Casting Call for short film “Other Wise”

Casting Call for short film “Other Wise”

Identity is a hard thing to discover.
Aiguo’s story starts after being born in China to Caucasian American parents. He comes to the United States to study at an inner city university. Though he is mugged, pushed to the ground, and at times neglected, Aiguo Johnson learns something no other trip could have taught him…

We are a fun, optimistic, and happy production company. This is a low/no budget film. Talent will receive meals, screen credit, and a valuable experience. This is not a student film; we have a director, producer, cinematographer, editor, and crew that work in the industry. This is a 12 page script and most roles will consist of 1-2 shooting days.

*Asterisked roles have minimal Chinese lines and can be worked out during rehearsals.

Aiguo Johnson (Male, Lead Actor)
Age: Late teens to early twenties
Race: Caucasian
Language: Mandarin Chinese and English
Aiguo is a young Caucasian in his early 20’s, born and raised in Beijing, China. He is a soft spoken and optimistic individual who is able to speak both Mandarin Chinese and English. He is currently a Biology major preparing to study abroad in Chicago. Aiguo has never traveled outside of China let alone outside of Beijing. He is in for an eventful semester.

Ping (Male)
Age: Late teens to early twenties
Race: Asian
Language: English and Mandarin Chinese*
Ping is a Chinese American male in his early 20’s. He is an athletic (yet overly laid back) individual who is able to speak both Mandarin Chinese and English. He is a classmate and good friend of Aiguo’s who thrives on watching sports.

Peggy (Female)
Age: Late twenties to late fifties
Race: Caucasian
Language: English
Peggy is a stout Caucasian woman in her late 40’s or early 50’s. She was born and raised in Alabama and recently moved to Chicago, IL with her husband of 20+ years. She has a slight Southern accent. Peggy volunteers to host Aiguo as she is deeply fascinated with Asian Kung-Fu and imported lychee (Asian jello snacks).

Mr. Rong (Male)
Age: Late thirties to late sixties
Race: Asian
Language: English and Mandarin Chinese*
Mr. Rong is a Chinese male in his 50’s who moved to America in his late 30’s. He is a stern, conservative, well educated individual who is able to speak Mandarin Chinese and English and has one son by the name of Min.

Min(Male)
Age: Late teens to early twenties
Race: Asian
Language: English and Mandarin Chinese*
Min is a young Chinese American male in his 20’s. He is easily tempered and thrives on the American sub-culture. He currently studies Art History and has been dating a Chinese girl for a year.

*Asterisked roles have minimal Chinese lines and can be worked out during rehearsals.

Homeless Man (Male)
Age: Late twenties to late seventies
Race: African American
Language: English
The Homeless Man, in his 50’s or 60’s, lives on the streets of Chicago, IL with his tattered blanket. He often babbles stories that make little sense to anyone who chooses to sit and listen.

Ping’s Mom (Female)
Age: Late thirties to late sixties
Race: Asian
Language: Mandarin Chinese and English
Ping’s Mom is a Chinese woman in her 50’s who moved to America in her 30’s. She speaks both Mandarin Chinese and English. She is a caring and loving mother of one who often nags her son. She heavily opposes smokers, as well as all other forms of perceived denigration.

Mrs. Johnson (Female)
Age: Late twenties to late fifties
Race: Caucasian
Language: English and Mandarin Chinese*
Mrs. Johnson is a Caucasian woman in her 40’s who speaks both Mandarin Chinese and English. She has a fun and energetic personality who loves her husband and only child, Aiguo. She was born and raised in Chicago, IL and moved to China where she met her current husband.

Mr. Johnson (Male)
Age: Late twenties to late fifties
Race: Caucasian
Language: English and Mandarin Chinese*
Mr. Johnson is a Caucasian male in his 40’s who speaks both Mandarin Chinese and English. Just like his wife, he is often happy and enjoys the company of friends. He loves his son, Aiguo, and supports him in anyway possible. He was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA and moved to China where he met his current wife.

Professor (Male)
Age: Late twenties to late fifties
Race: Any
Language: English
The Professor is a Caucasian male in his 50’s who teaches Philosophy and Sociology. He presents himself as a charismatic educator, but has lost some faith in teaching.

Liu (Male)
Age: Late twenties to late fifties
Race: Asian
Language: Mandarin Chinese*
Liu is a native Chinese male in his 40’s. He is a close friend of the Johnson’s and enjoys friendship and the game of mahjong.

*Asterisked roles have minimal Chinese lines and can be worked out during rehearsals.

Xiang (Male)
Age: Late twenties to late fifties
Race: Asian
Language: Mandarin Chinese*
Xiang is a native Chinese male in his 50’s. He is a close friend of the Johnson’s and enjoys ranting during a game of mahjong.

Jun (Female, Non Speaking)
Age: Late teens to early twenties
Race: Asian
Language: N/a
Jun is a Chinese American girl in her early 20’s. She is a sweet and caring individual who has been dating her current boyfriend, Min, for a year.

Bill (Male, Nonspeaking)
Age: Late twenties to late fifties
Race: Caucasian
Language: N/a
Bill is a Caucasian male in his 50’s. He was born and raised in Alabama and moved to Chicago, IL with his wife. He hardly speaks and sits around pathetically reading his newspaper.

Liu’s Wife (Female, Nonspeaking)
Age: Late twenties to late fifties
Race: Caucasian
Language: N/a
Liu’s Wife is a native Chinese woman in her 40’s. She is fairly calm and is often smiling at her husbands ranting. She is good friends with the Johnson’s.

CASTING CALL CATEGORY: SHORT FILM

LOCATION: CHICAGO, IL

CONTACT: OTHERWISEPRODUCTION@GMAIL.COM