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Young Adult TV Pilot

Tue, 3 Nov 2009, 01:33 pm

YOUNG ADULT TELEVISION PILOT:

Details:

Unfocused Gerbil Productions will be holding auditions for its upcoming TV pilot, aimed at young adults. The pilot will center on ideas such as maturity, responsibility, consequences, team sports, the dramas of high school, and romance – combined with a little bit of crime. Further information upon the pilot will be given upon contact.

 

Character Breakdowns:

Alec – sixteen. Harbors violent tendencies, but is kind of a nice guy deep down - very deep down. A bit of a womanizer, he’s a coy, cunning bastard that keeps his cards close to his chest and plays to win. Takes care of his mother.

Emery  –  fifteen. A sweet guy, but rather nerdy, has a thing for Breanna. Doesn't answer questions, but tells someone else the answers. A good homework partner, but a social disaster. Has high morals and ideals.

Rocco – eighteen. Suzume’s good friend and mentor. Friendly, open, and sweet, a perfect role model. Star stud of the football team. He has a Spanish name, but having been teased for this, has bowed into his nickname. Going out with Toni.

Kieren – twenty. Marianne's boyfriend, bashed at the start of the series. Once friendly and outgoing, he is now a violent, domineering man who refuses to associate with Marianne and her family anymore. Wants revenge.

Logan – seventeen. Brutish and strong, with a dirty mind and hatred of most authority figures, Logan is definitely Alec’s number two. He doesn’t care much of other people or other sentient beings, and is definitely not smart. Comes from a dysfunctional family.

Ashton  –  sixteen. Similar to Alec in the sense that he wishes he could repent, Ashton is Logan’s underling. Has a lot less muscle than Logan and Alec. With the tendency to be rude and crude, he doesn’t cut an appealing figure to Sinead or Toni.

Cody – fifteen. Rather good-looking, smart, and on the football team, Cody’s quite the all rounder. Defies the stereotypes, good friends with Emery and Breanna; sticks up for Emery best he can, although their friendship is shunned.

Suzume– seventeen. Nicknamed ‘Sparrow’ for her name’s meaning, Suzume is one of Breanna’s closest friends. Suzume is of JAPANESE DESCENT. A sweet, shy girl who has some trouble making friends, she is artistic and independent. Not much is known about her, but she is very athletic.

Sinead – sixteen. Toni’s underling, she’s popular, albeit slutty. Something of a try-hard, she does her best to emulate some serious, sexy charm, but ends up looking desperate. Not very bright, she often cons a willing Emery into helping her out. Has a thing for bad boys – just not Ashton.

Toni – sixteen. The more popular, more prettier, more outgoing one of the two, Toni is undoubtedly the most sought after girl at school. However, she is sweet and honest, and does care very much for Rocco. Admires Miss. Darbyshire for her never-give-up attitude.

Breanna – fifteen. Witty, sarcastic, and sharp, Breanna’s independent and tough-as-nails. She stands up strongly for her opinions, a result of which often sees her kicked out of class or told to be quiet. Has a great group of friends, but is kind of judgmental. Protective, sweet, a little lonely. 

Marianne –  nineteen. After the bashing that occurred before episode one, Marianne has retreated into herself. Timid and speaking rarely, she is almost like a shell of herself. Breanna takes good care of her.

Judge Thompson – forty-eight. The authority that sentences Alec’s gang to their years of community service. Smart, calculating, believes in a just world.

Rory Mason – thirty-two. Got knocked up before she had the chance to finish her education, and thus dropped out of school. Works in a daycare and sometimes, as a check-out lady at Coles. Thoughtful, but easily harassed. Generally exhausted and lonely, but a good mum.

Mister James ‘Blunder’ Blundell – twenty-nine. Attractive young teacher of Alec’s class, he’s crushed upon by most of the girls at the school. Fresh from university, he has a positive and refreshing attitude towards teaching, and is well-received. Does his best to help Alec out.

Principal MacDonald – sixty-one. Nicknamed the Burger for his sizeable girth, he’s a strict, authoritian figure in the school. Issues meaningless threats and delights in confiscating student’s phones, he’s not very popular.

