Casting Call
local - san diego
Ballerina & Waltz
 Contemporary dance for Gothic Romance stop - motion film 
Project Tile: Land of Monsters
Production type : Independent / Low Budget stop motion short film
Short Film Length : 12-15 minutes
Location: La Mesa / San Diego
Compensation : Copy of the film for you reel, professional studio video/ photo assets, and creative network cross promotion
🎬 Project Overview
We are an independent, local film company producing a dark, atmospheric Gothic Romance short film heavily driven by a cello-centered score.
We are seeking a talented ballerina or contemporary dancer who can convey deep, raw emotion, longing, and storytelling through intense and precise physical movement.

🩰 The Role & Process
Because this is a stop-motion film starring dolls, you will be the physical soul of the character. We will record your live performance of the full 12-15 minute script/choreography in a studio or rehearsal space. This footage will serve as our primary reference to frame-by-frame recreate your exact emotional nuances, lines, and movements with our stop-motion puppets. You must be comfortable working closely with the director to translate the script’s emotional beats into dance. Since there's two characters, a partner is needed. You make refer a partner to dance with you, or we may need to find one for you. You will work closely, and will need to work together.

🌟 What’s In It For You (Career Benefits)
While this is a low-budget passion project, we are dedicated to ensuring this collaboration serves as a major springboard for your career and portfolio.

High-End Reel Footage: You will receive the raw, professionally shot 4K footage of your live performance, plus high-quality behind-the-scenes (BTS) photos perfect for your dance portfolio, website, or agency representation.

IMDb & Screen Credits: You will be officially credited as the Movement Director / Choreographer and Reference Dancer on IMDb and the film’s credits. Will also be the actor/actress for the characters in the film.

Festival Exposure: This film will be submitted to regional and international film festivals. You will be invited to attend local screenings, giving you direct networking access to indie directors, producers, and cinematographers. The film will be watched and many, and your presence will be needed. 

A Unique Showcase: A side-by-side comparison of a live dancer and a stop-motion puppet is a massive attention-grabber. It’s a highly unique asset that will make your professional portfolio stand out completely from standard dance reels.
📬 How to Apply
If you want to bring this gothic story to life, please send the following to fim@onzafilms.com
In the subject line add your name and position you are apply for
In the email please add the following:
1. A brief introduction about yourself and your background.
2. A link to a reel, a past performance video, or even a simple video clip showing your improvisational movement/emotional range.
If accepted I will reach out to schedule a meeting to discuss more about the project.
Other Positions Needed
GAFFER
GRIP
ARTIST - MOVIE PROPS
SET DESIGNER
CELLO PLAYER
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR