Casting Call for the 2025 Cleveland Indie Film Incubator Project!

Casting Call Info

Calling all actors of Northeast Ohio! We are having an IN-PERSON CASTING CALL for several roles in 5 upcoming Cleveland based films. For more information, read below.

*To sign up for an audition time slot, fill out form HERE!*

Audition Location: Creative House Studios| 1419 E 40th St, Cleveland, OH 44103

Audition Date: Saturday, June 14th 

Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM *You will receive a designated audition time.

Please read the information below carefully before signing up. 

*Sides will be available for each character HERE shortly!*

What is the Cleveland Indie Film Incubator Project?

We're turning the spotlight on six local filmmakers who are ready to showcase their passion and creativity with the Cleveland filmmaking community! Through the Cleveland Indie Film Incubator, these talented individuals have been fine-tuning their scripts and collaborating with fellow filmmakers in weekly workshops hosted by the team here at Cleveland Camera Rental. It's an exciting opportunity to support local talent and experience the diverse voices shaping our city's film scene!

Important Notes:

1. You are allowed and encouraged to audition for more than one role and film.
2. All roles are unpaid unless otherwise noted.
3. Make sure to carefully read through character descriptions.
4. You do not have to memorize the sides, although it’s recommended. Sides are available HERE.
5. In the sign up form above, you will tell us your availability and we will give you a designated audition time 2 days in advance.
6. Please make sure you are available for the shooting weekends of the films you are auditioning for.

Character Breakdowns

"Swiped"

Directed by/Screenplay by: Andrew Golucki

Filming July 19th-20th

$50/day | IMDB Credit

Questions? Contact Andrew via email: andrewgoluckiactor@gmail.com 

LOGLINE: What starts as a flirty first date slowly spirals into a nightmare neither of them saw coming.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTION:

Steve - SUPPORTING - Any Age, Any Ethnicity, Male

A no nonsense server working a busy shift. Steve doesn't have time for awkward first date antics and holds their own with calm professionalism. Despite their limited screen time, their firm presence subtly shifts the power dynamic in the scene.

"You Smell Like a Gin and Tonic"

Directed by/Screenplay by: Jenna Eastman

Filming August 2nd-3rd

Unpaid | IMDB Credit - (TBD)

Questions? Contact Jenna via email: jen.m.eastman@gmail.com

LOGLINE: A young queer woman, convicted of an OVI, finds community and renewed sense of self in her Driver Intervention Program.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS:

Margaret (Mags) - LEAD - 20’s, Any Ethnicity, Female/Non-Binary
Mags is a young queer woman with alternative/indie styling of the early/mid 00s. Mags is reserved but has a quiet power to her; she works in restaurants and is a bit directionless and unseen in her daily life/surroundings.

Kelsey - SUPPORTING - 20’s, Any Ethnicity, Female/Non-Binary
Kelsey is Mags’ partner. Alternative styling of the early/mid 00s. Kelsey is direct and opinionated in ways that can cause them to come off more brash than how they really feel.

Linette - SUPPORTING - 30’s-50’s, Any Ethnicity, Female
Linette is the instructor of the Driver Intervention Program the other characters are attending. She has her own addiction history and has worked in social work for years. She comes off as frazzled and tired, but is deeply intelligent, empathetic, and unafraid to say what she means.

Alex - SUPPORTING - 20’s, Any Ethnicity, Male
Stereotypical “bro” styling of the early/mid 00s. Alex befriends Mags in their Driver Intervention Program. Alex is frustrated with being there and his stereotypes are accurate in many ways, but he is also surprisingly intuitive and funny in ways he doesn’t get to express with most of the people in his life.

Donna - SUPPORTING - 50’s-60’s, Any Ethnicity, Female
Donna is another attendee of the Driver Intervention Program. Donna is unnervingly “normal” and has kids around Mags’ and Alex’s age. She feels out of place and begins as judgmental of others in the group, but her heart and sense of humor ultimately make their way through.

