Casting profiles

1. Casting Profiles

2. Alex
Casting:
We have decided to cast Cameron Mullane as ‘Alex’ in
our production. Cameron is available on our set
shooting dates, and has agreed to be flexible in terms of
re-filming or additional filming days. In addition to this
practicality, his acting abilities are guaranteed –
Cameron is a member of the Next Generation Youth
Theatre Company, and has appeared in not only theatre
productions, but also a number of short films.
Furthermore, we feel as though he would be highly
suited to the character of Alex. Cameron has previously
played Peter in the theatre show ‘In Doing Nothing’, this
being a character of similar nature and sensitivity to
Alex, who was also an artist.
Character Description:
Alex is an aspiring artist, currently studying
at an art school. When he was younger, his
brother was physically violent and as a result
was imprisoned– events which still haunt
Alex. He uses art as a form of self-expression
and escape, drawing his feelings, thoughts,
and nightmares. When his drawings start
happening in reality, they negatively impact
both his life and his best friend, Sophie's,
life. As a result, Alex begins to question
whether he is a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ person (like
his brother), and becomes obsessed with
and consumed by this idea. He appears weak
and confused towards the beginning of the
movie, but upon the kidnapping of Sophie,
learns to cope without her support and gains
a greater idea of his identity. His character is
sensitive, thoughtful and compassionate, but
is often lacks the physical courage to take
action. He appears to oppose conventional
traits of masculinity, this impacting his
relationships amongst his peers. In terms of
inner character, however, Alex learns
strength in more forms than purely physical
power and becomes more secure in his own
identity.

3. Sophie
Casting:
We have chosen Bailee Brooks to act as
Sophie within our production. Bailee
starred in our prelim video and is a media
studies student, so is a practical choice in
terms of both her acting ability and
familiarity with production work. Likewise,
Bailee would be attending filming sessions
to help as a the producer, so her
availability will make filming easier and
more efficient.
Character Description:
Sophie is a young girl aged 17, hoping to study science. She
opposes the stereotypes surrounding women, with herself
and Alex acting a reversal of the conventional binary
opposition between men and women. She has been best
friends with Alex since a young age, and acts as his support
network. Sophie is a compassionate, strong-willed and goal-
orientated character, who strongly cares about Alex. Within
the movie, Sophie not only acts to support Alex, but is also
given her own character arc. Her character – despite
appearing intact – had a very negative and broken
relationship amongst family members. Upon her kidnapping,
however, she recognises that her main motive for escape
becomes that of her family. Sophie escapes the situation
alone, and upon her return, attempts to rebuild her previously
damaged relationships. She is a stubborn character, and
letting go of such grudges proves difficult – hence how Alex’s
opposing personality acts to support her. An outside
perspective of Sophie would suggest her to be and idealistic
construction of youth, appearing impulsive and carefree, with
her peers often pondering the reasons behind her friendship
with Alex. In reality, Sophie is incredibly goal-orientated and
works hard to achieve her aims, these being both long term
and short term (as seen within the narrative). As previously
mentioned, the seemingly idealistic nature of her life is further
highlighted through the familial tensions she faces, and the
personal barriers she faces to overcome this.

4. Alex’s Brother
Casting:
We have selected Miles
Capp to play Alex’s brother
within our production. Like
Bailee, Miles is also
involved with the
production of our film. He
is, however, an editor, so
will play a more active role
in post-production (and
will therefore be able to act
during production). This,
again, increases ease and
effectivity through his
availability to attend
filming dates. Likewise,
Miles and Bailee have
worked together
previously and are already
working together on this
production, thus ensuring
co-operation amongst cast
members.
Character Description:
Alex’s brother is a conventional ‘bad’ person. He
was imprisoned as a result of physical violence,
and upon his release has avoided the family. He
features in Alex’s drawings and, as a result, in the
narrative of the movie. Within this, he is shown to
kidnap Sophie and attempt to physically harm the
pair. This is, however, a result of Alex’s drawings,
highlighting his fear surrounding both his brother
as a person, and his association with Alex (i.e if he
will inevitably become the same person). Alex’s
brother appears mundane and ordinary in nature,
seemingly acting as a conventional teenage boy.
This allows the boundaries between ‘good’ and
‘bad’ to blur, heightening the sense of moral
conflict within the narrative. His character, like
Sophie, is stubborn and strong-willed – these
mirroring traits acting as a representation of how
and why someone can become ‘bad’. This is again
heightened when the audience are able to
empathise with the character. Alex’s brother is
filled with guilt, and as a result cannot face the
family – including Alex – again. He appears
remorseless and in possession of no regrets, but
in reality is, like Alex, unable to let go of past
actions.