PROJECT DETAILS

Pretty Weeds

Feature Film

Non Union

Chicago

Synopsis:

PRETTY WEEDS is a grounded, character-driven micro budget indie feature film drama about grief, loneliness, and the fragile connections we build to survive. Judy, a socially withdrawn woman in her early 40s, has spent years attending a pet loss support group—her only consistent source of human connection. When Kate, a charismatic and emotionally guarded artist, unexpectedly joins the group, Judy is drawn into a new friendship that begins to awaken parts of herself long buried. But as their bond deepens, unspoken truths and blurred boundaries begin to surface, forcing both women to confront the ways they cope with loss, and what it costs them to avoid it. In the vein of Ken Loach "Au fond kiss" and "Sentimental Value" by Joachim Trier, PRETTY WEEDS explores intimacy, projection, and the quiet unraveling of two women searching for meaning in the aftermath of love and loss.

Roles For This Project

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Project Notes

Directors note: I’m drawn to performances that feel lived-in, not performed. For Pretty Weeds, I’m looking for actors who are comfortable working in a naturalistic style, where behavior, thought, and presence matter more than polished delivery. The goal is to create something that feels observed rather than staged. Dialogue in this film is meant to feel organic. I encourage actors to work in their own words when needed, as long as the intention of the scene remains intact. An improvisational background is a huge plus, especially for moments where we may explore beyond the written lines to find something more truthful and specific. Inner life is incredibly important in this piece. There are many moments where what’s not being said carries more weight than the dialogue itself. I’m interested in actors who build a strong inner monologue and can let that live subtly beneath the surface. We’ll often let scenes breathe, allowing space for pauses, overlap, and discovery. Listening is just as important as speaking. This is a character-driven film about grief, connection, and avoidance. It requires vulnerability, restraint, and a willingness to sit in uncomfortable emotional spaces without pushing or over-explaining them. If you’re someone who enjoys collaborating, exploring, and finding truth in small moments, I’d love to see your work. Filming starts the last two weeks of May. Filming days will be spread out over 2-3 weeks, with a half day for Kate in late June. This is a micro budget film that will have minimal crew, natural lighting, local to the Ravenswood/Andersonville area locations.

Usage/Run

Non Union

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More Roles For This Project

Feature Film

Bar Crowd

- Chicago Non Union

Submissions Due: 05/22/2026

Need background actors for a short hour and half shoot on Tues May 26th, 12:30-2pm in West Town area. Looking for folks who are 21+ (location is bar) that are comfortable dancing to no audible music. Some actors will be chosen to interact with lead actor. Will be a fun quick scene to shoot.

VIEW
Feature Film

Kate

200/10, 100/5 Chicago Non Union

Submissions Due: 04/12/2026

LEAD. Female, 30s, Caucasian (to match family casting) Conventionally beautiful. An artist with natural charisma and emotional intelligence, Kate is warm, feminine, engaging, and effortlessly draws people in. She comes from a stable, well-to-do background and carries herself with confidence and ease... [See More]

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Feature Film

Marianne

200/10, 100/5 Chicago Non Union

Submissions Due: 04/12/2026

Supporting. Female, 30s–50s, open ethnicity. A longtime member of the support group who takes quiet pride in her role within it. Marianne presents as warm, kind and well-meaning, but beneath that is a more controlling, judgmental edge. She’s observant to a fault, often inserting herself into situati... [See More]

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Feature Film

Judy

200/10, 100/5 Chicago Non Union

Submissions Due: 04/12/2026

LEAD. Female, early 40s, open ethnicity Quiet, observant, and deeply internal, Judy lives a small, controlled life shaped by unresolved grief. She struggles with social anxiety and has difficulty forming close relationships, relying instead on routine and solitary habits. Beneath her reserved exter... [See More]

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