Short Film

The Winning Ticket

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Details

Union:

Non union

Area of media:

Short Film

Network:

Paid?:

Yes

Rates:

150-275

Deadline:

Dec 2, 2024

Shooting starts:

Dec 16, 2024

Shooting finishes:

Dec 16, 2024

Shooting locations:

Shelburne, Ontario - must have own transportation

Cities for response:

Toronto

Storyline

A waitress's greed consumes her when she steals a winning lottery ticket from her coworker's table, a struggling single mother, but her greed leads to devastating consequences and a karmic twist of fate.

Roles

Role type	Role	Gender & Age range
Lead	Brenda	Female 40 - 50 Years old
Description The antagonist, a self-centered waitress driven by greed. Rough edge, smokers voice. Surly and Perpetually Annoyed: She is frequently seen grumbling and expressing frustration, particularly towards customers like Joey. Selfish and Entitled: She believes the lottery ticket is rightfully hers, even though it was left for Sarah. She is unwilling to share the prize, demonstrating a sense of entitlement. Dishonest: She steals the lottery ticket and lies about how she obtained it. She is also caught stealing food supplies from the diner. Defensive and Aggressive: When confronted about her actions, she becomes defensive and lashes out at Sarah. Overall, Brenda is a flawed character whose actions are driven by self-interest and a lack of empathy. Her negative traits ultimately overshadow any positive aspects of her personality. Key Visual Cues: Slight frown lines: Indicating her tendency towards annoyance. Observant eyes: Suggesting her attention to detail and ability to assess situations quickly. Confident posture: Projecting an air of authority. Remember, this is just a basic sketch. The actor portraying Brenda would bring their own nuances and interpretations to the role.
Role type	Role	Gender & Age range
Lead	Sarah	Female 34 - 44 Years old
Description A hardworking single mother and waitress, struggling with her daughter's medical bills. Personality: Warm and Compassionate: Sarah is a naturally caring person, always willing to lend a helping hand. Her empathy and kindness shine through in her interactions with others, particularly those in need. Strong and Resilient: Despite facing challenges, Sarah maintains a positive outlook and perseveres. She's a fighter, determined to provide a better life for her daughter. Selfless and Humble: Sarah puts the needs of others, especially her daughter, before her own. She's not motivated by personal gain or recognition. Emotionally Expressive: Sarah's emotions are readily apparent on her face and in her voice. She experiences joy, sadness, and frustration deeply. Physicality: Appearance: Sarah's appearance reflects her working-class background. Her clothes are simple and practical, and she may show signs of fatigue from her demanding job and personal responsibilities. Body Language: Sarah's movements are often gentle and reassuring. She has a warm smile and a comforting touch. Voice: Sarah's voice is kind and soothing, with a hint of underlying strength. Key Traits: Empathetic: Sarah easily connects with others and understands their struggles. Optimistic: Despite facing difficulties, Sarah maintains hope for a better future. Determined: Sarah is unwavering in her commitment to her daughter and her goals. Genuine: Sarah's warmth and kindness are authentic and heartfelt. Overall Impression: Sarah is a relatable and inspiring character who embodies the strength of the human spirit. Her compassion, resilience, and unwavering love for her daughter make her a truly admirable protagonist. Casting Note: The actor portraying Sarah should be able to convey a wide range of emotions with sincerity and depth. They should possess a natural warmth and a quiet strength that shines through even in challenging moments.
Role type	Role	Gender & Age range
Lead	Jordan	40 - 55 Years old
Description Slightly overweight, perpetually annoyed manager of the diner Personality: Perpetually Annoyed: Jordan often appears gruff and irritable, especially when dealing with the daily grind of running the diner. Pragmatic and Efficient: Jordan is a no-nonsense manager who prioritizes getting the job done. They're organized and focused on keeping the diner running smoothly. Fair-Minded and Principled: Despite their gruff exterior, Jordan has a strong sense of justice. They uphold the diner's policies and ensure everyone is treated fairly. Good-Hearted: Beneath their tough exterior, Jordan genuinely cares about their employees and customers. They may not show it openly, but their actions reveal their underlying kindness. Physicality: Appearance: Jordan's appearance is likely practical and unassuming, reflecting their no-nonsense approach to life. Their clothing may be slightly rumpled from a busy day at the diner. Body Language: Jordan's movements are efficient and purposeful. They may have a habit of frowning or crossing their arms, conveying a sense of impatience. Voice: Jordan's voice is firm and authoritative, with a hint of underlying warmth. Key Traits: Gruffness: Jordan's initial irritability and sarcasm can be off-putting, but it's a defense mechanism that masks their softer side. Efficiency: Jordan's ability to manage the diner's operations effectively is a testament to their organizational skills and work ethic. Fairness: Jordan's commitment to upholding the diner's policies and ensuring a level playing field for everyone is a core value. Hidden Kindness: Jordan's actions, such as defending Sarah's right to the lottery ticket, reveal their underlying compassion and sense of justice. Overall Impression: Jordan is a complex and well-rounded character who initially comes across as gruff and irritable but ultimately reveals a strong sense of fairness and a good heart. Casting Note: The actor portraying Jordan should be able to balance their character's gruffness with their underlying warmth and kindness. They should possess a natural authority and a sense of humor that allows them to deliver their lines with both wit and heart.
