CASTING CALL – ‘NO WAITERS’ SHORT FILM

Description

PROJECT:
A 15-page surreal comedy short
This is a very low-budget independent production, with an overall production budget of approximately £4,000. Please bear this in mind when applying and when submitting rates.

SYNOPSIS:
What begins as an awkward restaurant date takes an increasingly surreal turn when Hanson becomes fixated on Zara’s seemingly effortless rapport with their waiter, Amar. His jealousy eventually takes him beyond the dining room and into the restaurant kitchen, where he finds himself drawn into a bizarre apprenticeship under enigmatic head chef Miyazaki.

The film combines awkward character comedy, escalating absurdity and surreal/time-bending elements, largely taking place within a single restaurant.

SEEKING:
HANSON – Male, playing age 25–32
Lead. Self-involved, insecure and increasingly consumed by jealousy during what should be an ordinary date. Requires strong comic timing while keeping the character believable as the situation becomes increasingly surreal.

ZARA – Female, playing age 21–29
Hanson’s date. Much of the comedy comes through her reactions to Hanson’s increasingly strange behaviour. Looking for someone with strong naturalistic comedy and expressive reaction work.

AMAR – Male, playing age 24–32
A naturally charming and assured waiter whose easy rapport with Zara sparks Hanson’s jealousy. There is more to Amar and his connection to the restaurant than Hanson initially realises. Needs charisma, understated comedy and confidence.

MIYAZAKI – Male, playing age 60–75
The restaurant’s enigmatic head chef. Calm, warm, blunt and completely at home within the increasingly strange world Hanson has entered. A key comic role requiring strong understated delivery.

JANE – Female, playing age 20–28
A junior chef working in the kitchen. Smaller role. Looking for a grounded, natural screen presence and understated comic instincts.

Also looking for approximately 6 supporting/background performers for restaurant and kitchen scenes.

SHOOT DATE:
7-8 November 2026

LOCATION:
London

COMPENSATION:
Principal cast roles will receive a low-budget project fee/honorarium. Supporting/background roles are expected to be expenses-only.