BUCK CRAZY - CASTING CALL

PROJECT OVERVIEW Title: BUCK CRAZY Format: 12-minute narrative short film Genre: Horror/Thriller Logline: A Deaf hiker investigating illegal hunting in remote Pennsylvania woods encounters a disturbed hunter and descends into a nightmare of violence, survival, and silent terror. Tone: Dark, visceral, atmospheric horror with minimal dialogue Festival Target: Fantastic Fest, SXSW, Tribeca, Sundance CASTING PRIORITIES We are committed to authentic representation of Deaf characters. This role requires a Deaf actress. We believe in casting from within the community you're portraying—not around it. This is a professional indie production with respect for craft, authentic collaboration, and fair compensation. LEAD ROLE: THE GIRL (Protagonist) Role: Deaf hiker in her late teens or early 20s who becomes caught in a horrific encounter in the forest Character Description: Resourceful, observant, intelligent Confident but ultimately outmatched Experiences the horror of being unable to vocalize (central to film's horror concept) Physically demanding role (running, struggling, extended prone positions) Silent screams and physical reactions carry the emotional weight Required Qualifications: Deaf actress (D/deaf, Hard of Hearing, or CODA with strong Deaf community ties) Acting experience (theater, film, student work, or demonstrated acting ability) Comfortable with intense physical demands Willing to work extensively with SFX/gore makeup (prosthetics, blood, head wound effects) Available for full shoot days April 26-27, 2026 Comfortable with dark/violent content and willing to discuss scenes in advance Able to attend rehearsals in March-April 2026 (flexible scheduling) Physical Requirements: Late teens to early 20s (flexible on exact age) Fit/athletic build (scenes involve running, climbing, struggling) Comfortable on camera No prior trauma/injury concerns with physical movement What This Role Offers: Lead role in a festival-quality horror film Professional crew (cinematographer, sound designer, experienced SFX team) Competitive pay ($300-500 for 2-day shoot, depending on experience) Meals provided on set High-quality footage for reel/portfolio Credits on IMDb and festival submissions Potential festival exposure (Fantastic Fest, SXSW, etc.) Authentic representation in horror cinema Scenes/Content: Hiking and exploration (outdoor scenes, natural light) Confrontation with antagonist (tense, verbal/sign language exchange) Chase sequences (running through forest, stunt work with safety coordinator) Intense action (violence, trauma, extended vulnerability) Special effects makeup (head wounds, blood, prosthetics—will discuss in detail) Extended prone positions in dirt/forest floor Shoot Dates: April 26-27, 2026 (two full days) Location: South Mountain Preserve, Pennsylvania (outdoor forest locations) Compensation: $300-500 (based on experience), plus meals and travel reimbursement SUPPORTING ROLES The Hunter (Antagonist) Age: Late 30s-early 40s Type: Physically strong, unhinged, intimidating presence Experience: Theater or film background helpful Physical Requirements: Ability to handle stunt work, wear prosthetics, work with weapons props (fake shotgun, axe, knife) Scenes: Confrontation, chase, violence, wearing prosthetic elk mask Compensation: $250-400 for 2-day shoot Young Boy (Supporting) Age: 10-11 years old Type: Authentic child actor, capable of expressing terror Experience: Theater, student film, or strong acting ability Scenes: Brief but impactful—holds bow, reacts to shooting accident Compensation: $150-250 for partial day shoot Parent/Guardian Required: On set at all times (required by law for child actors) Older Boy (Supporting) Age: 14-15 years old Type: Protective older brother type, capable of stunts Experience: Theater or film background Scenes: Holding bow, reacting to incident Compensation: $150-250 for partial day shoot SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS Include: Headshot (professional or quality selfie, clear face visible) Resume (acting experience, training, relevant skills) Reel or Video Link (if available—YouTube, Vimeo, social media clips acceptable) Brief Note (2-3 sentences about why you're interested, any relevant experience) Contact Information (phone, email, availability for callbacks) Availability Confirmation (can you commit to April 26-27 shoot dates?) Optional: Any experience with stunts/physical theater Experience with SFX makeup References from previous productions CALLBACK PROCESS Timeline: Submissions accepted: October 18 - November 15, 2025 Callbacks scheduled: Early December 2025 Offers extended: Mid-December 2025 Rehearsals begin: March 2026 Callback Format: In-person or video callback (your choice) Script scene reading (will provide sides in advance) Discussion of role, comfort with content, scheduling Physical blocking walkthrough (if applicable) Estimated callback time: 30-45 minutes Callback Location Options: In-person: Allentown/Lehigh Valley area Video: Zoom/Skype accommodations available Accessibility: We accommodate all needs (ASL interpreters provided for Deaf candidates if needed) ABOUT BUCK CRAZY LLC Buck Crazy LLC is an independent production company based in Pennsylvania dedicated to creating high-quality, authentic horror cinema. We believe in: Authentic casting (not tokenism) Professional treatment (fair pay, safe sets, respect for all collaborators) Quality storytelling (festival-ready work) Community collaboration (working WITH communities we portray, not FOR them) SET SAFETY & ACCOMMODATIONS We prioritize actor safety: Professional stunt coordinator on set for all action sequences SFX makeup will be discussed extensively before application (comfort level confirmed) No non-consensual stunts or surprises Mental health support available on set if needed Professional first aid on standby Safety briefing before all action sequences You can request to see/discuss any scene in detail before filming Accessibility Accommodations: ASL interpreters available on set for Deaf cast Open captions provided for all hearing actors Assistive listening devices available Modified communication methods accommodated Any other accessibility needs—please let us know in your submission FAQ Q: Do I need professional acting experience? A: No—we're open to strong, committed performers with or without professional credits. Theater experience, student film work, or demonstrated acting ability all count. Q: How intense is the violence/gore? A: This is a horror film with realistic violence, gore, and trauma themes. Full details will be discussed at callback. If you're uncomfortable with any specific content, we can discuss alternatives. Q: What if I can't make the April dates? A: These dates are fixed (location availability, crew scheduling). We cannot shift shoot dates. Confirmed availability is required. Q: Will there be payment? A: Yes—competitive rates for indie film ($150-500 depending on role). Meals provided on set. Any travel beyond local area reimbursed. Q: How long is the shoot? A: Two full days (April 26-27). Expect 12+ hour days. Breaks provided. Q: What happens to the footage after? A: Film will be submitted to festivals (Fantastic Fest, SXSW, Tribeca, Sundance, and genre festivals). You'll receive digital copies for your reel. Potential streaming distribution after festival run. Q: Can I bring a plus-one to callbacks? A: Yes—bring support person, parent, guardian, or agent. They can observe. CONTACT & TIMELINE Submission Deadline: November 15, 2025 FINAL THOUGHT We're making an honest, visceral horror film that respects its characters and audience. We're looking for committed performers who share that vision. If you're ready to make something real, submit your materials. Let's make Buck Crazy happen. Buck Crazy LLC Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania buckcrazyfilm.com