We're currently casting for BREAK, a short artists' film commissioned by Ben Uri gallery, London's home for art and migration. There are two main roles, and if you'd like to apply, please get in touch via the contact form. If you're a casting agent, a film maker or actor who would like to recommend someone, please get them to get in touch via the contact form. Details of the film, including both principal roles and how to apply, are below.
Synopsis:
BREAK follows YOUSEF, a recent migrant to London, over a few life-changing days. Working in a busy restaurant, Yousef is trying to raise enough money to allow his wife and child to move to London, until events get the better of him. EMINA is Yousef's co-worker. A frustrated writer who has moved to the UK from central Europe, Emina inspires Yousef to make art, against both of their difficult circumstances.
Roles:
YOUSEF, 24 years old, native Egyptian Arabic speaker.
Yousef is married, and a recent father. He recently moved from Egypt to the UK in search of work, and plans to move his wife and daughter over as soon as he can. Working a difficult, low-wage job, we aren't given concrete information about Yousef's journey or immigration status, but we know it's been difficult. Yousef has a mild heart condition, made worse by the stress of work and lifestyle. A kind, friendly, responsible and slightly reserved young man, Yousef once had dreams of being an artist or musician, but they've been pushed aside by the pressures of fatherhood, moving continents, and working long hours for little money.
The script details a native Egyptian Arabic speaker. It is important that you are a native Arabic speaker, but the script allows for modification if the right candidate's background involves a different Arabic-speaking country.
EMINA, 25 years old, native Croatian.
Emina has lived in London for a couple of years. She dreams of being a writer and is frustrated but positive, working two part-time jobs to support herself. Emina is friendly and has a good sense of humour.
The script details a character who has moved to London from Croatia. The director is willing to consider a performer whose background involves a different central or south European country and to modify the script accordingly.
Details of the roles:
Principal photography takes place 28th and 29th October, with some rehearsal time beforehand. You will need to be available on those dates, and have some flexibility for rehearsal time over the week preceding production.
Both roles are paid. The production budget is quite small but we are committed to providing Equity rates for rehearsal days (£86/day), and currently £150/day for shooting dates, although we are working hard to lower costs in other areas so that we can increase this. Food and transport are covered additionally, and we promise a fantastic experience working with a talented and dedicated crew on a project of social importance.
Production Details:
BREAK is being produced by Satellite Films, a UK-based production company specialising in artists' film.
Line Producer: Adriana Kytkova.
Photography for the film will take place over two days in October, in London. Additional filming is scheduled shortly after, in a studio and on location.
Project Background:
BREAK is an artists' film by Edwin Mingard, currently Digital Artist In Residence at Ben Uri, London's home for art and migration. It forms part of Out Of Chaos: Ben Uri, 100 Years in London, the gallery's centenary. The film will premiere at Somerset House, central London in November 2015, as part of the centenary celebrations. It will then be submitted to international film and arts festivals.
How to apply:
Please get in touch via the contact form. In your initial application, please enclose links to any relevant online professional profiles of CVs, including video links to previous work. If a password is needed to see the work, please make sure this is included.
Auditions will take place in east London on Tuesday 20th or Wednesday 21st October. There is flexibility for daytime or evening auditions.
All applicants will be informed of the outcome of the casting process by Friday 23rd October.
Thank you for taking the time to apply!