Casting Call: A Gift To You

Casting calls list

Film School

A Gift To You

Details

Union:

Non union

Area of media:

Film School

Network:

Paid?:

Rates:

Non Paid Student Film

Deadline:

Feb 16, 2026

Auditions:

Self-tape by request

Callbacks:

Via Zoom TBD

Shooting starts:

Feb 27, 2026

Shooting finishes:

Mar 2, 2026

Shooting locations:

Greater Toronto Area

Cities for response:

Toronto

Comments

We can accept non-union actors submission. This is a non-paying student film and no permit is required. Actors will receive a copy of the finished film for their demo reel.

Food will be provided on all shoot days, and transportation support / gas compensation will be available as needed.

Storyline

On a freezing winter day in Toronto, 19-year-old Matt struggles to earn enough money for his younger sister’s birthday gift. When everything goes wrong, he must decide how far he’s willing to go to keep his promise to her.
"A Gift To You" is a grounded, character-driven short film about responsibility, loss, and quiet acts of love. Told over the course of a single day, the film follows Matt as he navigates the city, facing small but devastating setbacks that test his resilience. The story is intimate and naturalistic, focusing on subtle performances, emotional restraint, and moments of human connection.

Roles

Role type	Role	Gender & Age range
Lead	Matt	Male 18 - 26 Years old
Description Ethnicity: Open Character Description: Matt is a 19-year-old young man carrying more responsibility than he should at his age. He’s resourceful, stubborn, and deeply caring, even when life keeps pushing him down. Beneath his quiet demeanor is a constant anxiety about money, time, and keeping promises. Additional Notes: - Must know how to ride a bicycle confidently. Several scenes involve riding and handling a bike in public spaces. Comfortable with light physical actions. - Must be available for all Principal Photography (February 27 – March 2, 2026).
Role type	Role	Gender & Age range
Principal	Lili	Female 6 - 10 Years old
Description Ethnicity: Open Character Description: Lili is a bright, imaginative, and emotionally intuitive child. She is playful and curious, but carries an underlying sadness from loss she doesn’t fully understand. She idolizes her older brother and finds comfort in fantasy, toys, and small moments of joy.
Role type	Role	Gender & Age range
Principal	The Cashier	Female 18 - 26 Years old
Description Ethnicity: Open Character Description: The cashier is quiet, observant, and kind. She notices more than she says. Though her role is small, she represents a moment of human connection and empathy in Matt’s otherwise harsh day.
Role type	Role	Gender & Age range
Principal	Mrs. Lawren	Female 35 - 50 Years old
Description Ethnicity: Open Character Description: Protective, cautious, and emotionally restrained. She cares about Matt but prioritizes structure and safety. Her kindness shows through hesitation rather than warmth.
Role type	Role	Gender & Age range
Actor	The Dealer	Male 25 - 40 Years old
Description Ethnicity: Open Character Description: A small-time hustler who treats everything as transactional. Casual, slightly untrustworthy. He’s just another person trying to get ahead at someone else’s expense. Addition Notes: Valid driver’s license and ability to drive is a plus. Character appears with a car and interacts with it on screen.
Role type	Role	Gender & Age range
Actor	Peter	Male 18 - 30 Years old
Description Ethnicity: Open Character Description: Bold, opportunistic, and cruel in a casual way. He sees Matt as an easy target and steals the bike. Notes: Must be comfortable riding a bike and performing light physical action.
Role type	Role	Gender & Age range
Actor	Leo	Male 18 - 30 Years old
Description Ethnicity: Open Character Description: Acts as an accomplice of Peter. Quieter and more reserved.

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