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

George

Content

Character
George controls the house through unpredictability, intimidation and the threat of escalation. He steals money intended for Danny, then later performs a false version of paternal warmth as he staggers home claiming to have brought crisps. He is dangerous because his mood can turn in a breath, yet the film also exposes his weakness and absurdity.

Dramatic journey
George begins with command over Myra and Danny. Outside the house, drink has made him dependent on walls, fences and lampposts, but his presence still frightens those around him. Danny's yarn finally transforms the threatening father into a helpless body on the floor, giving the child a brief, darkly comic victory.

Performance brief
• A credible underlying threat without shouting every beat. Stillness and withheld violence should do much of the work.
• Precise modulation between counterfeit affection, entitlement, contempt and self-pity.
• Convincing drunk physicality based on imbalance and effort, not broad comic staggering.

Audition focus
Use George's introduction in scene 1 and George's return home, beginning with the false promise of crisps and ending with the muttered insult. The actor should make the attempted warmth almost believable before revealing contempt. Include a short movement exercise showing controlled intoxication without dialogue.

Salary

£250 for one shoot day. Any applicable holiday pay will be clearly itemised in the contract. Travel and expenses will be agreed separately in advance.

Gender

Male Only

Age

30 - 40