Surface-A Short Indie Film
Project Overview
Surface is a short indie animated coming-of-age film about an unlikely friendship that encourages a shy young sea monster to embrace who he truly is and discover a place where he belongs.
Surface focuses on quiet, genuine moments rather than action or spectacle. The film explores themes of friendship, vulnerability, self-acceptance, and the fear of being seen for who you really are. My goal is to create a story that feels warm, authentic, and emotionally resonant. One that reminds viewers that everyone deserves a place where they can be themselves and you are not alone.
If you enjoy character-focused stories, expressive animation, and creating moments that leave a lasting emotional impact, I'd love to have you help bring Surface to life.
This is a volunteer-only project.
When reviewing vocal auditions, the main factors considered are microphone quality, emotional performance, and how well the voice matches the character's age and personality.
Voice actors will be provided with a script, but improvisation is welcome and encouraged, provided the scene's emotional beats remain intact.
If possible, voice actors may also be asked to record video of themselves performing their lines as animation reference. This is completely optional and is not required to be cast.
When you are logged in, you can comment, add submissions, create projects, upvote, search open roles, and way more. Login here.
I'm looking for a story editor who can review my work with a critical eye while preserving my creative vision rather than overhauling it.
Responsibilities may include:
Refining dialogue and story beats.
Providing feedback on pacing, scene structure, and emotional impact.
Suggesting storyboard compositions, camera angles, and shot ideas (art skills are not required).
Helping identify plot holes, unclear character motivations, and opportunities to strengthen the story.
The ideal collaborator has a strong understanding of storytelling, cinematography, animation, or screenwriting, and can explain why a change would improve a scene rather than simply suggesting one.
This role requires long-term commitment, as you'll be involved throughout the entire production process, from writing and storyboarding to animation reviews and final video editing. We'll regularly discuss ideas over voice calls, review progress, and solve creative challenges together. More than anything, I'm looking for someone who's genuinely excited about the project and wants to help make it the best it can be.
This is a volunteer position, but you'll receive full credit for your contributions, along with a referral or reference upon request.
If you're interested, please tell me:
A little about yourself.
Why this project interests you.
What relevant skills or experience you have.
Any previous projects you've worked on (if applicable).
- english
- proofread scripts
- storyboard pro
- amateur video editing
- editing writing
- audio editing (basic)
- content editing
- creative writing
- dialogue script writing
- script writing/editing
- proof reading and writing
- writing scripts
- script editing/proofreading
- proof reading
- editing/proofreading
- dialogue editing
- proofing
- amateur writing
- writing stories
- group writing
*Say something you think would fit*
Looking for a background artist who can create classroom scenes, hallways, bathrooms, and underwater environments. Preferred styles are anime‑inspired, especially similar to Studio Ghibli and Kyoto Animation. Pretty, cinematic shots are prioritized over heavy detail. Artist will be asked to create art piece large then the scene itself in order to have flexibility with camera movements. Art can be digital or traditional as long as the quality is HD equivalent.
This is volunteer work, but you’ll receive full credit for your contribution as well as a referral or reference from me.
Animated details such as rain, particle effects, or grass swaying are not necessary and will be added in post. Please send 3-5+ reference images of your work or a link where I can view your work.
- blender
- background art design
- 2d art
- anime
- amateur artist
- cartoon art
- digital artwork
- pencil art
- manga art
*Say something you think would fit*
Main Character-
A shy, quiet, naturally soft-spoken middle‑schooler with mainly grounded delivery
POC voice actors are encouraged to audition, but it is not a requirement
Preferably a younger sounding voice
No auditions from anyone under 18, per platform rules
This is an unpaid role, but you will receive full credit and I’m happy to provide a referral or reference for your work
Estimated line: ~50
References:
- child
- quiet
- male child
- nonbinary
- Soft
- male teen
- neutral
- Gentle
"But it’s not just 1 accident. All of its hard. I don’t have any friends. " (Sad)
"... Luke… are we friends?" (Blunt)
" Stop targeting me." (Upset/ mad)
Side Main Character
A loud, extroverted middle school boy with a bright, optimistic tone. His voice naturally carries, full of energy and excitement, but he can soften into a warm, gentle delivery during sincere moments. Slightly higher pitch, youthful, expressive, and emotionally transparent. Realistic with a lightly cartoony bounce.
Estimated line: ~50
References:
- child
- male teen
- neutral
- male child
- nonbinary
"This must be like your worst nightmare but you're handling it pretty well…" (Compassionate)
"Nah, I’ve been moving around the country my whole life! Can’t stay in one place too long." (Casual)
"I don’t get this at all!" (Frustrated/ annoyed)
Mentor
A kind teacher that takes care of the students and River. He must be stern and authority but also compassionate and caring.
Estimated lines: ~20
" Who did this?... If nobody fesses up, then you will all have extra homework." (Angry/ stern)
"Gasp…uh. Your wounds look bad. Is it ok if I take you to a hospital?" (Worried/ scared)
"Thanks for telling me." (Grateful)
Antagonist
A middle school boy that's deemed himself the "funny" kid with an obnoxious, sleazy voice.
Estimated lines: ~20
- animation
- Sleazy
- child
- male teen
- neutral
- animation/character
- male child
- nonbinary
- obnoxious
- mischievous
"Haha, woah. What’s got your panties in a twist?" (Obnoxious)
"See-... uh. Wh- what the-? What are you?" (Terrified)
"Yeah, how could they just let you into our school?!" (Angry)
Minor Character Role
A forward, strong opinionated girl.
Estimated lines: ~6
- female teen
- child
- female child
- neutral
- nonbinary
"Don’t put words in his mouth. " (Annoyed)
"I saw your big splash the other day. " (Casual)
"So how long were you going to wait before telling me your secret?" (Playful)
Extras include young middle‑school kids, an adult news anchor, and adult paparazzi‑type characters. These roles are genderless and have an estimated 1–5 lines each.
- female senior
- female teen
- male senior
- nonbinary
- female adult
- female young adult
- neutral
- child
- female child
- male child
- male adult
- male teen
- male young adult
"Footage by an anonymous source shows the moment a monster flees the school." (New anchor/ dramatic)
"Is it true? The news?" (Nervous, scared kid)
Improvise :)
![[working title] – minecraft roleplay series (long-term project)](https://images.castingcall.club/project_images/image-1235780-DD04EAF6-5AE2-4472-8581-74A479FF2921.jpg)
Comments
Public Submissions
