Vanessa

About the Job

We are seeking an African American female performer aged 32–42 for the lead role of Vanessa in The Girl Trapped on Mars. Vanessa is the emotional core of the film — a woman quietly carrying grief and navigating an increasingly dangerous marriage while trying to remain present for her young son. The ideal performer brings exceptional dramatic range with a strong preference for internal, restrained work. The ability to carry emotional subtext without externalizing it is essential. Role includes scenes of domestic violence, all of which will be handled with a qualified intimacy and safety coordinator on set. Vanessa handles a non-firing replica revolver and loads it with prop ammunition in select scenes. Role also includes wearing a full spacesuit and enclosed helmet in the film's final sequence — performer must be comfortable in an enclosed suit. Special effects makeup depicting injury may be required. Film or television experience strongly preferred. Strong scene work opposite a child performer is required and will be assessed in callbacks.