Production Title:
Panopticon
Production Location:
Dallas / Fort Worth
Production Type:
Short Film
Production Start Date:
03/15/2024
Production Wrap Date:
03/21/2024
Producer(s):
Rashna Mullick
Writer(s):
Tony Ruggio
Director(s):
Tony Ruggio
Other Cast & Crew:
Corey Morrison – Director of Photography
Membership:
Lead by Dallas FilmMaker’s Alliance Member
Synopsis:
After the death of his abusive father, a young real estate professional rediscovers his gothic youth, and in turn attempts to save a pillar of Dallas’ historic Deep Ellum neighborhood, one of many clubs under threat of gentrification.
Character Breakdowns:
CHARLIE MASON – WHITE MALE, 26
Fit, well-dressed young professional not at all in mourning over his father’s death, but in quiet fuming. He resents his childhood and what his parents forced him to give up for them, for their image as one of Dallas and Highland Park’s most affluent and successful families. He is the heir to a real estate fortune, working for the family firm against his own best interests. A chance encounter with a rep for a Deep Ellum fetish club leads him on a journey of self-reflection and evolution, re-discovering his goth childhood and prompting him to try to save one of the neighborhood’s storied institutions from the perils of gentrification.
AIDEN – WHITE MALE, 28
Charlie’s co-worker, Aiden, is a friend of convenience, a wealthy, racist braggart who shares a rebellious childhood with Charlie, but otherwise cares little for those around him, especially the marginalized communities of Deep Ellum. They’re very different people who happen to share an unfortunate upbringing of abuse and emotional neglect by their parents. Aiden has gladly left behind his former self in pursuit of money, women, and power. His fear of “others” and his uptight concern for public safety have led him to view Deep Ellum as a place to be conquered for the good of the city, a place to be cleansed of the “vampires” who populate its dark backlots and bawdy venues. He is typically found wearing designer clothing and perfectly coiffed blonde hair.
OPHELIA – FEMALE, 26
Ophelia is a long-time resident of Deep Ellum in Dallas, and a cherished member of the local goth/fetish community. She works as a promotional rep for an old Deep Ellum fetish club on the downswing in the face of increasing gentrification. She’s attractive, confident, fashionable, always in control, and she uses men’s weakness for attractive women to her benefit. She’s covered in ornate tattoos and is often dressed in black leather. Tattoos preferred, but not required.
MICHELLE MASON – WHITE FEMALE, 50
Charlie’s alcoholic mother. Her husband has recently passed away and she’s already brunching with the Housewives of Dallas. The definition of a wealthy wine mom. Emotionally abusive, she looked the other way for years as her husband tormented her son. Now that he’s gone, she’s trying (if somewhat failing) to make up for that. She’s a good albeit morally weak person at heart.
FRANCIS ALVAREZ – BLACK MALE, 40s
The owner of a goth/fetish club in Deep Ellum, Dallas that is under threat of shutdown by corporate real estate companies tearing up the neighborhood for profit. He’s a burly, tattooed man with multiple piercings and a wise business sense. He distrusts wealthy white men who believe they can “save” his club.
Other Audition Dates and Times:
We are not holding open auditions, however, we are aiming for the weekend of 11/17/2023 to meet with candidates. Those who make the shortlist will be scheduled for a meeting (on Zoom or otherwise) for that weekend.
Crew Positions Needed:
Hair & Makeup Stylist
Production Assistant
Compensation:
Paid
SAG: SAG
Contact Email:
panopticonfilm2024@gmail.com
Instructions for candidates:
Email reels & resumes to panopticonfilm2024@gmail.com
Those who make the first shortlist will be contacted and asked to submit a self-tape audition. Those who make the second shortlist will be scheduled for a meeting/in-person audition for the weekend of 11/17/2023. Shoot is scheduled for March 2024.