Short Film
STILL LOOKING "UP IN THE SPOTLIGHT"
Details
Union:
Union or Non union
Area of media:
Short Film
Network:
Paid?:
Yes
Rates:
UBCP/ACTRA ULB ( PENDING ) Day Rate is from $350 TO $500 Depending on Character-This includes rehearsal, shoot and ADR/Post if needed.
Deadline:
Sept 13, 2023
Callbacks:
Sept 25, 2023 In Person-Brentwood-Burnaby Area
Shooting starts:
Oct 19, 2023 
Shooting finishes:
Oct 22, 2023 
Shooting locations:
Vancouver
Cities for response:
Vancouver
Storyline
SYNOPSIS

The story begins with the frantic and very wet arrival of Quill, a young man with a difference, at the Izza Grande Acting Academy. Quill left his comfort zone and life with his family on the Island to try to pursue his dream of acting.

Despite Quill’s struggles to fit in, his strong imagination causes him to see what’s happening in the world around him in a way that others don’t. The audience is introduced to ‘Quill’s Mind’s Eye’ bringing levity and chaos to the scenes. When Quill approaches the school, he is confronted by the no-nonsense Ruby who helps him with a wardrobe failure on the steps of the school. With her help, he then proceeds through the gates of heaven, also known as his last acting school to visit. We see Quill as he enters Izza Grande, starstruck by the thought of being amongst Hollywood’s finest. However, his introduction to Izza Grande, comes in the form of Libby, the sardonic, acerbic receptionist.

Quill’s uniqueness begins to show as frustration mounts in Libby. As Quill waits for his possible audition, he interacts with a number of other potential students: Poppy, a bouncy, naive, chatty young woman; Sly, the serious, tolerant young man, and Craig, his sour, edgy friend.

As well, he is exposed to other members of the staff, such as Mac, the washed up action star and Ms Berry, the confident, curvaceous head of the school, as they attempt to steer him forward, or otherwise, in his journey. Quill’s memorable audition, which finally comes to fruition, reveals much about his different way of seeing the world and has a big impact, for better or worse, on his potential future at Izza Grande. Will this be the end of Quill’s big city experience or just the beginning?

LOGLINE-GENRE
Quill, a young man with a difference and his unique perspective collides with the characters of the Izza Grande Acting Academy, a school struggling to survive and thrive despite its’ own challenges

TONE
"Up In The Spotlight" Comedy- is a refreshing sitcom set in present-day pacific Northwest, exploring the vibrant world of an unconventional acting school. Through an ensemble cast of eccentric characters, the show delves into the comedic and heartfelt journey of self-discovery and personal growth. The story invites viewers to connect with the characters on a personal level, as their backstories, challenges, and relationships unfold over time.

Physical comedy and improvisation play an integral role, enhancing the entertainment value of the project. With its eclectic mix of quirky humor and poignant moments, the short promises to captivate audiences and provide a relatable and entertaining viewing experience for all.

THEMES
"Up In The Spotlight" is a heartwarming show that embraces the struggles and triumphs of kids growing up with dyslexia. Through laughter, conflicts, and friendships, the show explores the challenges of fitting in, while emphasizing the power of believing in yourself..


Roles
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
PrincipalMacMale 35 - 45 Years old
Description
Day rate: $500
All Ethnicities
Successful action actor that is now injured, unsure about his recovery and what his next steps in life and career are. Divorced – and feels lonely; has decided he’d like a wife/and or child. Doesn’t always get/demand respect from students. Talks about the ‘real career/life of an actor. Injured doing his own stunts. Empathizes with Quill as he’s feeling a bit disabled in life, himself, right now.
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
Principal Sly Male 20 - 26 Years old
Description
Day rate: $500
BIPOC
Sly is very well built, laid back and casual. He is friendly and chats to classmates easily. He always sits at the back and enjoys the ‘entertainment’ of the other students. (Hoo hoo hoo). Strange religious beliefs. It is revealed later on that he was raised in an Orthodox Evangelical family which his father is a pastor of. His family took in Craig when his father saw he had no home to go when his parents disappeared. However that didn’t stop Craig getting into trouble throughout his life and wreaking havoc in Sly’s family’s life too. It is Sly’s dream to become an actor to ‘change the world’. It was Sly’s mother’s belief that it was best for Craig to go along with him to acting school to get out of town, where he was mixed up with the wrong crowd, to avoid getting into any more trouble in the town that they were in. Sly thinks of Craig as his brother, in a sense, but resents the impact his behavior has on his life.
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
PrincipalMs Berry Female 40 - 49 Years old
Description
Day rate: $500
Caucasian
Long time Director of school; very attractive ex actor/model type; always dressed to KILL! Great smile, Effusively positive and friendly. Friends with her colleague, Mac. Is tired of running the school as it seems to keep sinking financially. Wishes others would pull their weight. She is single as her work is her life. No desire for it to be otherwise. Feels that she’s always putting out fires with the personalities (students and staff) in the school.
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
ActorPoppy’s BoyfriendMale 21 - 28 Years old
Description
Day rate: $350
All Ethnicities

Dynamic individual in their early twenties. With a well-defined muscular build. Exudes both strength and approachability. Dressed casually in jeans and a comfortable t-shirt, they effortlessly blend style with ease. His presence is both inviting and full of energy.

Role typeRoleGender & Age range
ActorSinger All 45 - 65 Years old
Description
Day rate: $350
African American

Introducing the "Hype Man," the legendary opener for James Brown's concerts, who has magically come to life in Quill Finn Y.'s imagination. This vivacious character embodies the very essence of how Quill saw him on those mesmerizing 70s tapes. He's now here, not to present James Brown, but to introduce Quill Finn Y. to the prestigious Izza Grande Acting Academy.