Casting Call for Student Film

Caliber

Gaby Cefalu

Student Film

Other

4/08/16-4/10/16

Burbank

Synopsis: While experiencing flashbacks from his time in Iraq, Officer Mike Banner responds to a domestic violence call in a bad neighborhood. He arrives, tension mounts, and the drunk, rage-fueled man (Constantine) charges Banner. Shots are fired. Constantine is down. Banner uses his training as an army medic to help stabilize the wounds and enlists the help of his terrified son, Elijah. But it’s quickly clear that Constantine won’t survive for long. Banner -- moved by the realization that Constantine is a fellow veteran -- takes matters into his own hands.


[Mike Banner]
Age: 30-35
Gender: Male
Ethnicity: African American
Characteristics: Sharp. Reactive. Slender. Boyish, but battle-hardened. Empathetic.

Haunted from his service as a frontline medic in Iraq, Banner returns home and serves on the Police Force. His emotional wounds are still healing, and he’s not sure he’s fit for duty. But when a domestic violence call goes wrong, Banner must break protocol and take matters into his own hands to save a victim’s life -- or relive the nightmare of losing yet another fallen solider.

[Constantine]
Age: 40-45
Gender: Male
Ethnicity: African American
Characteristics: Imposing. Towering. Gruff.

Once a noble soul, Constantine has divulged into alcoholism and drug addiction as a coping mechanism for his PTSD. A factory worker and forgotten veteran, he’s cynical and aggressive. He acts violently toward his family, but they tolerate it -- knowing it’s not the real him. A true tragic figure who’s completely lost control of himself.

[Devon]
Age: 35-40
Gender: Female
Ethnicity: African American
Characteristics: Haggard. Emotionally Unstable. Very human, but you don’t want to mess with her. Fiercely protective.

Torn between her loyalty as a mother and a wife, Devon must support Constantine while also protecting Elijah from his instability. She herself suffers from his grasp. But once her husband is shot, her anger blinds her reasoning, and causes a destructive bout of irrational action.

[Elijah]
Age: 14-18
Gender: Male
Ethnicity: African American
Characteristics: Vulnerable. Honest. Timid, but not meek.

A child of the hood who never conformed. Admirably resilient in a despicable living condition with an abusive father. His eyes are full of bravery and honesty... though he’s often underestimated and overlooked. He faces a trial-by-fire when his father is shot before his eyes, causing him to ally with Banner in a desperate attempt to save his life.

[David]
Age: 25-30
Gender: Male
Ethnicity: African American
Characteristics: Vicious. Violent. Tall. Lanky. Strong presence.

A local gang figurehead. Extremely protective of his neighborhood. Intolerant to outside influences, especially the police. Menacing in every way, but his bark is bigger than his bite.