Miss Kenny Darbyshire – twenty-seven. A bit of a tomboy but very pretty, Kenny’s the teacher of Breanna’s class. She doubles as Principal MacDonald’s assistant and is hit on by him at regular intervals. Has a big crush on James, although that’s unrequited.


**NOTE: Ages are a rough idea for the adults, but can be changed around. It is hoped that the adults will look like such ages, but do not necessarily need to be that age.

Filming Information:

Filming is set to be from around the 11th to the 31st of January. Filming will be based in locations around the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, in local schools, houses, shops, and streets.

Audition Information:

Please contact us at unfocused.gerbil.productions@hotmail.com, expressing interest in a particular character and attach your CV/resume. Should you not have any preference for a character, nor have a CV/resume, simply leave your details with a face and full-body shot. We will contact you with scripts and further information.

Auditions will most likely run from the 4th of January to the 7th.  Tapes will also be accepted.

 

Any other enquiries should be made to Viv at unfocused.gerbil.productions@hotmail.com.

DO NOTE: Unfocused Gerbil is run by young adults, for young adults, therefore all who express interest must be prepared to work with people below and around the age of twenty in direction, make-up, costume, and so on.

Thread (12 posts)

Unfocused Gerbil ProductionsTue, 3 Nov 2009, 01:33 pm

YOUNG ADULT TELEVISION PILOT:

Details:

Unfocused Gerbil Productions will be holding auditions for its upcoming TV pilot, aimed at young adults. The pilot will center on ideas such as maturity, responsibility, consequences, team sports, the dramas of high school, and romance – combined with a little bit of crime. Further information upon the pilot will be given upon contact.

 

Character Breakdowns:

Alec – sixteen. Harbors violent tendencies, but is kind of a nice guy deep down - very deep down. A bit of a womanizer, he’s a coy, cunning bastard that keeps his cards close to his chest and plays to win. Takes care of his mother.

Emery  –  fifteen. A sweet guy, but rather nerdy, has a thing for Breanna. Doesn't answer questions, but tells someone else the answers. A good homework partner, but a social disaster. Has high morals and ideals.

Rocco – eighteen. Suzume’s good friend and mentor. Friendly, open, and sweet, a perfect role model. Star stud of the football team. He has a Spanish name, but having been teased for this, has bowed into his nickname. Going out with Toni.

Kieren – twenty. Marianne's boyfriend, bashed at the start of the series. Once friendly and outgoing, he is now a violent, domineering man who refuses to associate with Marianne and her family anymore. Wants revenge.

Logan – seventeen. Brutish and strong, with a dirty mind and hatred of most authority figures, Logan is definitely Alec’s number two. He doesn’t care much of other people or other sentient beings, and is definitely not smart. Comes from a dysfunctional family.

Ashton  –  sixteen. Similar to Alec in the sense that he wishes he could repent, Ashton is Logan’s underling. Has a lot less muscle than Logan and Alec. With the tendency to be rude and crude, he doesn’t cut an appealing figure to Sinead or Toni.

Cody – fifteen. Rather good-looking, smart, and on the football team, Cody’s quite the all rounder. Defies the stereotypes, good friends with Emery and Breanna; sticks up for Emery best he can, although their friendship is shunned.

Suzume– seventeen. Nicknamed ‘Sparrow’ for her name’s meaning, Suzume is one of Breanna’s closest friends. Suzume is of JAPANESE DESCENT. A sweet, shy girl who has some trouble making friends, she is artistic and independent. Not much is known about her, but she is very athletic.

Sinead – sixteen. Toni’s underling, she’s popular, albeit slutty. Something of a try-hard, she does her best to emulate some serious, sexy charm, but ends up looking desperate. Not very bright, she often cons a willing Emery into helping her out. Has a thing for bad boys – just not Ashton.

Toni – sixteen. The more popular, more prettier, more outgoing one of the two, Toni is undoubtedly the most sought after girl at school. However, she is sweet and honest, and does care very much for Rocco. Admires Miss. Darbyshire for her never-give-up attitude.

Breanna – fifteen. Witty, sarcastic, and sharp, Breanna’s independent and tough-as-nails. She stands up strongly for her opinions, a result of which often sees her kicked out of class or told to be quiet. Has a great group of friends, but is kind of judgmental. Protective, sweet, a little lonely. 

