| Job Description: |
CASTING CALL – KARATE EARL
Short Film | Philadelphia, PAKarate Earl is a grounded Philadelphia underdog story about redemption, mentorship, and
the people society overlooks. Set in the early 2000s, the film follows a fallen karate master
who finds purpose through an unlikely friendship with a young boy from his neighborhood.
Seeking actors with strong naturalistic performances and authentic Philadelphia energy.
Email reels and headshots to production@bigpicturealliance.org.
Project Details
● Project: Karate Earl
● Genre: Drama / Coming-of-Age / Underdog Story
● Location: Philadelphia, PA
● Production Dates: August 7, 8, 9
● Compensation: TBD
To Submit: Headshot, resume (if available), and a self-tape or reel.
Philadelphia local talent is strongly encouraged to apply.
KAI
Male | Black | 10–13
LEAD ROLE
Earnest, curious, and impressionable. Kai is caught between childhood innocence and the
pressures of growing up too fast. Drawn to Earl’s discipline and wisdom, he sees value in a
man the rest of the world has written off.
Performance Notes: Seeking a young actor capable of carrying significant emotional
weight. Must be able to portray admiration, conflict, guilt, and growth with authenticity.
Martial arts experience is a plus but not required.
MS. MARY
Female | Black | 55–75
Kind, faithful, and nurturing, but worn down by years of trying to save her son from himself.
Ms. Mary carries both unconditional love and deep exhaustion. She represents the hope
that refuses to die, even when every reason says it should.
Performance Notes: Warm, grounded, emotionally available. Ability to communicate years
of history with very little dialogue.
MR. HENRY
Male | Black | 55–75
Ms. Mary’s husband. Practical, stern, and fed up with Earl’s self-destruction. Where Ms.
Marry leads with compassion, Mr. Henry leads with tough love. He believes Earl has
squandered too many chances and refuses to enable him any longer.
Performance Notes: Strong presence. Able to balance frustration, disappointment, and
underlying concern.
LONNIE
Male | Black | 45–70
A neighborhood drifter and Earl’s closest friend. Sharp-witted, funny, and deeply human
despite his circumstances. Lonnie survives through humor, resilience, and an unspoken
understanding of the hardships he shares with Earl.
Performance Notes: Strong comedic instincts preferred. Ability to find humor and humanity
in difficult situations.
STORE CLERK
Male | Middle Eastern, Latino | 30–60
Owner or employee of the neighborhood liquor store. Knows everybody, hears everything,
and serves as an observer of the community. Dry sense of humor and a familiarity with Earl
that comes from years of seeing him at his best and worst.
Performance Notes: Naturalistic, understated performance.
TRINA
Female | Black | 30–45
Kai’s hardworking mother. A nursing assistant doing her best to keep her household
together. Protective, loving, and often exhausted, she wants more for her son than the
neighborhood can offer.
Performance Notes: Strong, relatable, grounded. Must feel like a real Philadelphia mother
balancing work, parenting, and survival.
SIM
Male | Black | 11–14
The unofficial leader of his friend group. Charismatic, confident, and eager to impress the
older hustlers on the block. Sim isn’t a bad kid—he’s a kid learning from the wrong examples
and becoming the person others follow.
Performance Notes: Natural leadership qualities. Must be able to balance charm,
confidence, and vulnerability.
Email reels and headshots to production@bigpicturealliance.org. |
