ACTORS Anne Chapman Casting & ODU Film – seeking 7 actors – SAG-AFTRA Short Departmental Film – $125-150/day
Swamp Nation
ODU Film Program SAG-AFTRA Short Departmental Film
Production Company: ODU Film
Director: Priya Vashist
Producer: Harvest Bellante
Writer: Priya Vashist
Casting Director: Anne Chapman
Casting Assistants: Mariah Johnson, Kaitlyn Wright, Kha Tran, Ashley Mazza, Wendell Wood
Audition Date: Wednesday, February 26th, 2020 via Self-tape
Callback Date: Saturday, February 29th 2020
Callback Location: Norfolk, Virginia
Shoot Dates: April 2, 3, 4, 5, 6* TBD, 2020
Shoot Location: Hampton Roads, Virginia
Rate: $125-150/shoot day
Actor will receive a copy of the film upon completion.
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
Include the following information in the subject line:
YOUR NAME, ROLE SUBMITTING FOR & YOUR LOCATION
SUBMIT current headshot and resume (and reel if you have one) to:
Include the following information in the body of the email:
Role(s) you are submitting for:
Name:
Phone:
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Age range
Height:
Include your travel distance to Norfolk, Virginia*:
Do you have local housing available to you*:
Confirm Audition Date Availability:
Confirm Shooting Dates Availability:
*Please note, due to the limited budget for travel and/or accommodation for this departmental film, make a note if you have accommodation in Hampton Roads and are available to self-report.
Thank you in advance for your submission! Submitting does not guarantee an audition: you will be contacted with an audition time and location if selected.
Storyline: 1819. With the possibility of being sold looming over their heads, three slaves on a Virginia plantation plot their escape into the swamp.
SEEKING:
PHYLLIS: African American Female, mid-late 20s. Phyllis was born into slavery and raised on Donald’s plantation. Despite her situation she is compassionate and think of others’ needs before her own. Phyllis is a gentle yet stern creature who, in some moments, feels helpless and stuck. She has a fire in her belly to escape slavery driven by love for Anna. $150/shoot day. Shoots 4/5 days. This role requires same sex kissing
VIRGINIA: African American Female, 40s, Mother of Phyllis. Virginia is Donald’s oldest house slave. She knows her way around his plantation and is required to manage all housework. She has a kind heart and takes care of those around her. She is dependable and loving but can also be very stern. Donald has used soap as a tool to leverage his abuse of her causing her to develop a fear of soap. Virginia tries to hide her emotions from Phyllis but is often unsuccessful. $125/shoot day. Shoots 3/4 days.
ANNA: African American Female, 20s. Anna was not born on Donald’s plantation, she was bought and brought there by Donald when she was a teenager. She has seen life elsewhere and does not share the all encompassing fear of Donald that Phyllis and Virginia have. Anna is a fierce lover and is protective of Phyllis and those around her. She is determined, quick-witted, and willing to do whatever it takes. After hearing about free slaves from Walter, she is fixated on fighting for her and Phyllis’s freedom. $150/shoot day. Shoots 4/5 days. This role requires same sex kissing.
RUTH: Caucasian Female, 20’s-30’s. A Northerner new to the South. Ruth is woman living with her own secrets. She is vehemently against slavery but is not above taking what she desires whenever she wants. Ruth is a talented painter. Keenly aware of her surroundings. She has a vindictive nature and has set her sights on gaining the affections of Phyllis by any means necessary. She is infatuated with Phyllis. As the niece of Donald, she has been invited to stay at the plantation. She hopes to get the most out of her time there. $150/shoot day. Shoots 4/5 days. This role requires same sex kissing.
THOMAS: Caucasian Male, 20’s. The well educated son of Donald. He is a “know it all” and has no problem weaponizing kindness to meet his goals. He’s not a harsh as his father but still has an aura of mean about him. Desperate for his father’s respect and attention. Already planning how he will run the plantation when it is his. $125/shoot day. Shoots 3/4 days.
DONALD: Caucasian Male, 50’s . A stern slave master and widower who is self-willed asserting complete control over the plantation even when he is away on business. He has a temper and is quick to use it on anyone he deems beneath him. He knows Thomas is vying for his attention but has his own goals in mind. He sees his plantation as a playground for his desires and often abuses the power he has over Virginia. $125/shoot day. Shoots 3/4 days.
WALTER: Male, African American, mid to late 20’s. A recent addition to Donald’s Plantation, Walter is a house slave who was taught to read and write by a recaptured slave in the hopes that he would use his knowledge to help bring people to the Great Dismal Swamp. Walter’s all encompassing need for freedom has driven his plan to escape. He has his wits about him. Without Donald’s knowledge, Thomas bought Walter after Walter’s previous owner died. Thomas does not consider Walter being literate dangerous, thinking Walter’s skill will be helpful with the day to day business of the plantation. Walter believes he was quite lucky to be sold to a plantation so close to the swamp and freedom. $125/shoot day. Shoots 3/4 days.
Thank you in advance for your submission!
Submitting does not guarantee an audition: you will be contacted with an audition time and location if selected.