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Casting director Sam Franco is seeking eight local actors for lead roles in a feature film being shot in Socorro County, New Mexico. No prior acting experience is necessary, and everyone with an interest is encouraged to apply, even if the role descriptions don’t match you.
“Essentially, we are looking for real people to play, authentic versions of themselves,” Franco said, “We have very specific roles, but it’s really about finding the right balance of someone that is both an authentic person and also willing to put on, these different acts for the narrative of each arc of the character. So I would say it’s like a hybrid style casting of real people and that don’t need acting backgrounds.”
Franco is a nomadic casting director who immerses herself in diverse communities and cultures to uncover authentic stories and individuals. Her casting approach is unconventional, as she emphasizes the importance of getting to know each subject in a detailed and personalized manner.
She’s made two trips to Magdalena just to meet locals, get to know the area and spread the word.
“There is almost something effortless about scouting in Magdalena, specifically. It’s like walking into a community that feels so much like a close-knit family and everyone is so kind and welcoming,” Franco said.
According to Franco, scouting can, at times, be a bit tricky because it requires the ability to gauge people energetically.
“When the energy is just so warm and magnetizing it naturally can make the immediate connection and conversation that much easier,” Franco said, “I think there are some deeply special people in Magdalena and I feel honored to be able immerse myself in their world and landscape to get to know them better.”
On the application page, the film is described as:
“In a forgotten New Mexican desert town, ten intersecting lives collide as locals pin their hopes on a presidential whistle-stop train to revive their fading community. As secrets unravel and tensions erupt, they must confront the fragile connections that bind them in a darkly comedic tale of love, loss, and human connection.”
Franco mentioned that one of their goals with the film is to unite the community, and they plan to hold a large event to celebrate at the film’s conclusion. It’s also about bringing exposure to what it’s like growing up in a small town and a small community and giving people the opportunity to feel seen and to be acknowledged.
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“We really want to bring together the community. It’s super important that the characters feel true to the world, and that’s also an important thing for the directors, as their style is a documentary and narrative hybrid. So they really want things to feel authentic, and we want to incorporate the community in town as much as possible,” Franco said.
This film will be directed by an award-winning director duo who have screened films at Sundance, Berlinale, SXSW, and Venice Film Festival. They expect to begin filming in the summer of 2025.
“I’m excited about doing this project with them, and I think the story is really meaningful, and I think it’s going to be really beautiful,” Franco said.
To find out more about the characters and the film, visit the casting application page at:
https://airtable.com/app2zLTtsOa6CGXKm/pagfm5tUN0aaxkqCI/form
