Hello! My name is Charles Valdez and I am a senior Photo + Film student at VCUArts casting for my thesis project, Her Love, Goldfish.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION – Her Love, Goldfish explores the themes of grief and recovery through the story of Nomi and Elliot, a couple whose relationship has faced ups and downs. When Elliot unexpectedly transforms into a goldfish, Nomi is left to navigate an entirely new kind of challenge. As she grapples with her emotions, she must find a way to recover their relationship, in the face of this surreal transformation.

We are looking for:

Nomi – Female – Twenties

Nomi, a woman in her twenties, has finally found her footing after the uncertainty of post-college life. Though reserved, she is deeply compassionate, always going out of her way to care for those she loves. When her partner turns into a goldfish, Nomi is thrust into unfamiliar territory, forced to balance her instincts to help with her own confusion and grief. Her journey becomes one of making sense of the impossible while holding on to the person she loves.

Elliot – Male – Twenties

Elliot, Nomi’s long-time partner since their early college days, shares a deep connection with her that has endured through the years. He cares for Nomi deeply, but their relationship is not without its challenges. Occasional miscommunication often leads to tension and arguments, revealing his struggle to express his feelings fully.

**Note** This role has no speaking roles, as this character is only featured in flashback montages!

Nomi’s Mother – Female – 50s/60s *Voiceover Role*

When Nomi is unsure what to make of her situation with Elliot, she desperately calls her mother for advice. She’s dismissive as she feels as though communication issues like this are easy to solve. Nomi’s mother has known Elliot for years at this point and trusts him to resolve the conflict with Nomi, whatever their conflict is…

Arguing Couple On Bus – Any – 20s-60s

As Nomi takes the bus to her dinner with Frances, she overhears a muted argument between a couple on the bus. They argue over their communication, something that resonates deeply within Nomi.

Frances – Female – Twenties

Frances and Nomi have been best friends since College, but after moving to New York, it’s been awhile since they last saw each other. Frances is extremely outgoing with a vibrant personality. She loves Nomi to death but also isn’t afraid to be blunt with how she feels.

Micah – Male – Twenties

Micah is Frances’ partner. He has about as much personality as a wooden plank but there has to be something Frances sees in him. He’s deeply in love with Frances, often not afraid to let others around him know by teasing her wherever they’re at.

Extras – Any – Any Age

We are also looking for extras for locations that involve crowds such as the movie theater as well as the restaurant.

Special Note – We invite individuals of all ages, experiences, abilities, ethnic backgrounds, gender expressions, and sexualities to audition! While this film is my thesis project, it is also a learning experience that I hope you will feel as passionate about as I am by the end of production!

UNION STATUS – Non-Union, Student Film

PRODUCTION DATES – We aim to begin a preliminary shoot beginning around October 14-20, 2024 in order to film while the leaves are still orange. This preliminary shoot will only last for a single day so we can coordinate the exact shoot date around your availability. The majority of shooting will take place from November 8-11 2024. We are also asking the actors for Nomi and Elliot to be available in March 2025 to film additional scenes for the opening montage. If there are any concerns regarding scheduling, please don’t hesitate to let us know!

PRODUCTION LOCATION – Various locations throughout Richmond, we are still finalizing locations.

DISCLAIMER – The script features mild intimacy between Nomi and Elliot as well as between Frances and Micah. If there are any issues regarding the depiction of intimacy in the film, do not hesitate to reach out and let us know! Our priority is to ensure that the set environment is safe for all involved.

COMPENSATION/RATE – Non-paid. You will receive meals, snacks, on set experience, and credit in the film.

USAGE – The final project will premiere at the ICA in April/May 2025 and be submitted to various film festivals.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact and reach out.

Thank you!

For any questions and to apply, please email Charles Valdez at Valdezck@vcu.edu