Casting Notes for Dark Matters, from Ellen Parks Casting

NOTE: We are not accepting submissions via the internet. We are asking that all material be sent by mail to the address below. Please note on your resume where you currently reside, your fluency in Chinese, if any, and your facility with a Chinese accent:

MAIL ONLY TO:
ELLEN PARKS CASTING
349 BROADWAY – 4TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NY 10013
Re: DARK MATTER

We’re seeking young actors to play youthful Chinese characters in a SAG feature film Dark Matter, which is to star Meryl Streep. In addition to a young male lead, there are 10 to 12 strong supporting roles, both male and female, all of whom must pass for Chinese nationals. Acting coaches, training programs, conservatories, schools and theater groups, in addition to agents and managers, are invited to make submissions. The actors we seek should ideally have a strong theater background and must have the confidence, skill & charisma to hold their own in a movie opposite an established star. Both union and non-union actors will be considered.

SUMMARY: A psychological drama set in the world of astrophysics, this story of innocence, ambition and betrayal follows the fate of a young Chinese student of genius and vision, who expects a career of achievement and prestige, but whose life takes an unexpected turn to the dark side.

LEAD:
LIU XIAN(male) a good looking leading man who plays 20 – 25, ideally slight in stature. Actor must realistically portray a very young native-born Chinese scholar, working in an American university. It’s an extremely complex role requiring substantial emotional range and intensity. Liu Shan is a haunted, driven, visionary soul, out of place in his surroundings. Though intellectually a genius, he is socially naïve; his internal conflicts give him weight and depth that belie his years. The role will not only require extremely naturalistic acting, but a sensitive and nuanced physical performance. Some Mandarin may be required, though a good facility to learn dialogue in Mandarin may be sufficient.

MALE SUPPORTING:
LAURENCE FENG, LITTLE SQUARE, WU, MING,YING,JI BING

FEMALE SUPPORTING:
YU LIM, LIU YONG HONG, CINDY FENG

There is no script currently available, so actors should prepare a 2-minute naturalistic monologue of their own choosing and which can be delivered while sitting in a chair. A good choice would be something that is personal, intimate and shows a moment or two of warmth and/or humor, if possible. If an actor has Chinese language skills, be prepared to speak a few lines in Mandarin.

The film will shoot in the USA or Canada in June/July 2004.

Questions? Email gwangung@u.washington.edu