Marianne –  nineteen. After the bashing that occurred before episode one, Marianne has retreated into herself. Timid and speaking rarely, she is almost like a shell of herself. Breanna takes good care of her.

Judge Thompson – forty-eight. The authority that sentences Alec’s gang to their years of community service. Smart, calculating, believes in a just world.

Rory Mason – thirty-two. Got knocked up before she had the chance to finish her education, and thus dropped out of school. Works in a daycare and sometimes, as a check-out lady at Coles. Thoughtful, but easily harassed. Generally exhausted and lonely, but a good mum.

Mister James ‘Blunder’ Blundell – twenty-nine. Attractive young teacher of Alec’s class, he’s crushed upon by most of the girls at the school. Fresh from university, he has a positive and refreshing attitude towards teaching, and is well-received. Does his best to help Alec out.

Principal MacDonald – sixty-one. Nicknamed the Burger for his sizeable girth, he’s a strict, authoritian figure in the school. Issues meaningless threats and delights in confiscating student’s phones, he’s not very popular.

Miss Kenny Darbyshire – twenty-seven. A bit of a tomboy but very pretty, Kenny’s the teacher of Breanna’s class. She doubles as Principal MacDonald’s assistant and is hit on by him at regular intervals. Has a big crush on James, although that’s unrequited.


**NOTE: Ages are a rough idea for the adults, but can be changed around. It is hoped that the adults will look like such ages, but do not necessarily need to be that age.

Filming Information:

Filming is set to be from around the 11th to the 31st of January. Filming will be based in locations around the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, in local schools, houses, shops, and streets.

Audition Information:

Please contact us at unfocused.gerbil.productions@hotmail.com, expressing interest in a particular character and attach your CV/resume. Should you not have any preference for a character, nor have a CV/resume, simply leave your details with a face and full-body shot. We will contact you with scripts and further information.

Auditions will most likely run from the 4th of January to the 7th.  Tapes will also be accepted.

 

Any other enquiries should be made to Viv at unfocused.gerbil.productions@hotmail.com.

DO NOTE: Unfocused Gerbil is run by young adults, for young adults, therefore all who express interest must be prepared to work with people below and around the age of twenty in direction, make-up, costume, and so on.

Walter PlingeWed, 4 Nov 2009, 01:03 pm

The Finer Details

Great name for a company. I'm not sure what scares me more, the idea of an 'unfocussed'' or 'focussed' gerbil....... So, the company is run by and for young adults. That be the case, I have to impressed by the detail in the character breakdown and shooting schedule provided. It's a bit of a shame that more info isn't offered about the people involved in the company or perhaps a website to visit to help give potential auditionees a sense of who they are sending their pictures and contact details to. Whilst I appreciate that younger people may be at the helm in this company, you are seeking to recruit performers under 18 years old to get involved in some pretty full on stuff by the looks of things. There have been discussions on this site in the past about working with under 18's on issues such as parental consent, Working With Children Checks, legal responsibilities and young people protecting their privacy by being careful about who they are revealing details to online. Perhaps a bit more info about who the creative minds are behind Unfocussed Gerbil and the intended destination of the project (is it actually going to be pitched to TV or is it just as an inhouse, amateur filming adventure)and if anyone is likely to receive payment, or needs to pay a memebership fee, for their involvement, would be really helpful. Just a thought, Tulipa.
Daniel MWed, 4 Nov 2009, 01:48 pm

Damn focussed Gerbils...

A focussed gerbil scares me more, I should think. Those little suckers could take over the world if you don't keep them in check. Keep them in their rightful place and order in the world. Hang on a minute... That may be an animation film I recently saw, which is confusing me in pursuit of Tulipa's question posed. I agree with Tulipa, in any case. As I come across more and more notices on this site such as this one, I think the authors should include as much information about the project as possible, without disadvantaging themselves. The more transparency the better, in my view. The author's understanding should be solid and complete about and concerning all the various issues which on first reflection will strike the reader. Such as Tulipa's point on the young age of the involved persons, and the flag's that arise in such matters. It's easy for a young person to get excited by such a project without asking all the necessary and relevant questions that need to be asked and answered to confirm that their safety and respect as young individuals will be protected and honoured in the way that they would be with an adult. This is not an attack on this author, nor this particular thread, but a point-of-view from someone still relatively new to this site and who agrees with Tulipa's sentiments. Cheers, Daniel M.
Unfocused Gerbil ProductionsWed, 4 Nov 2009, 04:54 pm

Important points, yes, and we do love the name!

