Short Film

"Stepmom's Dark Secret" (Open to ACTRA members and apprentices)

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Details

Union:

Union

Area of media:

Short Film

Network:

Paid?:

Yes

Rates:

TBD ACTRA MIP HONORARIUM

Deadline:

Jan 1, 2025

Auditions:

(NO AUDITION, BOOKING OFF REELS)

Shooting starts:

Jan 7, 2025 8:30 am

Shooting finishes:

Jan 7, 2025 3:00pm

Shooting locations:

Montreal, Quebec

Cities for response:

Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa

Comments

SEE NOTES ABOVE

Storyline

Synopsis/ Storyline:
When young EMILY uncovers her wicked stepmother DELIA’s cruelty toward housekeeper HANNAH, she bravely exposes the truth. As EMILY and her father, ALEX, face the dark reality, can love and courage shatter the lies that have held them captive? Or will Delia’s manipulations destroy them all?

Roles

Role type	Role	Gender & Age range
Lead	EMILY	Female 8 - 12 Years old
Description LEAD - EMILY, 10 (8-12) A sharp, sensitive girl with a strong sense of justice, Emily is caught in the turbulence of a fractured family. Though small and often overlooked, she has a deep emotional intelligence that allows her to see what others cannot—or will not. Despite her youthful innocence, Emily becomes the unexpected hero in the story, gathering the courage to confront the dark secrets lurking in her home. HMU & WARDROBE ALL SCENES: 1 DAY, 1 LOOK Wardrobe: Simple T-shirt (pinks, purples, lighter tones), jeans, sneakers. Casual and cute, everyday wear. Hair and Makeup: A ponytail or braid, natural, no makeup.
Role type	Role	Gender & Age range
Lead	DELIA	Female 30 - 44 Years old
Description LEAD - DELIA, 35 (30-44) Delia is Emily’s manipulative and cold stepmother, a woman who wears a mask of perfection to cover her cruelty. She’s charming in public, using her “feminine” wiles to keep Emily's father, ALEX, wrapped around her finger. But behind closed doors, Delia is vindictive, controlling, and abusive—particularly toward HANNAH. She’s quick to punish any disobedience and plays on others' fears and insecurities to maintain power in the household. Delia is a master manipulator, fully aware of her hold on her family and willing to do whatever it takes to maintain control—even if it means destroying the trust and love in the home. HMU & WARDROBE ALL SCENES: 1 DAY, 1 LOOK Wardrobe: Tailored blouse or dress, pencil skirt or trousers. Neutral, polished, sleek. She looks put together all day, everyday, regardless of where she’s going or what she has to do. Hair and Makeup: Smooth, controlled hair. Glamorous makeup: bold eyes, glossy lips, done up to always impress, the picture of flawless perfection.
Role type	Role	Gender & Age range
Lead	ALEX	Male 30 - 44 Years old
Description LEAD - ALEX, 40 (30-44) ALEX is Emily's well-meaning but oblivious father, who has become entangled in a web of denial and misplaced trust. A loving father at heart, he works hard to provide for his family but is often blind to the deeper issues at play, especially when it comes to his wife, Delia. When confronted with the truth, he’s torn between his love for Delia and his overwhelming guilt for failing to protect Emily and Hannah. Alex’s arc is one of realization and heartbreak as he grapples with the betrayal of the woman he loves and the damage caused to his family. HMU & WARDROBE ALL SCENES: 1 DAY, 1 LOOK Wardrobe: Button-down shirt, khakis or jeans, casual but refined. Comfortable, practical. Hair and Makeup: Tousled hair, minimal grooming. Clean-shaven.
Role type	Role	Gender & Age range
Lead	HANNAH	Female 30 - 44 Years old
Description LEAD - HANNAH, 40 (30-44) **must be OK with content, and exposing her back only to show “bruises and scratches” through a wet shirt. No nudity, no implied nudity. Hannah is the quiet, loyal housekeeper who has been working for ALEX and his family for years. On the outside, she is kind and self-effacing, often keeping her head down to avoid trouble. However, her meek exterior masks the deep emotional and physical toll of abuse at the hands of Delia. She suffers in silence, terrified of losing her job or facing further punishment if she speaks out. Though she’s afraid, Hannah’s bravery grows as she realizes she’s not alone anymore. HMU & WARDROBE ALL SCENES: 1 DAY, 1 LOOK Wardrobe: 2 of the same white shirts (t-shirt or casual button down, short sleeves OK), black casual clacks or black tights. A tank top or undershirt for modesty. Cleaning apron, modest, practical. Hair and Makeup: Loose ponytail or bun, natural/minimal makeup.

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