The award-winning and Emmy-nominated Fourth Wall Films and Casting Director Kimberly Furness are seeking submissions for the GOOD EARTH visitor center film for South Dakota's Good Earth at Blood Run State Park. The film will be shot near Sioux Falls, SD; Des Moines, IA; and the Quad Cities, IA/IL area, and it will be cast with Native American performers from each geographic location.
Portions of this unique short film will feature historical reenactments set in 1650 depicting everyday life in a thriving city and Native trading center just south of present-day Sioux Falls.
There are three lead Native American speaking roles for professional actors, and some Native American non-speaking roles [in addition to] roles with very few lines in the Omaha-Ponca, and Ioway-Otoe Native languages.
We are seeking Native American actors of all ages as well as Native people with no formal training. Long hair a plus. There is also one Euro-American non-speaking role.
All roles are paid. Please note the character descriptions below.
The Casting Director is seeking digital submissions only for Native Americans and the one Euro-American role. All submissions for Native parts will be considered, but special attention may be given to members of the Omaha, Ponca, Ioway, and Otoe-Missouria tribes.
All submissions must be received by June 19, 2016. Only those submissions that are being considered for a role will be contacted by July 1, 2016 and invited to audition in person.
Auditions will be held in Des Moines, Iowa; the Illinois-Iowa Quad Cities; and Sioux Falls, South Dakota during the week of July 10th – 16th. To be considered you must be available for the shooting date specified below for your area. If selected, you will be scheduled to attend the audition location near you.
All South Dakota actors will be needed on August 5-7, 2016.
All Des Moines actors will be needed on August 12-14, 2016 (and possibly August 26-27).
All Quad Cities area actors will be needed September 9-11, 2016.
Please submit a CURRENT professional headshot or digital picture as well as a resume or a cover letter to Casting Director Kim Furness at Kimberlyann2771@yahoo.com. Please include GOOD EARTH FILM in the subject line.
Working Title: Good Earth State Park Visitor Center Film
Studio: Fourth Wall Films
Website: www.FourthWallFilms.com
Union/Non-Union: Non-Union
Project Type: Short Museum Film
Project Format: 4K
Production Locations: Sioux Falls, SD; Des Moines, IA; Quad Cities, IA/IL area
Shooting Schedule: August 5-7, 12-14; 26-28; September 9-11, 2016
Producer: Tammy Rundle
Director: Kelly Rundle
Casting Director: Kimberly Furness, Kimberlyann2771@yahoo.com
Synopsis:
The Good Earth State Park at Blood Run Visitor Center film will present the fascinating story of this Native historical and cultural site as told by a Native American grandfather to his grandchildren. Produced in 4K high-definition by award-winning filmmakers Kelly and Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films, the documentary will combine vivid present-day views of the park's vegetation, wildlife, and scenic vistas with dramatic historical reenactments portraying daily life in one of America's largest indigenous cities. The Good Earth village site was occupied between 1300 and 1700 by ancestors of the present-day Omaha, Ponca, Ioway and Otoe tribes, making it one of the oldest long-term habitation sites in the United States. At its peak around 1650, the population is thought to have been almost 10,000 residents. Good Earth was a thriving and important Native trading center for pipestone, bison hides, pottery, agricultural goods and culture. The once-vibrant city featured lodges of many different sizes, earthen mounds, and a one-eighth mile-long serpent effigy. The National Historic Landmark is situated south of Sioux Falls where it spans the Big Sioux River in both South Dakota and Iowa. The Good Earth State Park at Blood Run Visitor Center will feature the film and a museum exhibit. The new facility is scheduled to open in April 2017.
Character Details:
* Grandfather – Native American male (50s-70s). Wise, confident, contemplative, deep interest in the history of his ancestors, culture and traditions. Must have outstanding speaking voice. (Lead role)
* Grandson – Native American boy (8-12), lively, fun-loving, modern, up on latest gadgets, curious, respects elders and counsel. (Lead role)
* Granddaughter – Native American girl (8-12), fun-loving, modern, curious, interested in ancestors and history, respectful of elders. (Lead role)
* Native American female (mother) and one or two other adult (relatives) roles (30s-early 40s).
* 12-16 Re-enactment roles (circa 1650) – Native Americans, various ages (5-70s), long hair a plus, trim or in good shape, must be able to take and follow direction; outdoor settings in August and September (rain or shine); period/culturally-appropriate costumes provided.
*RF Pettigrew – Circa 1880s Euro-American male, dark hair and beard (40s), amateur archaeologist, politician.
Other/Additional Compensation: Film Credit.
Meals, Snacks and Beverages provided—lodging/transportation possible for key speaking roles only.
**Please submit a CURRENT professional headshot or digital picture as well as a resume or a cover letter to Casting Director Kim Furness at Kimberlyann2771@yahoo.com. Please include GOOD EARTH FILM in the subject line.