Hey all. Yes, gerbils - both focused and unfocused - are a force to reckon with! But then again, the less focused ones tend to be slightly more adorable; are they eating, or sleeping, or running on the treadmill? That aside ... Thanks for pointing out some very valid things that we'd not thought to cover. I'd just like to define something to all those out there; when we say YOUNG adults, we mean that quite a number of 15/16/17 year olds are involved, as well as 20 year olds and so on. Our website's currently being built, so that might take a while, but we're happy for any questions to be posted on this thread in the meantime. As for the people involved, I - and I am just fifteen - will be directing the show. Don't be afraid though; I've been running projects like this for most of my life, and thus, am pretty darn experienced. My fellow workers range from similar ages of fifteen to seventeen to twenty one. We'd like to know more about the legal issues involved with our ideas and the under eighteens - can you give us some insight? Cheers. We at UG have all walked the rough side of life as well as the good side, and we're attempting to expose all of that in (what will hopefully become) our series. Being teenagers, it's a lot easier for us to churn out certain scripts and direct certain emotions that, say, a thirty-something might attempt to do with a corny script (no offense, thirty-somethings.) You mentioned concerns about under eighteens; we'd just like to state that we believe in the power of unseen moments, thus for say, scenes with violence, we will not actually see violence. This allows the viewer to come to their own conclusions - far more powerful, we believe - and there'll be no hassles about blood on clothes, traumatisation, or anything in that area. YES; we are young, but that is not to say we might even be slightly unfocused (like that gerbil!) or not fully driven towards our goal. YES; this is an independent TV pilot, run solely by us, but YES (imagine several exclamation marks on the end of that) we will be pitching it to the networks. However we can, for as long as we can. Onto payment; no-one needs to pay a membership fee, but it's unlikely there'll be pay for the TV pilot, at the very least -if it gets picked up as a series, that will definitely change. We'd really like it if people were willing to just come over and get made up, practise lines, and then just act their hearts out because that's what they love to do. In the end, the final result will be more rewarding than any packet of cash, we are sure. If people are dedicated enough to come from different states, or overseas, we'll see what we can do. Thanks all for your input and hope this helps!
Walter PlingeThu, 5 Nov 2009, 11:26 am

Three cheers for you

I think you may need to change the company name to 'Focused Gerbil' after that beautifully written, well planned response. Good on you mystery 15yo Gerbalist. The world has become a bit of a tricky place in terms of political correctness and legal duty of care. It is worth researching around a bit about any duty of care obligations your company may have regarding under 18's. Legally there may be some obligations that you need to fulfill eg: Working With Children Checks for over 18's involved in the project. It is also worth considering the position of the parents of the young people you hope to involve in your work. Parents do have a certain expectation, and concern, that their children will be safe and treated appropriately whilst they are under the supervision of others. The issue of supervision itself is well worth considering. It's possible that legally the persons over 18 will be deemed responsible for the actions and care of those under 18. Assuming that anyone in the company over 20 is 'in charge' and ok with being responsible can be fraught. Again, any adult who does accept the mantle of kid supervisor may require a current Working With Children Check. Accidents and emergencies can happen - anywhere. Are there any trained first aiders, people who can drive or a person to take charge of an emergency situation on set at all times? It's wise to have contigency plans should the worst happen for your own sake, the sake of a young person and their parents. Maintaining goodwill with people's parents is always a smart move. Ok'ing their child's involvement in scenes requiring challenging or adult themes will win you heaps of brownie points. Respecting wishes and not pressuring kids to 'get the shot' goes without saying. Being up front about your project and the input required from participants is great. Being clear up front avoids confusion later and may help you to avoid attracting time wasters or innapropriate applicants. Good luck Gerballing! Tulipa.
LogosThu, 5 Nov 2009, 12:09 pm

