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posted by Laugh Or Cry Pictures on 21/10/2026
Boys 11-16 - Unique Roles in Psychological Horror
(Short Film)
Summary:
Mongrel is a tense psychological horror set in a residential home for boys in rural Ireland during the 1970s. Sean is the new boy to the house and struggles to fit in until tensions come to a boil and a horrifying incident occurs that turns the entire household upside down.
This is a very strong script with genre bending elements and chances for young talent to really show their mature, darker side in tense, unnerving scenes. This is a modern horror with an atmosphere that will unsettle the audience and an ending that will leave a lasting impression on all those who watch it.
This is a self financed production, so the budget is limited, however we are open to offer a token set fee for lead cast members or covering accommodation where cast members are traveling considerable distances. Food and travel will also be covered. The value this film offers is in the role and film itself, it's an opportunity to showcase talent's maturity and lead in a serious film that has genuine festival potential. Our goal is to play at Venice or TIFF in September 2027 and if we get the right young talent to act in this film we have every chance at doing so.
I am an experienced director, my crew are all working professionals who are participating for no fee because they believe in the project, the script is unique with the perfect page length for festivals, and we have an excellent location confirmed that will add massive production value to the project (which kills 90% of low budget projects). So everything is in place for us to really nail this and make one of the films of the year, however, finding the right boys to play in our film is the last hurdle we must get over.
Scheduling will adhere to government regulation and production will take place over 10 days. This is the amount of time needed to fully realise this film, while also keeping days short for your talent with adequate breaks etc. Shoot dates are TBC - we will be shooting on weekends and/or school holidays. The days after New Years or mid term break in February. We are remaining flexible to suit the young cast member's schedule, no school calendar days will be missed due to participation in the project.
This film has themes of homophobia and bullying, we are asking parents to consider this before expressing interest.
Production is fully insured.
If parents have any questions please get in touch.
Looking forward to hearing back from you,
Niall Reynolds
Award Winning Short Film for Barnardos - https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1173085288
Please find more examples of my work here - https://www.laughorcrypictures.ie/
This is a very strong script with genre bending elements and chances for young talent to really show their mature, darker side in tense, unnerving scenes. This is a modern horror with an atmosphere that will unsettle the audience and an ending that will leave a lasting impression on all those who watch it.
This is a self financed production, so the budget is limited, however we are open to offer a token set fee for lead cast members or covering accommodation where cast members are traveling considerable distances. Food and travel will also be covered. The value this film offers is in the role and film itself, it's an opportunity to showcase talent's maturity and lead in a serious film that has genuine festival potential. Our goal is to play at Venice or TIFF in September 2027 and if we get the right young talent to act in this film we have every chance at doing so.
I am an experienced director, my crew are all working professionals who are participating for no fee because they believe in the project, the script is unique with the perfect page length for festivals, and we have an excellent location confirmed that will add massive production value to the project (which kills 90% of low budget projects). So everything is in place for us to really nail this and make one of the films of the year, however, finding the right boys to play in our film is the last hurdle we must get over.
Scheduling will adhere to government regulation and production will take place over 10 days. This is the amount of time needed to fully realise this film, while also keeping days short for your talent with adequate breaks etc. Shoot dates are TBC - we will be shooting on weekends and/or school holidays. The days after New Years or mid term break in February. We are remaining flexible to suit the young cast member's schedule, no school calendar days will be missed due to participation in the project.
This film has themes of homophobia and bullying, we are asking parents to consider this before expressing interest.
Production is fully insured.
If parents have any questions please get in touch.
Looking forward to hearing back from you,
Niall Reynolds
Award Winning Short Film for Barnardos - https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1173085288
Please find more examples of my work here - https://www.laughorcrypictures.ie/
Company :
Laugh or Cry Pictures
Location :
Woodenbridge, Co. Wicklow
Production Dates :
January 1-5 or Weekends, February 13-21 Mid Term or Weekends (Never more than 5 consecutive Days)
Fees :
Set Fee/Gesture & Expenses - TBC
Casting Requirements :
We are looking for boys with a darker, serious edge to them however we are open to any interpretation of the roles. I favour subtle performances, so for me these characters will play things very still. The unnerving feeling we will instill in the audience comes from what our actors don't say, in their long pauses between lines, with intense eye contact or lack there of.
SEAN - is the new boy who has just arrived at the house. He is different to others and always found it hard to fit in. What he wants more than anything is have close friends and be accepted by others. Actors must have the ability to
EVAN - is a manipulative, sinister boy and Sean's roommate. There is something off about him, he is both kind to Sean, but something sits underneath all that he does.
KIERAN - is the alpha male of the house, he is bully, insecure and unloved so he takes it out and asserts his dominance over all those around him
SEAN - is the new boy who has just arrived at the house. He is different to others and always found it hard to fit in. What he wants more than anything is have close friends and be accepted by others. Actors must have the ability to
EVAN - is a manipulative, sinister boy and Sean's roommate. There is something off about him, he is both kind to Sean, but something sits underneath all that he does.
KIERAN - is the alpha male of the house, he is bully, insecure and unloved so he takes it out and asserts his dominance over all those around him
HOW TO APPLY :
APPLY BY EMAIL TO :
laughorcrypictures@gmail.com
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS :
Please get in touch if interested in being considered for our lead roles. If parent's/agents are happy enough to do a self tape straight away please read the following scenes:
Role of Sean
- page 11-13 (Mr. Larkin's office)
Role of Evan (both scenes please)
- page 4 (Evan cheers Sean up after he has been bullied)
- page 7-8 (Blood Brother’s scene)
Role of Kieran
- page 5-6 - the scene by the pond
Please send via Google Drive, We Transfer or Dropbox
Please get in touch if interested in being considered for our lead roles. If parent's/agents are happy enough to do a self tape straight away please read the following scenes:
Role of Sean
- page 11-13 (Mr. Larkin's office)
Role of Evan (both scenes please)
- page 4 (Evan cheers Sean up after he has been bullied)
- page 7-8 (Blood Brother’s scene)
Role of Kieran
- page 5-6 - the scene by the pond
Please send via Google Drive, We Transfer or Dropbox
DEADLINE : 30/11/2026