Actors Needed for Student Short Film 'Renée'

We are seeking talent for our Swinburne Advanced Diploma production "Renée".


Director's Statement:
Based on true events that occurred in early 2000s Australia, our short film "Renée" has a realistic approach to the telling of it’s story: never over-explaining the events - instead issuing the audience to piece the film’s drama together themselves. If what we see onscreen is only the top of the iceberg then what is going on behind the scenes?

Desired editing for the project will be minimal - long takes of scenes playing out, with as fewer cuts and set-ups as possible. This, coupled with a detailed production design to project the audience back to 2003, will define the look and feel of the film. This film relies on strong performances, particularly from its two leads - Renée and Chris.

This entails that a strong casting process will be carried out, the bulk of which will be dedicated to finding the actors closest to how we envisage the characters. I am passionate about getting this drama to the screen because it is a story that needs to be told. The film centres on a decision and an important moment in time for Renée, an arc that is approached naturalistically without the viewer feeling pushed into empathy. Above all, audiences will find Renée a strong protagonist and, although does not find herself in ideal circumstances, she attempts to resolve the situation proactively and aspires to be happy.


Synopsis:
Sixteen year old Renée lives in rough Australian suburbia. Fearing she might be pregnant, Renée arranges an appointment at a women’s clinic. Requiring an adult signatory, and having reservations about approaching her abusive family, she contacts Chris, her teacher from the previous school year. The morning of the appointment, she travels to Chris’ house and together they make their way to the clinic - Renée steadfast to resolve her circumstances for the better.