A Blackpool-based production company is seeking three actors for their forthcoming November shoot of a comedy drama.
Friendly Way Productions Ltd seeks three people to join the existing cast for the filming of the pilot episode of their new series, AmDram. Shoot dates are 2nd-4th November 2023 and the deadline for applications is 23rd October. Casting breakdown and all details of how to apply can be found here.
Actors will be required to submit their self-tapes for consideration for the following roles:
Thomas (late twenties-early thirties) is a recent divorcee who joins a local amateur theatre group as a way of trying to find a new normal. He works with James, Hannah, and Sandra in the local school. He’s kind-hearted, lovable, and stands up for what is right. Whilst Thomas might be looking for new beginnings, he fails to see the perfect opportunities that are right in front of his face.
Sandra (40+)is a schoolteacher who works with James, Thomas, and Hannah. She is quite a timid character and wouldn’t say boo to a goose, however, behind closed doors she has a bit of bite.
Hope (early-mid-twenties)is quite an odd person and works as a vet. She is best friends with Carrie and throughout the series it’s clear she has a little bit too much of an obsession with her best friend, even going so far as to dress in the same clothing. Her sexuality is fluid although she wouldn’t explicitly talk about this.
The company is looking for actors who have experience being in front of a camera and delivering lines. There will also be opportunities for non speaking roles in the project as extras.
It is hoped that the pilot will be presented to broadcasting companies with a view to making the series for television.
This being Friendly Way Productions’ first project, funding has not yet been secured so this isn’t a paid role. However food will be provided on shoot days and footage from the project will be available for actors to use for show reels.
I managed to find a new home, and meet some incredible and slightly strange people in the wonderful world of amateur dramatics.
Creative directors Jamie Crawford and Callum Morley have first hand experience of what they say is a common route into the entertainment industry – within amateur theatre. Growing up in rural areas, as the two of them did, amateur theatre can often be the only way to get involved in the arts. Jamie and Callum have both been part of Blackpool Operatic Players, and Callum has appeared with Blackpool Fylde Light Opera Company.
Jamie, originally from Blackpool, graduated in 2019 from Lancaster University with a degree in Scriptwriting for stage, screen and gaming. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he completed his PGCE to become a qualified lecturer in the post-16 sector. He is currently studying for his MA in writing for script and screen at Falmouth University.
“This series is very personal and semi-autobiographical for me,” he says. “I managed to find a new home, and meet some incredible and slightly strange people in the wonderful world of amateur dramatics. Like Thomas, in the story, I joined an AmDram company after my divorce and I got to escape into a whole new world and just be myself, performing on stage and collaborating with a range of people from different backgrounds.
“That is one of the most beautiful things about amateur theatre, you get people from all walks of life, working as a teacher, or a nurse and ranging from ages 14 to 80. AmDram is my way of saying thank you to all those people who welcomed me when I joined all those years ago.”
Callum Morley, originally from Maryport, Cumbria, moved to Blackpool for his studies where he graduated in 2017 from Blackpool School of Arts with a degree in musical theatre. He has since worked on a variety of projects in the industry and is currently working in Lanzarote as an entertainer.
“AmDram for me is my own personal love letter to all the amateur theatre companies out there,” he says. “For some, like me, amateur theatre is where I started to learn the ropes of performing. I always say, people only get to see the final polished show, in full costume and music, but much more happens behind the scenes and that’s where the true stories are.
“Relationships develop in the rehearsal process, and quite honestly, the rehearsal process is my favourite part, because we all come together to create something from scratch, all working on one vision to bring a show to life. This series is my way to say thank you to all those who have inspired and helped me throughout the years, especially in the beginning of my career.”
Friendly Way Productions aim to highlight talent and stories from the north of England. Two years ago Jamie and Callum started writing this comedy series and through research and development workshops held at The Old Electric community arts venue in Blackpool it grew into the story they have now. Set in Blackpool, the narrative touches on stories from people whose voices often go unheard.
To apply to be part of this pilot comedy drama, whether as a main character or an extra, follow the link to the website below and get your self-tapes off as soon as you can.
https://friendlywayproduct.wixsite.com/friendlywayprod/post/reopen-casting
Main photo: ztphotography
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