wisdom and warmth, embodying a character with depth and empathy. Mr. Quinn is visually impaired, adding an additional layer of authenticity to the role. He is a pivotal character who offers guidance and insight to the protagonist, Alph, in his journey of grief and self-discovery. Seeking: We are seeking actors with a commanding presence and exceptional acting skills to bring Mr. Quinn to life. Applicants should have experience portraying nuanced characters with emotional depth. Visual impairment is not mandatory but is preferred for authenticity. Reference and Referral: We are inspired by the performances of actors such as Denzel Washington, Colman Domingo, and Damson Idris. Their ability to portray complex characters with authenticity and sensitivity serves as a reference for the type of performance we are seeking for Mr. Quinn.
Role type	Role	Gender & Age range
Supporting	Holden	Male 5 - 11 Years old
Description Role Description: Holden is the main character and the son of Alph, who is a writer. A young boy of Caucasian/European descent, Holden is between 5-11 years old. He is curious, intelligent, and filled with youthful energy. At times, he feels his father, Alph, is preoccupied with work and seeks attention. This leads him to develop a special bond with Mr. Quinn, from whom he learns braille. Seeking: We are seeking a young actor with the ability to portray Holden's innocence, curiosity, and longing for connection. The actor should be between 5-11 years old, of Caucasian/European descent. While prior experience is a plus, we encourage young talents with diverse backgrounds and abilities to audition. The actor should be comfortable learning and mimicking basic braille for the role. Note: Actors with visual impairment are encouraged to apply, but all young talents fitting the role description are welcome to audition.
Role type	Role	Gender & Age range
Actor	Young Kid	All 5 - 11 Years old
Description Role Description: The Young Kid character is open to both male and female actors, preferably young and aged between 5-11 years old. This character plays a significant role in the film, embodying innocence, curiosity, and a sense of vulnerability. Actors with any disability, including but not limited to visual impairment, Down syndrome, or others, are encouraged to apply. While having a disability is not mandatory for this role, it is preferred to bring authenticity to the character. Seeking: We are seeking young talents who can portray the essence of childhood with honesty and emotional depth. Actors with disabilities, including but not limited to visual impairment, Down syndrome, or others, are highly encouraged to audition as their unique perspective can enhance the character's authenticity. However, all young actors fitting the age range and character description are welcome to showcase their talent during auditions.
Role type	Role	Gender & Age range
Actor	Group of Friends	All 20 - 99 Years old
Description Role Overview: We are casting for a group of friends, all aged 20 and above, of any gender. The characters in this group have disabilities, which can include visual impairments or other disabilities. Despite their challenges, they are incredibly friendly and supportive of each other. They share a close bond with Mr. Quinn and often gather at his bakery to paint, chat, and spend quality time together. Character Traits: Inclusivity: The group represents diverse disabilities, including visual impairments, physical disabilities, hearing impairments, etc. Friendly: They are warm, kind-hearted, and always ready to lend a helping hand to each other and others in their community. Artistic: Some members of the group are passionate about art and enjoy painting together during their gatherings at Mr. Quinn's bakery. Supportive: They offer emotional support and understanding to one another, creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. Seeking: We are seeking actors of any gender, aged 20 and above, with disabilities to portray these friendly and supportive friends. Prior acting experience is not required; authenticity and a genuine connection with the character traits are essential. This casting call encourages actors with disabilities, including visual impairments, physical disabilities, hearing impairments, and others, to audition and be a part of this inclusive film project.

Submit to this breakdown