We are looking for actors for a period mystery feature film shooting for three weeks in July. Imagine a homage to the Thin Man films. The roles are:
Vicki – Our doe-eyed detective doesn’t have a lot of experience, but she is driven to succeed. Ideal actor appears early 20s, can simultaneously play the uncertainty of youth and discipline to persevere all while delivering a clever quip.
Vince – Vicki’s wayward father is an experienced detective with a little too much time in the bottle. Struggling to turn over a new leaf and protect his daughter from his own dangerous career, sometimes overbearing Vince is acting as Vicki’s mentor. Actor in late 40s who can play a tough guy with a soft side and a lot of regrets.
Norwood – An aging beauty whose world is crumbling, our Femme Fatale is cunning enough to have murdered her much older husband, but did she? A trail of broken hearts has a painted a target or two on her back, and speculation in the local papers says the late husband left her nothing in his will. Ideal actor is a classical beauty somewhere between 35-50 ready to play a hard woman on the edge of despair.
Matheson – The executor of the fortune likely denied to Mrs. Norwood, Matheson is a posh, English Harvey Weinstein. A troll who delights in inflicting his own misery on everyone he meets, Matheson is a power suit without a soul. Actor should be over 40 and ready to play a vicious monster at the height of his power. Strong physical presence a plus.
Dr. Franco – What kind of a scientist gets chased out of Germany in 1932? “Franco” may not be his real name. The good doctor moved on to Italy, where once again his “experiments” made him persona-non-grata. Staring over for a third time in Northern Ireland, our mad scientist is keen to find investors for his book on healing the mind through the power of lobotomy. Despite the campy description, the ideal actor for this role can take the wild material and keep it real. Age doesn’t matter too much.
Duffy – This chorus girl who catapulted to West End stardom is plagued by stories of her quicksilver temper and violent outbursts, though she is often kind and sympathetic. Is she bi-polar? Does she have a split personality? Ideal actor for this role is late 20s-early 30s, with a brash, bottle-blonde look and a big personality. This does effectively wind up being two different characters, so be prepared for some dramatic shifts. Also, Duffy has the film’s one and only musical number. Non-singers may apply, but a good voice is a plus.
Westerfield – Did the butler do it? Is he really even a butler? Westerfield is stiff and stuffy, but under the surface is a WW1 soldier who never fully recovered from the war. He hides a secret love of music and Mrs. Norwood. Ideal actor is 40ish, with long distinctive fingers, and a dry-delivery.
The Maid – Hired just for the dinner party, there was a significant mix up when the agency sent over a woman who doesn’t speak a word of English. Still, she has a joyful attitude and is eager to please. Any age or look. Ideal actor speaks a second language fluently and is willing to help our writer get her foreign dialogue right. The current iteration of the script calls for an Italian speaker, but it’s easy to change. Tell us what language you speak.
Auditions will be held Saturday, May 10th in Belfast. If interested, please send reel and resume to soulcat.auditions@gmail.com. If interested but unavailable on May 10th, let us know, we may consider alternate arrangements after viewing your reel.