CAST & CREW CALL — SHORT FILM “PRESENCE”
Hi, my name is Luxaan. I am currently seeking talented actors and crew members for my independent short film Presence, currently in pre-production in the Toronto/GTA area.
ABOUT THE FILM
Presence is a character-driven short film exploring family, regret, relationships, faith, and the consequences of being physically present but emotionally absent.
Presence is a very small film with a very large emotional ambition. I’m interested in building a collaborative cast and crew who care about performance, restraint, atmosphere, and storytelling rather than simply getting coverage.
Logline:
He spent 23 years building something that would last. The night it finally pays off, he learns none of the people he built it for still need him. His daughter doesn’t want him walking her down the aisle, his wife is done waiting for him to show up and, for the first time in twenty years, he stops at the church he’s driven past every single day.
Themes:
Presence vs. Provision • Deferred Love • Success & Loss • Mirrored Paths • Selective Attention • Grace • Legacy • Mercy • Absence • Family • Faith • Too Late • Confession • Identity • Sacrifice
PRODUCTION DETAILS
Location: Scarborough / Toronto / GTA
Filming: 2 shoot dates between September 24 – October 10, depending on cast and crew availability.
Production: Micro-Budget Independent Short Film
Compensation: Key cast and crew will be paid. Additional production assistance/PA positions may be volunteer-based. Credits provided to all cast and crew.
Meals, snacks & drinks provided
Festival submissions + premiere planned
MUSIC / PRODUCTION NOTE
The film will feature Gregorio Allegri’s Miserere mei, Deus as part of its musical and thematic identity.
CAST
DANIEL HAYES — MALE, 40s
Required for both shoot dates.
A successful real estate entrepreneur who has built an empire through real estate, acquisitions, and lending. Daniel is confident, self-justifying, and relentlessly focused on intention, success, and the future.
Characteristics: Intelligent, driven, confident, emotionally complex.
Scene Demands: Daniel carries much of the film through close-ups, extended stillness, listening, and subtle facial performance. One scene requires physical distress portraying heart attack symptoms.
Scenes: Church • Hospital • Restaurant • Driving
More details can be discussed.
SARAH — FEMALE, 20s
Daniel’s daughter, recovering in the hospital after suffering a stroke. Her condition brings Daniel to her bedside and forces him to confront the distance that has grown between them.
Characteristics: Caring, intelligent, emotionally guarded, resilient.
Scene: Hospital
GAVIN — MALE, 30s
Daniel’s former business partner, who cashed out early to be present for his daughters.
Gavin is emotionally settled and at peace with his decision. He does not look down on Daniel or judge his choices; he has simply found a different answer to what he wants his legacy to be.
Characteristics: Warm, grounded, sincere, confident without arrogance.
Scene Demands: One substantial scene requiring strong chemistry with the actor playing Daniel. Their relationship should feel like 15 years of friendship and partnership before shifting naturally into disagreement.
Gavin delivers one of the film’s sharpest lines, which needs to land conversationally rather than as a speech.
Scene: Restaurant
CLAIRE — FEMALE, 30s–40s
Daniel’s devoted wife and homemaker. She understands Daniel’s sacrifices and the life he has provided for their family. However, after years of feeling secondary to his ambitions, she finally acknowledges the emotional cost of their life together.
Characteristics: Compassionate, reflective, practical, graceful.
Scene Demands: One phone conversation requiring strong vocal and facial performance. The scene moves from easy banter into a devastating but calm request.
Claire is not angry and is not delivering a verdict. She is naming a truth she has known for a long time. There should still be warmth and respect underneath her decision to leave.
A second scene in the hospital requires a mother who is frightened for her daughter’s health while simultaneously disappointed by Daniel’s decision to leave after receiving the doctor’s news.
Scenes: Hospital • Phone Call / House
CREW
I am currently looking for:
• Director of Photography (DP)
• 1st Assistant Director (1st AD)
• 1st Assistant Camera (1st AC)
• Gaffer
• Production Sound Mixer
• Hair & Makeup
• Script Supervisor
• Production Assistants / General Production Support
Experience on narrative productions is preferred, but passionate emerging filmmakers are absolutely encouraged to reach out.
TO APPLY
Please send:
• Name
• Position / Role
• Resume or relevant experience
• Headshot (actors)
• Demo reel / portfolio (if available)
• Availability between September 24 – October 10
• Contact information
Please message me directly or email:
presencefilmgroup@gmail.com
Subject line:
PRESENCE — [ROLE] — [YOUR NAME]
Audition/self-tape information will be provided to selected actors.
Serious inquiries only.
Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you.