DOST (friend)

Actor is needed in Auckland, New Zealand.

DOST Casting Brief
Released 23 August 2023

Shoot dates : 16th & 17th September 2023. One rehearsal will be scheduled before these dates.

Inspired by a real-life incident, Dost is a character-driven dramatic short film created by Post Graduate Screen Production students at the University of Auckland. The film is supervised by industry professional, Brendan Donovan (Insiders’ Guide to Happiness [and Love], The Hopes and Dreams of Gazza Snell).

This 5-6 minute long short film will be shot using Sony F6 Cameras. Post Production will be to a high standard.

Synopsis

Thomas McCrery, an elderly retired Pākehā cop, lives alone in his comfortable suburban Auckland home. Devoid of family and friends, McCrery develops an unlikely friendship with a young Indian immigrant named Surya, who works at the local convenience store. Their lives are upended when a deportation notice is issued against Surya.

Scared of being labeled a criminal, and desperate to avoid going back home as a failure, Surya turns up at McCrery’s house asking for help. McCrery reluctantly allows Surya to remain in the safe confines of his home. It’s an uneasy agreement for the retired cop, as he feels torn between his fatherly instincts and the principles of law enforcement that have always been at the core of his professional and personal life.

When the police barge in and forcefully arrest him, Surya is shocked and disgusted to learn that it was McCrery who lead them to him. As he is taken away, McCrery hopes that his decision will lead Surya to a better life. Days later, a lonely McCrery reminisces about the time when Surya taught him the Hindi word for friend; Dost.

Role Descriptions:

Thomas McCrery - male. 70-75, Pakeha.

McCrery is an elderly retired Kiwi cop. He is wise, kind and proud of his service history as a morally steadfast police officer. He lives alone in his suburban Auckland home. Resigned to his lonely existence, McCrery keeps himself busy in the mundane household chores. His only connection to the world outside his house is the Indian grocery delivery boy Surya. In Surya, McCrery sees a guileless friend. Surya’s respectful nature also makes McCrery consider him as a child he never had.

Surya - male. 20-25, Indian

Surya is an immigrant from a small town in northern India. He is jovial and full of life. He belongs to a lower-middle class family that frequently encounters financial woes. Surya dreams of making it big in New Zealand and providing a comfortable life to his parents and siblings. Away from home in an alien landscape, Surya finds solace in the company of McCrery. He considers McCrery as a father figure and genuinely cares for him.

The Man – male. 30-40, Indian

The Man is an employee of a shady organization that is on the wrong side of the law. He is manipulative, menacing and mysterious. He offers Surya an unlawful solution to his immigration problems.

Jin - male. 20-25, Korean

Like Surya, Jin too is a delivery boy. A second-generation immigrant, Jin is an extrovert, frank and confident. He loves music and often has a headphone glued to his ears. Small role - half a day.

Policemen one & two - male. 30-50, Pakeha.

Policemen one & two are diligent, no nonsense Kiwi cops. They are professionals who don’t shy away from using force to control an escalating situation. They know McCrery and respect him for his past contributions to the police department.
Note: It’s a small role. Half a day.

https://www.nzonscreen.com/title/amadi-2010

In what capacity are you hiring?
As an individual for a personal project

Where are you in the hiring process?
I am offering an unpaid collaboration

What freelancer experience level is needed? (union rates per hour)
Amateur: $3-10, Beginner: $10-25

How many actors do you need?
More than 4

What best describes your project?
Independent film

For how long will the actor(s) be needed?
Multiple days

Do you know the date(s) the actor(s) will be needed? (Please give details in job brief)
Yes, the date(s) are confirmed