Non-Union Casting Call

Producing: Chad Tailor – Tailored Films

Casting: Kearsten Johansson

Outside Shooting Dates: August – September 2021 + Dates TBD 2022

Synopsis:

Based on the memoir and true events, Straw Man is the compelling, Canadian story of Jacob’s battle with anorexia. This journey follows Jake during a time of his own perceptions of isolation and social exclusion where he clings to Anorexia nervosa until it becomes like a fanatical religious conviction for him.

Jake (playing age 18-20) Male, Caucasian, slim build

Non-union

Jake is quick-witted, book smart, with a nihilistic sense of humour. Jake seeks control in a world where he struggles to regulate his emotions and how he is perceived by his peers. When he discovers weight loss, he dives deep into his new devotion, undertaking precise rituals he must perform correctly to avoid overwhelming fear.

*Please note actors must be 18 or older and the role will require the actor to be in their underwear.

Martin (playing age 18-20) Male, any ethnicity

Non-union

Martin is a lovable, gullible, goofball jock. Charming but clueless, Martin wants to do well academically, but thrives more in social environments, easily slipping into the “life of the party” role. His thoughtlessness can be misinterpreted as harsh or unkindness towards Jake, but he’s never intentionally cruel.

*Please note actors must be 18 or older and the role will require the actor to be in their underwear.

The Voice/Anorexia God (20-40) Voice-Over Role, Male, any ethnicity

Non-union

The Voice is an omnipresent, deep bellowing voice that only exists inside Jake’s mind. Although is he depicted as a God, he is more like the devil on Jake’s shoulder. He is stern, direct and commanding as he orchestrates Jake like a puppet, manipulating and bullying him into life-threatening, dangerous situations. He is another version of Jake, so he is also very smart and witty. Performance style should be natural and never presented as a caricature.

Bubby (65-80) Female, Caucasian

Non-union

Bubby is Jake’s kind, loving grandmother. She is supportive, fun and quirky but not a huge fan of new technology. Click here for character reference but without the American Accent.

Male Neighbour (playing age 18-20) Voice-Over Role, Open Gender, any ethnicity

Non-union

Male Neighbour is an outgoing, sexually adventurous neighbour to Jake. Even though the context of the scenes come off comedic to the audience, Male Neighbour is very serious in his sexual exploration with his partner. Everything is consensual and there’s no shame around their active sex life.

Female Neighbour (playing age 18-20) Voice-Over Role, Open Gender, any ethnicity

Non-union

Female Neighbour is an outgoing, sexually adventurous neighbour to Jake. Even though the context of the scenes come off comedic to the audience, Female Neighbour is very serious in her sexual exploration with her partner. Everything is consensual and there’s no shame around their active sex life.

Sales Associate (35-65) Open Gender, any ethnicity

Non-union

Sales Associate a slightly bitter, working-class employee. They always work the late shift at the local liquor store near campus and hate having to deal with rude, ill-mannered college students.