The Big Break

Proof of Concept Short Film (7 minutes)
Dark Comedy • Film Noir • PG-13
Written by Mark E. Williams

Casting + Crew Call

Vermont Shoot

LoglineNick, a failing actor, gets robbed on a wet Brooklyn street… and accidentally switches phones with a meth-addicted mugger.
Minutes later, Nick gets a call asking him to audition for a role as a hit man.But is it an audition… or a real job?Tone / StyleFilm Noir, dark comedy
Night streets • neon reflections • strip club waiting room • uncomfortable awkwardness • miscommunication spiraling into dangerMood Board / Key SceneEmma’s designer handbag is snatched by Justin, a meth addict and hit man.
Nick reacts too late and gets kicked to the ground — and it’s the beginning of everything going wrong.

Nick (27–29)

Failing actor in NYC. Loves acting, hated growing up in Indiana in a fundamentalist preacher’s family.
Awkward, earnest, constantly trying too hard.

Shaniqua / Rosa / Makiya (18–28)

Very pregnant stripper of color (African-American, Latina, African)(pregnancy belly provided).
Resourceful, sharp, fiercely protective of her baby-to-be.
Arranging a hit man to kill her pimp — and she means it.

Ziggy (50–80)

Retired drag artist. Flamboyant, motherly, feisty when needed.
Probably from a distinct ethnic background with an accent. Loves to cook.

Tyro

Little person tattoo artist. Ziggy’s romantic partner.
Bored, pansexual, wants to play the field. Often misunderstands what's going on.

Emma (30)

Stylish accountant. Nick’s girlfriend. Loves luxury handbags and shoes.
Disgusted by her go-nowhere boyfriend. Her purse gets stolen and Nick barely helps.

Justin

Mugger. Meth addict. Hit man. Won’t live long.
(Could be a trans man.)

Two Female Strippers (supporting)

In the strip club waiting room.
One is friendly to Nick (with a lisp). The other is stressed about time.

CREW NEEDED

We’re a small team building a sharp, stylish proof of concept for a feature.We’re looking for:Camera / DP (we have a Canon 5D MkII, open to better gear)Sound (boom + lav available — need monitoring + clean capture)Editor (we have Premiere Pro)LightingMakeup (beauty + nails + scraped knee + temporary tattoos)HairWardrobe (outfits, transport, steaming)Set (wallpaper, kitchen utensils, wall hangings, rugs, moving furniture)Effects (squib, blood, guts)Stunts (street mugging, padding)Production Assistants (continuity, store runs, notes, script supervisor)Meals / Craft Support

Pay / Details

Non-union
$100/day (up to 10 hours)
Most roles: 1 day
Maximum: 3 days
Meals provided (1 meal every 4 hours)
Credit: IMDb credit + footage for reel
Location: St. Albans & Burlington, Vermont

Auditions

Auditions can be in-person or Zoom.
We’ll send sides (a few lines) to read.
Relaxed, fun, and you’ll do the part a couple different ways.

Submit / Contact

Submit headshots, resume, and questions:
[email protected]