MOOSE JAW — Two Moose Javians who have worked on several films over the years are looking for people to fill roles in an upcoming project that focuses on a relationship between a rock star and a goth chick.
Jessie Halvorsen and Mark Gilliland are co-producing the short film “The Silk Scarf,” with support from associate producer Dustan Hlady, who is well-known for his projects, including the recent “SIN3056843.”
The film takes place in 2005 and focuses on a young rock star, Parker Samboa, who meets a semi-goth girl, Tara Rose, who is experiencing family problems. They start dating, and during the film, there are several funny moments interspersed with serious scenes, with the film ending on a hope-filled, positive note.
The co-producers are holding a casting call on Tuesday, Aug. 26 and Wednesday, Aug. 27, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at 210-310 Main Street North (the Hammond Building). Some of the roles include, but are not limited to:
- Tara Rose (main female lead), ages 19 to 25, with a semi-goth look
- Rhoand, Tara’s mom, late 30s to early 50s, with a depressed, defeated look
- Sawyer, Tara’s brother, ages seven to 12, with a scared, sad, shaken look
- Bubba “the bouncer,” 20s to 40s, with a big, tough look
- Drunks, one Caucasian and one indigenous, ages 19 to late 30s, male; some martial arts or stunt experience is preferred, by not required
- A drummer and bass player with “rock star” looks, ages 19 to 40s; no instrument experience is required, but is appreciated
Halvorsen — who is portraying Samboa — said this is the first film that he and Gilliland have made themselves. However, they have helped produce other films over the years, including with Hlady and Jeremy Ratzlaff, another Moose Javian involved in the entertainment business.
Continuing, Halvorsen said he and his co-producer woke up one day and decided they wanted to make their own feature, but they wanted to “do something bigger” than before. The name for “The Silk Scarf” arose after the two were sitting in an apartment and noticed a scarf in the room, which they realized would make a great symbol.
Halvorsen pointed out that in the film, Tara experiences problems with her family, including abuse from her father, so Parker confronts the man and frees his girlfriend from the abuse. In the process, she flees with a scarf that her grandma created.
The co-producer noted that he is a huge fan of rock and roll and the goth scene, so that was the basis for the characters’ backgrounds. Also, he and Gilliland convinced a Regina-based ’80s hair metal cover band, Vinyl Society, to lend one of its songs to the production.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment (of casting) for almost three years,” Halvorsen said, noting he and Gilliland have been working on pre-production for that length of time. “I’m really excited to get to this point.”
Once the co-producers have recruited people for their film, they plan to start shooting in October, with that process to take four days. They estimate that the film will be 25 minutes long, while they plan to release it next summer.
Halvorsen added that many community groups and individuals have offered plenty of help — financial and otherwise — to support “The Silk Scarf,” and for that, he and Gilliland are thankful.
For more information, email [email protected].
