Your Cult My Cult

Production Company
Vancouver Film School
Producer(s)
Ivan Vysotchan
Director(s)
Lily Quist
Casting Director(s): 
Ivan Vysotchan
Union Status
Non-Union
Project Type
Film
Student Production
Yes
Compensation Details

Unpaid. Catering, craft service, IMDb credit and demo-reel provided.

Audition Location
Vancouver Film School (142 Water Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B2)
Shoot / Performance Date(s)
January 21, 22, 23 (2025)
Shoot / Performance Location(s)
N/A
Submission Deadline
Friday, January 3, 2025
Submission Instructions

Please send your headshot, demo tape and cover letter to the production email (ycmcproduction@gmail.com)

Project Synopsis
After Dan’s wife left him to join a cult, leaving his life shattered, he finds himself back in his childhood bedroom living with his parents. In search of affirmation, he attends a support group for men with similar experiences, led by the alluring Sabrina, who promises healing through the men’s shared experiences. Dan quickly bonds with his fellow divorced husbands, finding comfort in their camaraderie, yet, as he is pulled further into the group and a coincidental run-in with his ex-wife, Amy, she breaks the news to Dan that he has been manipulated all along by Sabrina into joining a cult that exploits broken men for her own gain.
Additional Information & Safety Protocols: 

Jason will be used as a footrest for Sabrina in one scene, safety protocols will be set in place to ensure that actor is comfortable and there is no possible risk of injury.

Character 1
Dan Hartshorj
Age
30-40
Gender
Male
Description
Struggling to deal with the aftermath of his divorce and sees himself as a victim of circumstance. He navigates life with a sense of self-pity and entitlement. He truly believes that the world owes him a break. This leads him to make rash decisions and blame others for his shortcomings. He is unable to take responsibility for his actions and has a tendency to follow the crowd. He struggles with balancing both vulnerability and masculinity.
Character 2
Sabrina
Age
20-30
Gender
Female
Description
Charismatic and manipulative, Sabrina is a figure who presents herself as a compassionate leader of a support group for men whose wives have joined cults. However, beneath her facade lies a more self-serving agenda. She’s a skilled manipulator, able to quickly assess people's vulnerabilities and exploit them for her own gain. Sabrina thrives on the dependency of the group members, using their shared experiences to control and in
Character 3
Amy
Age
20-35
Gender
Female
Description
Dan’s ex-wife, her decision to create a honeybee cult to drive away her husband reveals her willingness to go to extreme lengths to achieve her goals. She is sneaky, able to tell elaborate stories and convincing lies. While her actions may seem irrational, they are rooted in desperation to escape a relationship she is unhappy in.
Character 4
Suzie Hartshorn
Age
60-70
Gender
Female
Description
Suzie is Dan’s mother. She has a gentle soul and quirky personality. Her unwavering love for Dan, can sometimes lead her to enabling his negative behaviors.
Character 5
Wally Hartshorn
Age
60-70
Gender
Male
Description
Wally is Dan’s father. He is old fashioned and opinionated, always half listening and is not afraid to voice his disapproval of Dan.
Additional Characters

Jason, Steve and Ned (30-40s)
- Jason, Steve and Ned are all men that joined the support group seeking solace and camaraderie. All three of them are in a vulnerable state and when paired together make some questionable decisions.

3 Background cult members (25-40's)
- Plain men, need background ethnicity doesn't matter.