Production: Fear of Rescue (Short Film)

Location: Toronto

Employer: Ryerson University

AUDITIONS: Auditions will be held this Friday, November 23rd 2007, between 12pm-5pm at Ryerson's Image Arts Building (122 Bond St.) in Room 108.

DIRECTOR: Thomas Nagy.

SYNOPSIS: The film begins following John Patrick as he drives along a street in an industrial sector. He enters a more desolate and open spaced area when he suddenly hears the tire screeches and thunderous bang of a car crash. Whipping his head toward the source of the noise he witnesses the end result of a car smashing headfirst into a pole. He is shocked, he does not act, he only stares as smoke pours from the car, the driver lays motionless and flames engulf the front hood.

At this moment, unbeknownst to the audience, we enter the mind of John as he envisions himself saving the man from the wreckage and the resulting events. He imagines his quick rise as a hero to the public, his family, his friends, and his co-workers. The result is a promotion at his workplace that would seemingly put an end to his involvement in the drug trade.

However, being in a paranoid state he then envisions his downfall, harsh and brutal by comparison. His wife discovers the drugs; the public discovers his past; ruthless police come looking for him. He hides cowardly as police search his home. A gun is pressed against John’s temple; the officer does not seem interested in capturing him alive.

We return to reality, John’s eyes locked on the car wreckage. He lowers his head in guilt; his vision of self-destruction has crippled his morality. He has already made his decision as he hesitantly turns to the road in front of him and drives away. A nearby pedestrian is seen running toward the wreckage, taking on the role that could have been John’s. All he has left is the guilt and torment of his choice.

CHARACTER DESCRIPTION:

JOHN PATRICK- 25-40, dark hair, tall, slim-medium build. John has been a drug user/seller for many years and he suffers from anxiety, paranoia and slight twitchiness. He has a wife and a 7 year old son. He tries to support them with a menial job at a clothing manufacturing factory but he has been forced back into the drug trade. His wife is under the assumption that he is no longer involved with drugs. They are already on shaky ground because of his past so he must hide the truth from her.

Apply to: Jonathan Hodgson: Email (fearofrescue.casting@hotmail.com)