Details
Union:
Non union
Area of media:
Short Film
Network:
Paid?:
Yes
Rates:
Paid. Competitive independent film rates; varies by role.
Deadline:
July 16, 2026
Auditions:
Self-tapes upon request.
Callbacks:
Callbacks will be held virutally or in Toronto.
Shooting starts:
Sept 28, 2026
Shooting finishes:
Oct 2, 2026
Shooting locations:
Toronto, ON
Cities for response:
Toronto
Storyline
A man living with a debilitating but invisible chronic illness struggles to maintain the appearance of a normal life as he moves through the medical system, work, family, and a relationship. Despite repeated reassurance that nothing is seriously wrong, his condition quietly reshapes every aspect of his existence. As his world grows smaller, another presence comes into focus. Told through an observational, largely non-verbal style, Beside Achilles is an intimate portrait of invisible illness, isolation, and endurance.
Roles
| Role type | Role | Gender & Age range |
| Lead | Andrew | Male 35 - 42 Years old |
Description A man living with a debilitating but invisible chronic gastrointestinal illness. Reserved, intelligent, and emotionally contained, Andrew navigates the medical system, work, family, and a same-sex relationship while struggling with a condition that others cannot see.The role requires an actor who can believably portray the physical effects of long-term illness. Andrew has a lean build consistent with someone who has experienced some weight loss due to his condition. Andrew is the film's only principal character who never speaks. The audience experiences the film entirely through his observations and reactions, making this a lead performance that relies on subtle, nuanced, non-verbal emotional expression. Some scenes involve working alongside a small-breed dog; physical interaction with the dog is not required. One shoot day will take place at a cottage location outside Toronto. | ||
| Role type | Role | Gender & Age range |
| Supporting | Sam | Male 28 - 36 Years old |
Description A caring and emotionally intelligent partner in a same-sex relationship with Andrew, navigating the strain that chronic illness puts on a long-term relationship. The role requires emotional range, strong screen presence, and the ability to convey vulnerability and heartbreak. While open to all qualified performers, actors of South Asian, Middle Eastern, or other diverse backgrounds are especially encouraged to submit. | ||
| Role type | Role | Gender & Age range |
| Supporting | Doctor #1 | Male 60 - 75 Years old |
Description A seasoned old-school physician who approaches the protagonist’s concerns with casual reassurance. Convinced that the situation is less serious than the patient believes, he routinely minimizes the symptoms and offers simple explanations for complex problems. While well-intentioned, his inability to recognize the true impact of the illness leaves the protagonist feeling unseen and unheard. Requires warmth, authority, and the ability to convey subtle dismissal beneath a reassuring exterior. | ||
| Role type | Role | Gender & Age range |
| Supporting | Doctor #2 | All 40 - 60 Years old |
Description An experienced physician who is abrupt, emotionally detached, and dismissive of the protagonist’s concerns. Focused on symptoms rather than the person, the doctor shows little patience for uncertainty or discussion beyond immediate treatment options. Requires strong authority, confidence, and the ability to convey subtle frustration, indifference, and passive-aggressive dismissal.Actors from diverse cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds are especially encouraged to submit. | ||
| Role type | Role | Gender & Age range |
| Supporting | Doctor #3 | Female 38 - 50 Years old |
Description A compassionate and attentive physician who takes the time to listen. Unlike many of the medical professionals the protagonist has encountered, she approaches him with empathy, curiosity, and genuine concern. Requires warmth, authenticity, strong listening skills, and the ability to convey compassion without sentimentality. Actors from diverse cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds are especially encouraged to submit. | ||
| Role type | Role | Gender & Age range |
| Small Principal | Family Member #1 | Female 38 - 45 Years old |
Description A warm and welcoming family member who appears in a family gathering scene. The role includes a brief but meaningful interaction with the protagonist. Seeking an actor who can deliver natural, authentic dialogue and bring warmth, familiarity, and an effortless maternal presence to the scene. | ||
| Role type | Role | Gender & Age range |
| Small Principal | Frank | Male 35 - 55 Years old |
Description A friendly, approachable coworker who very briefly interacts with the protagonist during a workplace scene. Seeking an actor with a natural, authentic screen presence who can convey warmth and professionalism in a subtle, understated moment.Actors from diverse cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds are especially encouraged to submit. | ||
| Role type | Role | Gender & Age range |
| Small Principal | Office Employees | All 28 - 65 Years old |
Description Seeking 6 performers to portray office employees in a modern corporate workplace. Roles include natural workplace conversations, light humour, and everyday interactions before a meeting, helping create the authentic atmosphere of a busy office. Performers will deliver brief conversational dialogue and should be comfortable with naturalistic, overlapping performances.Actors from diverse cultural, ethnic, and racial backgrounds are especially encouraged to submit. | ||
| Role type | Role | Gender & Age range |
| Small Principal | Child | Male 5 - 8 Years old |
Description A lively young child at a family gathering. Heard calling out excitedly from the hallway before briefly appearing during the dinner, where they innocently bump Andrew's chair while playing. The role helps establish the warmth and bustle of the family environment. | ||
| Role type | Role | Gender & Age range |
| Bit Part | Family Voices | All 25 - 65 Years old |
Description Seeking 3–4 performers to portray family members during a dinner sequence. Roles involve overlapping conversation, light gossip, teasing, humour, and well-intentioned advice that creates the feeling of a lively, authentic family gathering. Some roles may be partially visible on screen, while others may be heard off screen. | ||