Content

South Wales. An imaginative eight-year-old plots to trip his cruel, drunken father with red yarn, but while waiting for the trap to spring, first love offers him a glimpse of life beyond fear.

Talu Studios is casting for the short film Special Brew, written by Andrew Vidgen and directed by Saul Sulway. Filming is expected to take place in South Wales on 26 and 27 September 2026, with exact locations to be confirmed.

Please submit suitable performers through Spotlight. We will review all suggestions and contact selected applicants with audition material and further instructions. Shortlisted performers may be invited to submit a self-tape or attend an online or in-person audition. Shortlisted child performers may also be invited to a chemistry read with the director.

For performers under 18, all communication and audition arrangements will be managed through a parent, guardian or agent. Full role-specific fees and shoot-day requirements are included in each role listing.

Dates

Potentially 26th and 27th September 2026

Roles

Roles Details

Title

Michelle

Content

Character
Michelle enters with her own rhythm: composed, observant and seemingly unsurprised by adult disorder. To Danny, she appears almost otherworldly because of her confidence, energy and apparent freedom feel completely removed from the frightened world of his home. She recognises Danny’s strange defence system without demanding an explanation, which makes her feel instantly safe and extraordinary to him.

Dramatic journey
Michelle moves from witness to ally in only a few gestures. Her interest in the red yarn allows Danny to feel seen. When her father calls, a brief freeze suggests that she may understand something of Danny's fear. She accepts his candy necklace, kisses his forehead and leaves him with a new emotional possibility.

Performance brief
• Quiet authority, emotional intelligence and an unforced sense of humour.
• Able to communicate thought through looking and timing, without making Michelle knowing or adult-like.
• The freeze at her father's voice should be fleeting and truthful, never signposted as a large dramatic moment.
• Comfortable with simple prop business involving skipping, bubble gum and the candy necklace. Gum action may be adapted safely for the performer.

Salary

£250 for one shoot day, plus one paid rehearsal at £100, giving a total anticipated fee of £350. Any applicable holiday pay will be clearly itemised in the contract. Travel and expenses will be agreed separately in advance. A licensed chaperone will be present for rehearsals and filming. The production has allocated a flat chaperone fee of £175.

Gender

Female Only

Age

6 - 12