[Capdist-auditions] Casting for low-budget feature to be shot in Albany area

[John Brent]

CAST AND CREW AUDITIONS FOR FEATURE FILM
For “Embrace the Night,” an original story written and directed by established Albany-area filmmaker Jack Brent of Medialux Productions.

1959. Gay men lived in a secret world. They led double lives. They hid in the shadows. They were hunted by the police, condemned by the church and shunned by polite society. They had no choice but to ... Embrace the Night.

“Embrace the Night” is a film noir set in 1959, centered around a series of murders involving gay men in what, at that time, was the underground gay community. Lewis Jackson, called Lujack by his friends, is a private detective trying to find the murderer. Working with his friend, police detective Spencer Duffy, and Lonnie Dawson, a gay man in his 20s, Lujack tracks down clues while at the same time attempting to come to terms with his own repressed homosexuality.

* * *

Character breakdown:

LUJACK (Lewis Jackson): 40ish. Private detective and recovering alcoholic who attempts to infiltrate the underground gay community (remember, this is set in 1959) to investigate the murders and find the killer. He has repressed his own attraction to other men, even to the point of getting married and having a child. Was divorced by his wife Sandra after she discovered him in a compromising situation with another man. Formerly a police detective, but let go due to his excessive drinking. He is now trying to get his life back on track.

LONNIE DAWSON: Mid- to late 20s. When still a teen, had been kicked out of the house by his homophobic father; has been trying to make his way ever since. Hopes to find a meaningful relationship with another man. He agrees to help Lujack in his pursuit of the murderer, and a mutual attraction begins to grow.

SPENCER DUFFY: 40ish. Hard-working detective and family man. Had been Lujack's partner partner when both men were rookie cops. Spencer keeps his life centered because of his ability to compartmentalize. He looks after Lujack, and worries about his friend.

SANDRA JACKSON: Late 30s. Attractive, poised and confident. Conservative in her religious and political views. Had been married to Lujack for eight years and is now divorced. They share parenting of a pre-teen son named Cody. Afraid of her former husband's influence on their son, she is trying to win total custody.

EARL BREZINSKI: Early 50s. Chief of detectives. Narrow-minded and suspicious of others. Doesn't like Lujack. Wants to find the murderer of the gay men, not in the interest of justice, but because he wants to get his superiors and the press off his back.

TYLER PATTERSON: Late teens. Lujack's college roommate and lover in several flashback scenes. Because the younger Lujack can not accept his homosexual feelings, he abandons Tyler. Devastated, Tyler takes his own life. In the story proper, Tyler comes back to haunt Lujack.

JOHNNY "TEN TIMES" PALATZO: Early 30s. One of Lonnie's friends at the Bottoms Up Club. Works in an amusement park. Good-looking “greaser” type. Has a macho swagger. Looks every guy up and down as a potential trick. Always chewing gum. Quick with a wisecrack or comeback.

VELMA CAMPENELLA: Mid-40s. A once-attractive woman who still sees herself as a great beauty, Velma goes heavy on the makeup and is inclined to wear outlandish clothing. Has a vague Southern accent. Likes to hang out at the Club because the boys accept her.

JULIAN "TOOTSIE ROLL" DU PREE: Mid-20s. Good-looking black guy who hangs out at the Club. Has a great sense of humor and wants to become a chef. Good friend of Lonnie and son of Loretta Du Pree.

LORETTA DU PREE: Mid-40s. Attractive black woman who is soft-spoken and sincere. Kind, honest, straightforward — and very religious — Loretta looks a person right in the eye when she speaks with them. She is a chanteuse at the Lavender Lounge. Mother of Julian Du Pree.

MISS PANDORA: Mid-30s. A drag queen. Sees through people's pretensions as a witty and charming observer of the characters who hang out at the Club. Good friend of Velma. 

FATHER TERRY O'BRIEN: A priest who hangs out at the Club. He is not gay, but the "gay ghetto" is in his parish; he advises and counsels the men who hang out there. Liberal and progressive in this thinking.

VICTOR RASMUSSEN: Mid-20s. A beatnik who recites beat poetry about being gay. Sports a goatee, beret and sunglasses (even at night).

BERNARD TEEDELBAUM III: Mid-30s. Well-dressed. Prefers martinis to beer. Cynical and sophisticated.

EXTRAS: There are small parts and background characters in addition to the above. 

CREW: Also looking for key crew positions. Please inquire for more details on current needs. 

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TO BE CONSIDERED: Please send a note indicating your interest to Jack Brent at medialux at nycap.rr.com. Actors auditioning for principal roles should include a photo. This is a relatively low-budget project; no pay for actors, but as a highly character-driven script, this represents an excellent opportunity for those wishing to showcase their talents and/or add to their demo reel. 

SHOOTING SCHEDULE: TBD, depending on casting but looking at late fall or early spring, as a number of scenes are exteriors.

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