Details
Union:
Union
Area of media:
Feature Film
Network:
Paid?:
Yes
Rates:
ACTRA Member-Initiated Production, with an equal profit-share model among members.
Deadline:
May 13, 2025
Shooting starts:
June 2, 2025
Shooting finishes:
June 13, 2025
Shooting locations:
Toronto
Cities for response:
Toronto
Comments
This feature-length tragicomedy written and directed by Erik Anderson, starring Tristan D. Lalla (The Sticky, Ghosts). Blending off-kilter humour and raw realism, the story challenges narratives of legitimacy, cancel culture, internalized bias, and fractured allyship within activist and artistic spaces. The film is being produced under ACTRA’s Member-Initiated Production (MIP) Agreement, with the intention to upgrade to the ACTRA Low Budget Guideline Tier 2 upon securing financing. The project already has distribution interest and a clear festival strategy.
Storyline
Tyler, the lead of an all-Black Shakespearian theatre troupe on the verge of bankruptcy, becomes internet-famous from an incident of police brutality that sky-rockets him to fame and success for all the wrong reasons. As he and his cast mates struggle with his newfound stardom, Tyler gets caught up in the frenzy and spirals into absurdity in this ultra-contemporary tragic-comedy satire.
Roles
| Role type | Role | Gender & Age range |
| Principal | Gabby | Female 20 - 28 Years old |
Description (Female, 20-28, Black).Gabby is a bold and principled activist, exhausted by performative allyship and institutional deflection. She’s sharp, unfiltered, and driven by truth—not optics. Often misunderstood as combative, her intensity comes from years of being ignored and her deep sense of duty to her community. She challenges others to confront their blind spots, even if it costs her social capital. Gabby is not here to make people comfortable—she’s here to make change. Actors should bring emotional precision and restraint—Gabby’s fire is grounded, not performative. PRINCIPAL. | ||
| Role type | Role | Gender & Age range |
| Principal | Graeme | Male 20 - 28 Years old |
Description (Male, 20-28, Black). Graeme is a composed, intellectually rigorous member of the troupe who values logic over emotion in charged debates. He’s analytical, well-read, and often plays devil’s advocate—not to provoke, but because he genuinely believes in measured discourse. While others lead with feeling, Graeme searches for nuance and context, which can sometimes isolate him or make him appear detached. Beneath that calm exterior is a dry, deadpan wit that cuts through tension in unexpected ways. Deep down, he’s wrestling with how to be useful in a movement that doesn’t always trust his approach. Actors should bring clarity, control, and subtle comedic timing—Graeme’s restraint is layered with insight, humour, and quiet conflict. PRINCIPAL. | ||
| Role type | Role | Gender & Age range |
| Principal | Sean | Male 30 - 39 Years old |
Description (Male, White, 30s).Sean is the overly enthusiastic LA actor who turns every moment into a monologue. He’s friendly, talkative, and the cliche name-dropper—trying hard to impress while unaware of how much space he takes up. He sees himself as generous and inspiring, but often centers himself in conversations that aren’t his to lead. He lacks self-awareness, and his good intentions are clouded by unchecked privilege and micro aggressions. Actors should bring sharp comedic instincts, subtle irony, and a strong sense of timing—Sean is sincere, not spoofed, and that’s what makes him funny. PRINCIPAL. | ||
| Role type | Role | Gender & Age range |
| Principal | Front Desk Worker | Female 30 - 39 Years old |
Description (Female, Any Ethnicity, 30s).The brittle gatekeeper of a fading institution—underpaid, over-it, and clinging to the little authority she has. She leads with condescension to mask insecurity, but folds quickly when confronted. Her instinct is to shut people down, not because she’s cruel, but because she’s been taught to follow rules, not ask questions. She’s uncomfortable with confrontation and even more uncomfortable when called out—but eager to reclaim likability when the tone shifts. Actors should bring dry delivery, passive-aggressive energy, and a touch of awkward self-interest— she is rigid until she’s starstruck. PRINCIPAL | ||