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NOW CASTING ShORT FILM
OPEN CALL
CHICKEN — Late Summer / Early Fall 2026
A woman shows up to a Black family gathering with quinoa salad instead of chicken, sparking a funny and emotionally charged unraveling of tradition, identity, and belonging.
FILMING
Chicagoland area shoot.
Non-union production.
.
compensation
Meals & Credit
GENRE
Dramatic Comedy
.
THE ROLES
WHO WE'RE
LOOKING FOR.
20s - 30s | Black Female
JAYLA
LEAD ROLE
Stylish but not loud about it. The one who "made it out." Uses silence to keep the peace. Refusing chicken is her first real boundary.
AUNT EDNA
The matriarch. Tradition is paramount. Her silence is louder than her voice. Sharp, quick wit.
60s · Black Female
TYLER
20s -30s · Black Male
Smart, observant, emotionally aware. Stuck in a life that looks good on paper but feels suffocating.
cousin shay
30s · Black Female
Sharp-tongued, always styled. Will roast you and call it love.
40s · Black Male
DAMON
The loud uncle. Funny, relentless, well-meaning. Talks without thinking.
Early 20s · Black Male
CHARLES
Young, hungry, oblivious to tension. Always ready to help.
MR. JENKINS
60S-70s · Black Male
Neighborhood elder. Few lines, big presence. The kind of man a whole block respects without knowing exactly why.
OLD HEADS
The kind of men who sit outside all day and make it look intentional.
60s–80s · Black Men
All ages & genders
EXTRAS
Family members and block regulars. The fabric of the world.
HOW IT WORKS
THE PROCESS.
THE PROCESS.
HOW IT WORKS
01
SUBMIT
Fill out the form below with your headshot, a link to your reel or sample work, and the role you're going for.
02
REVIEW
Every submission is reviewed by the director. We respond to everyone.
03
SIDES
Selected candidates receive sides and self-tape instructions or an invitation to a live read.
04
CAST LOCK
Final cast confirmed before production. Table reads begin before the shoot.
HOW IT WORKS
THE PROCESS.
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