Hi there! My name is Matthew Bruneau-Richardson, and I am an independent filmmaker/2D animator from Boston, Massachusetts. I am beginning production on a new project, and this is a casting call for several parts of varying size. More roles may open up in the future.
"Sirenetta: Part-Time Mermaid" is the story of Nettie Pearlman; a modern little mermaid living out her human happily ever after on Cape Cod. When a mysterious stranger warns her of a Sea Witch trying to destroy the ocean, Nettie and her fantastical friends must go on a scavenger hunt through aquatic mythology to find the only artifact that can set everything right. This film will be a continuation of a short originally released in 2019 called "Sirenetta's Family Dinner"
Production will officially begin sometime this spring. Funding is lined up, and this will be paid work recording in the next few months. The film will take several years to produce; once complete, it will be submitted to film festivals with the goal of finding distribution to streaming platforms.
An ancient but forever-youthful Sea Goddess exploring the human world for the first time. One of four protagonists - best friends with one, skeptical of another, and enjoys taunting the third. Occasional comic relief, occasional voice of dissent.
Black or Afro-Latina woman. LGBT character. Caribbean accent is a plus, but not required.
[trying to inspire a friend]
Magic is a privilege. Yes, it can be used to tear others down, but it should be used to build everyone up and grow things in a positive direction.
[you've just accidentally destroyed a car, and don't think you've done anything wrong]
ALRIGHT! I’m sorry for thinking that something built to get us from point A to point B would actually get us from point A to point B…I will buy you a new one once you teach me how "credit" works, I swear you humans love to over-complicate things.
[Angry, after just discovering a lie]
They could have been playing us this whole time, getting us to find the Treasure just so they can destroy it and make sure the entire ocean is destroyed!
Our story's villain, a sea witch. A dignified and stately woman. Masking a deep-seeded rage.
Think Christine Baranksi, Bebe Neuwirth, Angela Bassett, Kathleen Turner
[Skeptical]
I understand this Seer has divined something rather urgent. What have you seen, brother?
[Furious]
Unacceptable! That precious princess couldn’t have found the treasure, it’s impossible!
[You're beseeching your followers, manic]
Sisters, Brothers! Give me your power! Send me everything you have! We must prevent her from stealing our ocean!
A guarded dreamer. Dry and sarcastic, but warm when you get to know her.
Native American or First Nations woman. LGBT character.
[aloof, sarcastic]
A what? No! The only curse I’m under is the curse of getting what you wish for. But you’re not here for my history, I think the blushing one mentioned something about the “Terzetto thingy?”
[opening up to a love interest]
I’ve always wanted what I didn’t have…and someone always gave it to me, but now I don’t think anyone can…so, I think what I want might be changing.
A bubbly and eccentric fairy with a monstrous temper. Literally, she's a monster sometimes - monster voices encouraged!
French accent. Fluency a plus, to help with snippets of French dialogue.
[explaining the parameters of a spell to someone]
Chaos is…chaotic. It’s impossible to know what it will do. Maybe it destroys the world, maybe it makes every shark and octopus swap bodies until they learn to understand each other
[furious]
Qui ose me déranger un SAMEDI!?!
A classic, campy, off-the-clock Drag Queen and boss of one of our protagonists.
Character is LGBT and a Drag Queen - Drag Performers encouraged to audition!
[talking sweetly with an employee]
Take all the time you need honey. You know, it’s such a relief working with people who are mature enough to communicate honestly.
[his store is flooding and he's beginning to panic]
I didn’t think the laws of nature could change, but apparently someone decided low tide should actually be the highest tide today!
an elderly psychic who values honesty and truth. He works for the villain, who often doesn't like what she hears.
[calmly talking with an unhappy customer]
Those of us with the gift of clairvoyance can only convey the truth, and the truth cannot change to fit one’s preferences.
[enthusiastically predicting the future, but struggling for clarity]
Princess Sirenetta and her friends are…somewhere beyond our reach…somewhere forbidden…
Our villain's henchman. Tense and reactionary, he tries to anticipate his boss's temper but often fails. Think of him like a college intern, eager to do a good job but always worried he's doing things wrong.
[Your boss has just yelled at you, demanding information]
According to our research she lives somewhere on the Eastern Coast of the North American continent. In a place called the…Cape of Cod?
A battle ready mermaid. Looking for a distinct voice - raspy and breathy - like Jennifer Tilly or Jennifer Coolidge...really any fun sounding Jennifer.
[defiantly charging into battle]
It doesn’t matter! We are the Nereids, it’s our duty to protect the ocean from monsters like this.
A soft-spoken Brazilian water spirit.
[in the middle of disaster, you talk to your frightened sister]
We love you too. Now, go warn our sisters! And the merpeople!
