Buck Crazy - Casting Call

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Title: BUCK CRAZY

Format: 12-minute narrative short film

Genre: Horror/Thriller

Logline: A Deaf hiker investigating illegal hunting in remote Pennsylvania woods encounters a disturbed hunter and descends into a nightmare of violence, survival, and silent terror.

Tone: Dark, visceral, atmospheric horror with minimal dialogue

Festival Target: Fantastic Fest, SXSW, Tribeca, Sundance

CASTING PRIORITIES

We are committed to authentic representation of Deaf characters. This role requires a Deaf actress. We believe in casting from within the community you're portraying—not around it.

This is a professional indie production with respect for craft, authentic collaboration, and fair compensation.

LEAD ROLE: THE GIRL (Protagonist)

Role: Deaf hiker in her late teens or early 20s who becomes caught in a horrific encounter in the forest

Character Description:

Resourceful, observant, intelligent

Confident but ultimately outmatched

Experiences the horror of being unable to vocalize (central to film's horror concept)

Physically demanding role (running, struggling, extended prone positions)

Silent screams and physical reactions carry the emotional weight

Required Qualifications:

Deaf actress (D/deaf, Hard of Hearing, or CODA with strong Deaf community ties)

Acting experience (theater, film, student work, or demonstrated acting ability)

Comfortable with intense physical demands

Willing to work extensively with SFX/gore makeup (prosthetics, blood, head wound effects)

Available for full shoot days April 26-27, 2026

Comfortable with dark/violent content and willing to discuss scenes in advance

Able to attend rehearsals in March-April 2026 (flexible scheduling)

Physical Requirements:

Late teens to early 20s (flexible on exact age)

Fit/athletic build (scenes involve running, climbing, struggling)

Comfortable on camera

No prior trauma/injury concerns with physical movement

What This Role Offers:

Lead role in a festival-quality horror film

Professional crew (cinematographer, sound designer, experienced SFX team)

Competitive pay ($300-500 for 2-day shoot, depending on experience)

Meals provided on set

High-quality footage for reel/portfolio

Credits on IMDb and festival submissions

Potential festival exposure (Fantastic Fest, SXSW, etc.)

Authentic representation in horror cinema

Scenes/Content:

Hiking and exploration (outdoor scenes, natural light)

Confrontation with antagonist (tense, verbal/sign language exchange)

Chase sequences (running through forest, stunt work with safety coordinator)

Intense action (violence, trauma, extended vulnerability)

Special effects makeup (head wounds, blood, prosthetics—will discuss in detail)

Extended prone positions in dirt/forest floor

Shoot Dates: April 26-27, 2026 (two full days)

Location: South Mountain Preserve, Pennsylvania (outdoor forest locations)

Compensation: $300-500 (based on experience), plus meals and travel reimbursement

SUPPORTING ROLES

The Hunter (Antagonist)

Age: Late 30s-early 40s

Type: Physically strong, unhinged, intimidating presence

Experience: Theater or film background helpful

Physical Requirements: Ability to handle stunt work, wear prosthetics, work with weapons props (fake shotgun, axe, knife)

Scenes: Confrontation, chase, violence, wearing prosthetic elk mask

Compensation: $250-400 for 2-day shoot

Young Boy (Supporting)

Age: 10-11 years old

Type: Authentic child actor, capable of expressing terror

Experience: Theater, student film, or strong acting ability

Scenes: Brief but impactful—holds bow, reacts to shooting accident

Compensation: $150-250 for partial day shoot

Parent/Guardian Required: On set at all times (required by law for child actors)

Older Boy (Supporting)

Age: 14-15 years old

Type: Protective older brother type, capable of stunts

Experience: Theater or film background

Scenes: Holding bow, reacting to incident

Compensation: $150-250 for partial day shoot

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Include:

Headshot (professional or quality selfie, clear face visible)

Resume (acting experience, training, relevant skills)

Reel or Video Link (if available—YouTube, Vimeo, social media clips acceptable)

Brief Note (2-3 sentences about why you're interested, any relevant experience)

Contact Information (phone, email, availability for callbacks)

Availability Confirmation (can you commit to April 26-27 shoot dates?)

Optional:

Any experience with stunts/physical theater

Experience with SFX makeup

References from previous productions

CALLBACK PROCESS

Timeline:

Submissions accepted: October 18 - November 15, 2025

Callbacks scheduled: Early December 2025

Offers extended: Mid-December 2025

Rehearsals begin: March 2026

Callback Format:

In-person or video callback (your choice)

Script scene reading (will provide sides in advance)

Discussion of role, comfort with content, scheduling

Physical blocking walkthrough (if applicable)

Estimated callback time: 30-45 minutes

Callback Location Options:

In-person: Allentown/Lehigh Valley area

Video: Zoom/Skype accommodations available

Accessibility: We accommodate all needs (ASL interpreters provided for Deaf candidates if needed)

ABOUT BUCK CRAZY LLC

Buck Crazy LLC is an independent production company based in Pennsylvania dedicated to creating high-quality, authentic horror cinema. We believe in:

Authentic casting (not tokenism)

Professional treatment (fair pay, safe sets, respect for all collaborators)

Quality storytelling (festival-ready work)

Community collaboration (working WITH communities we portray, not FOR them)

SET SAFETY & ACCOMMODATIONS

We prioritize actor safety:

Professional stunt coordinator on set for all action sequences

SFX makeup will be discussed extensively before application (comfort level confirmed)

No non-consensual stunts or surprises

Mental health support available on set if needed

Professional first aid on standby

Safety briefing before all action sequences

You can request to see/discuss any scene in detail before filming

Accessibility Accommodations:

ASL interpreters available on set for Deaf cast

Open captions provided for all hearing actors

Assistive listening devices available

Modified communication methods accommodated

Any other accessibility needs—please let us know in your submission

FAQ

Q: Do I need professional acting experience?

A: No—we're open to strong, committed performers with or without professional credits. Theater experience, student film work, or demonstrated acting ability all count.

Q: How intense is the violence/gore?

A: This is a horror film with realistic violence, gore, and trauma themes. Full details will be discussed at callback. If you're uncomfortable with any specific content, we can discuss alternatives.

Q: What if I can't make the April dates?

A: These dates are fixed (location availability, crew scheduling). We cannot shift shoot dates. Confirmed availability is required.

Q: Will there be payment?

A: Yes—competitive rates for indie film ($150-500 depending on role). Meals provided on set. Any travel beyond local area reimbursed.

Q: How long is the shoot?

A: Two full days (April 26-27). Expect 12+ hour days. Breaks provided.

Q: What happens to the footage after?

A: Film will be submitted to festivals (Fantastic Fest, SXSW, Tribeca, Sundance, and genre festivals). You'll receive digital copies for your reel. Potential streaming distribution after festival run.

Q: Can I bring a plus-one to callbacks?

A: Yes—bring support person, parent, guardian, or agent. They can observe.

CONTACT & TIMELINE

Submission Deadline: November 15, 2025

FINAL THOUGHT

We're making an honest, visceral horror film that respects its characters and audience. We're looking for committed performers who share that vision.

If you're ready to make something real, submit your materials.

Let's make Buck Crazy happen.

Buck Crazy LLC

Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania

buckcrazyfilm.com