Role type	Role	Gender & Age range
Lead	Joey	Male 65 - 80 Years old
Description Very sweet older man who is a regular at the diner, he always orders the same thing and relies on the staff to know him and what he likes. Joey is depicted in the script as an older man, likely in his late 60s or early 70s. He is portrayed as a sweet and soft-spoken individual, even in the face of rudeness. He is a regular at the diner, suggesting he's a familiar and perhaps even beloved figure in the establishment. Despite being mistreated by Brenda, he remains polite and apologetic, highlighting his gentle nature. His character evokes sympathy and serves as a contrast to Brenda's harshness. Fumbling: He struggles with his wallet while trying to pay. Embarrassed: He is ashamed when he can't afford his meal. Appearance: Joey's appearance is likely modest and unassuming, reflecting his financial situation. His clothes may be slightly worn or outdated. Body Language: Joey's movements may be slow and deliberate, reflecting his age. He may also exhibit a slight stoop or other signs of aging. Voice: Joey's voice is likely soft and gentle, with a hint of vulnerability. Overall, Joey comes across as a sympathetic character who is struggling with financial difficulties. This makes him reliant on the kindness of others, such as Sarah. Casting Note: The actor portraying Joey should be able to convey a sense of gentle kindness and vulnerability. They should possess a natural warmth and a subtle expressiveness that allows them to communicate a range of emotions with minimal dialogue.
Role type	Role	Gender & Age range
Supporting Lead	Katie	Female 6 - 10 Years old
Description Sarah’s kind young daughter, battling cancer. Visibly sick. Personality: Resilient and Hopeful: Despite her illness, Katie maintains a positive outlook and a fighting spirit. She dreams of a better future and believes in her mother's ability to make it happen. Innocent and Loving: Katie's love for her mother is pure and unwavering. She finds comfort in their bond and relies on her mother's strength. Quietly Courageous: Katie faces her health challenges with bravery and determination. She doesn't complain or wallow in self-pity. Emotionally Sensitive: Katie is attuned to her mother's emotions and tries to be strong for her. She's also vulnerable and expresses her fears and hopes openly. Physicality: Appearance: Katie may appear pale or frail due to her illness. Her clothes are likely simple and comfortable. Body Language: Katie's movements may be slow or cautious, but she also displays moments of childlike energy and enthusiasm. Voice: Katie's voice is soft and gentle, with a hint of vulnerability. Key Traits: Optimism: Katie's hopefulness shines through even in difficult times. Love: Katie's deep affection for her mother is a driving force in her life. Strength: Katie's inner strength and resilience are inspiring. Vulnerability: Katie's emotional openness allows the audience to connect with her on a deeper level. Overall Impression: Katie is a heartwarming and inspiring character who embodies the power of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Her unwavering love for her mother and her quiet courage make her a truly unforgettable character. Casting Note: The actor portraying Katie should be able to convey a range of emotions with subtlety and authenticity. They should possess a natural innocence and a quiet strength that shines through even in vulnerable moments.
Role type	Role	Gender & Age range
Supporting	Agnes	Female 60 - 77 Years old
Description Personality: Kind and Observant: Agnes possesses a gentle and caring nature. She's perceptive, noticing details that others might miss, such as Sarah's act of kindness towards Joey. Wise and Intuitive: Agnes has a deep understanding of human nature. She's able to see through superficial appearances and recognize the inherent goodness in people like Sarah. Quietly Generous: Agnes's generosity is subtle but impactful. She's motivated by a genuine desire to help others, as demonstrated by her decision to leave the lottery ticket for Sarah. Principled and Outspoken: Agnes stands up for what she believes is right. She's not afraid to speak her mind, especially when she witnesses injustice. Physicality: Appearance: Agnes's appearance is warm and inviting. Her clothing is likely simple and elegant, reflecting her age and refined character. Body Language: Agnes's movements are graceful and deliberate. She carries herself with dignity and poise. Voice: Agnes's voice is calm and soothing, with a hint of wisdom and experience. Key Traits: Empathy: Agnes's ability to understand and connect with others is a defining characteristic. Generosity: Agnes's selfless acts of kindness reveal her compassionate heart. Wisdom: Agnes's insights and observations offer a unique perspective on the events of the story. Moral Compass: Agnes's strong sense of right and wrong guides her actions. Overall Impression: Agnes is a beacon of kindness and wisdom in the story. Her quiet generosity and unwavering principles make her a truly admirable character. Casting Note: The actor portraying Agnes should be able to convey a sense of warmth, wisdom, and inner strength. They should possess a natural grace and a gentle demeanor that reflects Agnes's compassionate nature.
Role type	Role	Gender & Age range
Background	Customer 1	Female 50 - 70 Years old
Description Part of a couple. No lines, only entry, background and exit from a scene.
Role type	Role	Gender & Age range
Background	Customer 2	Male 50 - 70 Years old
Description Part of a couple. No lines, only entry, background and exit from a scene.

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