Casting Call for Austin, Texas HD Independent Short Film (Web Pilot) “Shady Texas.”

Production Title: Shady Texas
Studio/Independent/Student: Independent
Union/Non-Union: Non-Union
Project Type: Short Film (Web Pilot)
Project Format: HD
Production Location: Austin, Texas
Production Start Date: July 20, 2009
Shooting Schedule: July 20-24, 2009
Production Wrap Date: July 24, 2009
Writer: Jack Daniel Stanley
Director: Jack Daniel Stanley

Synopsis:
When the small town of Shady, Texas is beset by seemingly unconnected mass murders committed by good folks who have lived there all their lives, Sheriff Melissa McConnell turns to a tough but jaded S.O.B. – retired Texas Ranger Ray Taggart – a simple man unwilling to accept any far-fetched paranormal explanations. If he’s going to save the good people of Shady, though, he may just have to.

Character Breakdowns:

• [RAY TAGGART (LATE 50s to MID 60s)] *Caucasian, 50-70 years old to play late 50s. A tall, tough-as-nails Texan who can still throw a punch. Prefers action to talking and is soft-spoken while doing the latter. Haunted and weathered. Emotionally, world-view-wise, he’s least equipped to accept outside-the-box explanations or believe in things like aliens, El Chupacabras, etc., but skill-set-wise, he’s profoundly well-equipped to cut through B.S., track, and methodically investigate the horrors going on in Shady. The ultimate logic-based skeptic.
• [SHERIFF MELISSA McCONNELL (30s)]* Caucasian. An attractive tomboy who took over her daddy’s 30-year post as sheriff of Shady County Texas. She’s driven, good at her job and wants to save the people of her town.  Brings a balanced approach of logic and intuition to her work. The ultimate pragmatist open to any answer that saves lives.
• [MRS. CUDD (50 to 70)]* Caucasian. A very sweet, cookie-baking small town lady. Think Aunt Bea from THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW. When we meet Donnell she’s as sweet and pleasant as ever, a smile beaming through her heavily blood-splattered face, and no idea that she’s just brutally executed her family.
• [DEPUTY BRODY BELLE (30's)]* Caucasian. Thin. Earnest. Cowardly by nature, but courageous in spite of himself when it really counts. Think young Don Knotts from the Andy Griffith show. Wants to protect the community but wants to be rewarded for it. Is both intimidated by and carries a small torch for Sheriff McConnell.
• [KATIE CUDD (7)] *Caucasian. 7 to 10 years old to play 7. A small country girl with a tear streaked face who’s survived the horrors. The role involves hiding in a cupboard under a sink, being carried to safety by a deputy sheriff, then being tended to by paramedics.
• BACKGROUND PERFORMERS:* *[Coroners, Paramedics, Crime Scene Techs.]

Auditions Details:
Austin, Texas
July 8 and July 9
6-10pm
Location TBD

Paid/Non-Paid: Paid, Non-Paid, Deferred Paid
Other/Additional Compensation: Film Credit, DVD Copy
Meals/Lodging/Transportation Provided: Snacks and Beverages

*Email Your Casting Submissions To: casting@frenchquarterfeatures.com

WATCH A TRAILER
FOR
DIRECTOR JACK DANIEL STANLEY’S SHORT FILM “COLD CALL”

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