Crossword
Location: New Paltz, New York
Type: Student Films
A man plays a crossword puzzle and comes to terms with his death in a metaphorical waiting room. Theodore is consumed by a crossword puzzle and oblivious to the fact that he has died. Several strangers help him come to terms with the facts of his life, death and achieve a sense of closure. The key points and the main stages of the protagonist’s life are revealed through conversations with the other characters, thematic elements within the waiting room and specific imagery with the crossword puzzle/props in the waiting room.
Genre: Surreal Drama
Runtime: 8 Minutes
Logline: The meaning of life, the acceptance of death and closure discovered through a crossword puzzle.
CONTACT: ALEX H.
NONUNION ONLY
Characters:
LEAD: Theodore
Age: 25 – 40
Male
Average looking, unassuming
Wardrobe: Conservative
Bio: Grew up in a lower-middle-class suburban household. He has a close relationship with his mother and his siblings until going to graduate school. Very well-liked throughout his early life. Graduated from high school and went straight into college. Became distant with his family and moved to New York City working at a highly esteemed marketing company. Married at 29 then worked his way up in his career. He has a failing marriage and eventually dies from cancer at 35.
Supporting character: Zoe
Age 18-25
Female
Preppy/Valley girl
Represents Adolescence and Teenage years
Bio: Grew up in southern Connecticut in a high class/rich family. Zoe had a very strict childhood being raised by her parents. Not able to be a teenager, she snuck out and kept her private life from her parents. Currently dating high school football superstar. Good grades in school, scholarships lined up for her, well known and respected in the school district. Ended up getting pregnant, keeping it a secret from her family and boyfriend, she struggles thinking about her future for her and the baby. She is murdered by a boyfriend.
Supporting character: Eric
Age 21-30
Male
Represents Adulthood and Commitment Stages/years 20-40
Bio: Grew up in a small city in southern Ohio. Very poor childhood. Dragged his life through the mud until his mid-20s. Eric had a troubled family life, distancing himself from his parents. Made a fortune creating his own business. Committed suicide after his wife and unborn child died during labor.
Supporting character: Oleander
Represents Stagnation and Death Stages/Years 50+
Bio: Grew up in southern Florida. Came from a very rich family of lawyers. Had to work very hard throughout his life to live up to their expectations. Barred from many childhood pleasures by his parents. Followed in their footsteps and the same career as them. Represents a figure of death.
SHOOTING WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE LOWER HUDSON VALLEY – ORANGE/ULSTER COUNTY AREAS
Payment: Non Paid
City or Location of call: New Paltz, New York
Please submit to: haynesa1@hawkmail.newpaltz.edu by 2019-11-01
This casting notice was posted by: Crosswords Short Film SUNY New Paltz Student Film
