Casting Call for Denton, Texas Super 16mm UNT Student Short Film “Wretched Spectacle.”

Production Title: Wretched Spectacle
Studio/Independent/Student: Student Film
Union/Non-Union: Non-Union SAG
Project Type: Short Film
Project Format: Super 16mm
Production Location: Other, Texas
Other/Additional Location(s): Denton, TX, and Dallas / Ft. Worth region
Production Start Date: March 25, 2010
Shooting Schedule: March 25 – 29, 11am-7pm
Production Wrap Date: March 29, 2010

Producer: Misti Fields
Writer: Phillip Rogers and Misti Fields
Director: Phillip Rogers

Synopsis:
A demented doctor in pre-twentieth century America, obsessed with human abnormalities, turns his scalpel on carnival freaks for the “betterment of mankind.” He finds what he considers the “perfect freak,” at a traveling carnival. He will stop at nothing to study this perfect specimen, the Amazing Mermaid Girl.

Character Breakdowns:

• The Doctor – (aged 50 +), A believer in perfection of body and mind. The ideas of mercy, empathy and love only stand out as flaws in the human psyche. One feeling he understands completely is that of obsession. From the moment he saw the print advertisement for the “Fantastical Mermaid Girl,” he knew he must study her. In his mind, she embodies the idea of the perfect freak and will stop at nothing to study her. He has used immoral and illegal tactics such as autopsy for his entire career even after it cost him his prestigious position at a North-Eastern medical school. His obsession with “freaks” stems from his belief that their abnormalities hold the genetic secrets for human perfection.
• Greta “Bearded Lady” Griggs – (aged 35 – 45), The loving but abrasive mother of May, who often finds herself at odds with her daughter. She means well, and will stop at nothing to assure the safety of her daughter, but senses May’s respect fading with age. Greta finds May’s resistance towards the carnival lifestyle as a slight against herself and her husband and believes her to be unappreciative of the life they have provided for her.
• Gerald “Manwoman” Griggs – (aged 35 – 45), May’s sensitive and understanding father. He often finds himself diffusing the tense arguments between his daughter and wife. He empathizes with his daughter’s desire to leave the carnival, but also shares his wife’s fears about their daughter making it in the harsh world.
• Wyatt – (18 – 25), Young and uneducated, Wyatt found that he only way to make it in turn of the century America was to clean up after animals in a traveling circus. Although not an evil person, Wyatt will bend the rules and use his cunning to manipulate those around him for a quick buck.

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

*Email Your Casting Submissions To:
PhillilpRogers@my.unt.edu

Special Notes for Potential Cast/Crew:
This film along with nine others made by the other University of North Texas (UNT) filmmakers will be sent on the festival circuit.

Audition Date: March 10, 2010
Audition Start Time: 04:00
Audition End Time: 08:30
Audition Location/Address: University of North Texas, RTVF Building, room 180F

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