Casting
For casting we held auditions which tested a range of skills with a group of different actors.
These skills included:
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Following a script
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Performance
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Improvisation
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Overall chemistry
We did these by trying out different actors together and testing both their improvisation skills with ​script work. We gave little guidelines for our actors in order to really see what they could bring to the table and they really impressed us. We also interviewed each actor and got the feeling on how they saw the character and why they were interested in the characters and their stories. Ultimately we had to make a decision and I'm pleased to say this is our main cast.
Paul White
The reason we chose Paul to be the character of Martin was that we felt that he had a presence that could seem gruff and stubborn while also having a vulnerability to him during his acting in the audition process. His understanding of the character was impressive even to the point of an improv that he seemed to understand things we had not explained in the script or to the actors all ready. Paul also had a great chemistry with all the other actors that we paired him with during the auditions. He has a mixture of theatre and film background so he is experienced and knows the difference between the two mediums. A lot can be said for a character on how they hold themselves which on discussing during the audition we talked on how these little details can make a character rather than just dialogue. This combined with his professional attitude made us feel that he was an actor we would love to work with.
Liam Wright-Airs
Chemistry between our two main characters was always very important to the story of the film. If the two characters don't feel believable as a father and son no matter how strained their relationship is then the film will fall apart. Liam impressed us with his acting ability and thoughts on the piece but it was his chemistry and ability to improvise that really sold us on him playing the character of Rob. His portrayal of Rob in the audition spoke the ire that he has towards his father while still hoping for the best for him. Liam also seemed to have such a genuine interest for the part and thoughts on the piece were insightful. He has played a variety of different parts in the past both serious and more comedic this gives me confidence that he could switch between more light hearted moments in the script to the downbeat tone of the script.