Benjamin - SUPPORTING - 30’s-50’s, Any Ethnicity, Male
Benjamin is another attendee of the Driver Intervention Program who ultimately befriends Mags, Alex, and Donna. Benjamin comes across to the other characters as odd; he doesn’t say much to begin with and he does not want to be called Ben. When he does speak what he says can come across as disarming or out of place, but is uncannily insightful.

"Lucky Streak"

Directed by/Screenplay by: Sierra Ya’Tis

Filming August 16th-17th

Unpaid | IMDB Credit

Questions? Contact Sierra via email: sierrayatis@gmail.com 

LOGLINE: Trying to pull off one last play, a desperate con artist finds himself caught between the hustle he knows and the life he’s not sure he’s ready to live.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS:

Namiko - SUPPORTING - Late 30’s-40’s, Black/POC, Female
A cold flame. Namiko is powerful, unshaken, very mafia-like. She’s calm, lethal, and always five steps ahead. One scene. Major presence. 

The Businessman - SUPPORTING - 30’s-50’s, Any Ethnicity, Male
Looks put-together, but his desperation is showing. Just renewed his vows, already regretting it. A well-dressed man looking for an escape, and gets played like a deck of cards. Needs strong improv instincts for a brief but memorable bar scene. 

"Off-Top"

Directed by/Screenplay by: Brandon Peck

Filming September 6th-7th

Unpaid 

Questions? Contact Brandon via email: bdpeck123@gmail.com

LOGLINE: Simon sleeps through his haircut appointment before a big date, tries to fix it himself, and ends up rocking his barber’s hat to dinner—where his barber just so happens to be their waiter.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS:

SIMON - LEAD - 20's, Black, Male
A regular dude just trying to look decent before his date. Not slick, not awkward—just stuck in a messy moment but determined to show up. Funny, stubborn, and lowkey spiraling under pressure. Traits: Funny, self-conscious, poor time management, means-well

MAYA - SUPPORTING - 20's, Black, Female
Artsy and cool without trying. She watches & draws people in her sketchpad, noticing things Simon wishes she wouldn’t, but doesn’t make a big deal. Sharp, funny, and down to vibe even if the night’s a little off. Traits: Artsy, punctual, confident, & hyper aware of her surroundings

DUKE - SUPPORTING - 20's, Black, Male
Simon’s barber and best joke source. Not mad about the missed appointment; he’s just keeping score for future burns. Works hard, keeps it real, and owns every comeback—plus, he’s got his hat back now. Traits: cuts hair (on the side), Funny, no filter, master of code switching.

"Chimney Sweeps" (Working Title)

Directed by/Screenplay by: Wayne Smith III 

Filming September 21st-22nd

Unpaid / IMDB Credit - (TBD)

Questions? Contact Wayne via email: wayne@liaisonmedia.net

LOGLINE: When a high-tech startup program is overtaken by a mysterious laborer from yester-year, its applicants are forced to re-rethink what the term “good job” truly means. A surrealist comedic drama. 

CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS:

‍Adam - LEAD - 30’s, White, Male
Adam is the recruiter of the tech company. He is by the book. He knows the company’s true motives and presents ulterior motives. He likes to be in charge of other people’s lives and tells them what they want to hear. He is confident in the sales script. He preys on the naivety of the applicants and uses it as a means to gain favor, take advantage, and get them to sign abusive contracts.

Dylan - LEAD - Early 20’s, Any Ethnicity, Any Gender
Dylan is a frustrated young adult trying to find a tech job. They graduated three years ago and are on the verge of getting kicked out of their parents’ house. This interview is a Hail Mary for them. Dylan hasn’t had the proper mentor and has been getting outdated advice from his family. They are eager to prove his worth and will follow anyone who appears to be doing better than them.

Gregory - LEAD - Early 60’s-70’s, Any Ethnicity, Male

Gregory is a retired blue-collar man who is forced to return to work due to his pension not being enough to support his basic expenses. He is an overly optimistic person. He has always pushed through the pain for his family. He knows his body can't take much more due to his five knee replacements, but this is all he knows. He has relied on his determination and boot straps for all his life, and he truly believes things will change for the better soon. NOTE: This role requires the actor to walk with a limp.

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