Through a glass darkly

You will excuse me young Gerbil if I have some concerns. At 15 you are necessarily limited in the vast experience you claim. I am not in anyway suggesting you should not take on this project but I am suggesting that you seek mentorship from someone with a real and genuine knowledge of the industry and the pitfalls therein and real sympathy for your intentions and vision. There is a real danger that you could be eaten alive in the real world your ideas stolen and you could find yourself with nothing. As for your comments about scripts. Yes older people writing about younger people can and often do produce corny and unrealistic scripts. Equally younger peoples writing can often be naive and unstructured. I make this comment as a professional published playwright. Don't get me wrong, I admire you very much for your willingness to get out there and create, I wish there were more like you. I guess what I am saying is Be Careful. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au
Unfocused Gerbil ProductionsThu, 5 Nov 2009, 01:34 pm

Whatta great group of folks we have here!

Hey there, this is J - Gerbalist Number One's main supervisor. I will be of twenty years myself next year, and am happy to supervise and run the project to the best of my abilities. Logos; thanks for the great advice and word of warning, we'll be sure to heed it. We know that the media industry - hell, SHOWBIZ in general, can be a rough place for those of just starting out - that's why we're sticking together and yes, we do have our mentors.Gerbalist Number One specificially has a qualified media mentor and a dramatic advisor and script editor(both of them supportive teachers from her school) to help her should she ever fall back on anything. Let's hope they'll take good care of her. As for a kid caretaker, someone to drive them to hospitals, emergency backup plans, WWC checks, we're getting that all covered; I'm making sure to double and triple check all of that. After all, as Tulipa said, we become the primary caretakers on set. And hopefully with a little trust, understanding, and mutual respect, our scenes can be shot - safely and well done. (And cheers, Tulipa, for that first comment! It's appreciated very much by Gerbil Number One, regardless of her focus :D). ---- A NOTE TO AUDITIONEES: We'd just like to give a shout-out to the many that have viewed this post already. When you see a foreign name; e.g, SUZUME, do Google it. It doesn't sound particularly common, therefore it's a good idea to check out a character's background, rather than simply rush and apply based upon a bio. Yes, we admit we are at fault here; we should've put more of Suzume's very important heritage into her bio, but we were a little pressed - and - unfocused at the time. (:D) Therefore while we apprecaiate the many people that have applied for Suzume, we're afraid that we're going to have decline a majority simply due to the fact that Suzume is JAPANESE. That's right folks, JAPANESE - i.e, most Oriental/Asian actresses are the ones to apply. We apologise for the confusion, but we would rather keep this pilot completely authentic. So roll on in, Japanese Suzume - would - bes.
Daniel MThu, 5 Nov 2009, 01:52 pm

Note to Tulipa.

You should register with that name, finally. You have been on here longer than I, I think, and much too positive and helpful that someone may make things look like the following...
Walter PlingeThu, 5 Nov 2009, 01:56 pm

Continuing...

...like this actually you speaking, when in fact it's just me possibly giving you a bad reputation, should I say something which you didn't say. A note to the real Tulipa from: Daniel M. Dressed up as a bogus Tulipa to make a point. Many on here would agree with me that you should follow my suggestion. Please sign up and verify, if you want.
Daniel MThu, 5 Nov 2009, 02:03 pm

Damn it.

Damn Gerbils made me do it. Sorry, Tulipa. Ha-ha! Daniel Moszkowicz. (The Troll-King of Chatsitea.)
Walter PlingeSat, 7 Nov 2009, 07:35 am

Hey all, Just a shout to

Hey all, Just a shout to say that interest - regardless of indie youth groups and unpaid work - is soaring! And we have found a whole bunch of actors who seem very talented and willing (: . We'll keep you guys updated on how things are running at our blog/site at http://www.unfocused-gerbil-productions.host56.com/
Walter PlingeTue, 1 Dec 2009, 02:11 pm

To the Gerbils, unfocused or otherwise.

Hello Gerbil/s, I first saw your audition call on theatrepeople.com and sent an email with my resume, full body shot and preference of characters as requested within the advertisement. I was hoping that you would send back an email with the script and further information that was stated within the original notice. After five days I sent my email again. I still have not received any confirmation that it was received or any sign of the script. I was just wondering what is to come of this? Have you written the script yet (if not, no matter)? When can I expect the information as promised? I must say it all sounds very exciting. Keep up the good work.
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