We’re casting for The Watch, a new student short film currently in pre-production. This project offers a great opportunity for dedicated actors to gain on-set experience, expand their reels, and collaborate with an ambitious and creative team.

The movie is directed by award-winning director Vlad Gherghel and producer Alex Chernenko.

Vlad Gherghel Portfolio: https://vladgherghel.com
Alex Chernenko Portfolio: http://portfolio.alexhartley.tilda.ws

Many of our past student films have gone on to screen at film festivals, won awards, and provided strong exposure for fresh talent — and we’re excited to continue that tradition with The Watch.

WHAT YOU’LL GET

Meals on set — we’ll make sure you’re comfortable and well cared for
IMDb credit — your name will appear on the film’s IMDb page
Footage for your reel — you’ll receive high-quality clips of your performance
Festival exposure — our projects are regularly submitted to film festivals
Compensation — may vary by role, but all receive the benefits listed above

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Title: The Watch
Logline: A teenager’s celebration of success turns grim when a man falls to his death at her feet, leaving her caught between sympathy, suspicion, and the eerie hospitality of the grieving family.
Filming Location: Campus of Drexel University, Philadelphia (some locations to be confirmed, but all within the city)
Filming Dates: January 19th (Martin Luther King Jr. weekend), 23rd, 24th, and 25th, 2026
Note: Not all roles require availability for all four days.

AVAILABLE ROLES

ELISE (Lead – Female, 17–20 years)
Ethnicity open. A teenage girl whose life changes in an instant when a man falls to his death right in front of her. Intelligent, anxious, and emotionally raw — carries both vulnerability and strength.

MEGAN (Supporting – Female, 40–60 years)
Ethnicity open. The deceased man’s daughter. Elegant but emotionally unstable, her grief manifests as intensity and denial. A layered role balancing heartbreak, volatility, and suppressed rage.

ELISE’S MOM (Supporting – Female, 40–50 years)
Ethnicity open. Warm, protective, but occasionally overbearing. She brings subtle humour and heart to tense moments, offering emotional contrast to the film’s darker tone.

HAROLD (Supporting — Male, 60–75 years)
Ethnicity open. Well-dressed, weary, haunted by regret. His brief but powerful scene sets the story in motion. A silent or near-silent role requiring expressive physical acting including wearing special effects makeup.

We’re also looking for extras all ages to play mourners in the church and in the cafeteria. Some extras have lines and climactic scenes.

DETAILS AND REQUIREMENTS

Filming will take place on Drexel University’s campus (Philadelphia, PA)
Must be available for filming on listed dates (some flexibility depending on the role)
Positive and collaborative attitude on set
Acting experience preferred but not required — we welcome emerging talent

HOW TO AUDITION

Please send the following to [email protected] :
Headshot and resume (if available)
A short demo reel or video clip (if available)
Which role(s) you’re interested in
Your availability for the January filming dates.

Disclaimer: Content was provided by the original poster. Greater Philadelphia Film Office may have edited this posting for clarity, formatting, and compliance with guidelines, but does not verify the accuracy of the information provided.