Indie filmmaker Aidan Campbell (writer, director, and cinematographer based in Indiana) is casting for a 45-minute horror whodunnit short film titled White Elephant, filming in Central Indiana, January 2027.
This is a non-union, unpaid indie project, but travel and lodging are provided, and cast will receive IMDb credit as both their role and Associate Producer—a great opportunity for actors looking to build their résumé and collaborate on a character-driven horror piece.
Talent Application
Story Overview 🎄🔪
White Elephant is a holiday horror with a twisted edge:
A group of family members, partners, and friends rent an isolated house for a cozy Christmas weekend getaway and their traditional White Elephant gift exchange.
Our protagonist, Tara, is new to boyfriend Freddy’s family and their chaotic Christmas rituals. When the group discovers an extra, mysterious gift under the tree, things spiral into bloody chaos.
What’s in the box? Who brought it?
The film becomes a gory, hack-’em-slash-’em mystery where secrets unravel and no one is truly safe.
Production Details 🎬
- 📍 Location: Central Indiana
- 🗓️ Shoot Dates: January 2027
- 🎭 Type: Indie film (approx. 45 minutes)
- 💰 Payment: Unpaid
- 🚗 Perks:
- Travel & lodging provided
- IMDb credit as Role + Associate Producer
This is an excellent opportunity for actors who love character work, ensemble dynamics, and horror.
Roles & Character Breakdowns 👥
🕊️ Tara (Female, 18–26) – LEAD
Outgoing, friendly, and instantly likable. She has a calming presence and a sharp intuition—she can read people like a book and “smell” when something’s off. She’s the outsider, brought into the family’s White Elephant tradition by her boyfriend, Freddy.
🧣 Freddy (Male, 18–26)
Tara’s boyfriend. Reserved, mild-mannered, and the middle child rich kid who’s desperate for his family’s approval. A people-pleaser to a fault, often a pushover, and always trying to keep the peace.
🥃 Carl (Male, 40–65)
Freddy’s father. A no-nonsense business owner, perpetually tired and half-drunk. Nothing is ever quite good enough. He means well but comes across harsh, and he’s at the root of Freddy’s approval issues.
🍷 Henrietta (Female, 40–65)
Freddy’s stepmother. The only clear-headed one in a house full of chaos. Exhausted by her “all-boy household,” she’s practical, common-sense driven, and determined to keep everyone fed, talking, and taken care of.
💄 Pepper (Female, 18–26)
Girlfriend of Freddy’s younger brother, Dean. She doesn’t really “fit” with him. Dismissive and guarded, with strong opinions she keeps mostly to herself. Feels maybe trapped—in it for stability, status, or because she’s become absorbed into the family. No one really knows.
💼 Dean (Male, 18–26)
Freddy’s younger, more successful brother. Works with their father in the family business and never misses a chance to remind Freddy. Short fuse, fragile ego—one sideways comment might set him off.
💋 Scarlett (Female, 25–50)
A distant relative. Divorced, entitled, and allergic to accountability. If something goes wrong, it’s never her fault. Constantly talking about her ex. She’s brought her kids along, and the apple hasn’t fallen far.
🍻 Rich (Male, 25–50)
Carl’s younger, less successful brother. Rosy cheeks, greying hair, and pure yes-man energy. He follows Carl around like a loyal puppy and rarely has an opinion of his own.
🔫 Channing (Male, 25–50)
Rich’s husband. Tough, alpha presence. Open carries, loud opinions, and very confident—sometimes aggressively so. Judgmental and unafraid to make his stance known on everyone and everything.
🔥 Indy (Female, 18–26)
Bear’s only daughter. Coddled by her parents, with no real sense of self. She pretends to like everyone, but truly only likes herself. Loves drama, twisting words, and stirring the pot just to watch it burn.
🪑 Bear (Female, 40–65)
Carl’s sister, married to Teddy. Warm, sweet, and slightly bizarre—like a walking antique store. Very successful and married to success. Blind to her children’s flaws, but lovable in her own quirky way.
🧸 Teddy (Male, 40–65)
Bear’s husband. They are that couple—always touching, always finishing each other’s sentences. Their intense affection is both charming and slightly overwhelming. Sweet and devoted.
🗯️ Ralph (Male, 18–26)
Bear’s son. Looks and acts just like Junior. Loves to argue, loves to provoke people with “jokes,” and lives for stirring up chaos for entertainment.
🧨 Junior (Male, 18–26)
Bear’s other son. Essentially Ralph’s mirror: loves to argue, instigate, and create tension with so-called “jokes.” The two together are walking conflict.
🍾 Jesse (Female, 18–26)
Ralph’s girlfriend. Not the sharpest knife in the drawer—her two remaining brain cells are battling each other. Flirty with every guy at the party, comes in looking like she pregamed for the family gathering. Outgoing, bubbly, and chaotic.
💚 Jade (Female, 18–26)
Junior’s “friend” (she has firmly friend-zoned him). Eclectic, possibly stoned, foul-mouthed, fearless, and strong-headed. She’ll cross any line in a joke and can spar with the guys no problem. Very sure of herself.
💊 Levi (Male, 20–35)
Freddy’s older brother. A lovable loser—unemployed, a bit druggy, and deeply skeptical of everyone’s motives. He’s the closest thing to an “audience perspective,” seeing through the family nonsense.
🎁 Sara (Female, 10–16)
Scarlett’s daughter. A spoiled brat, much like the rest of her clan. Uses her age to get special treatment and push boundaries.
🎮 Kyle (Male, 10–16)
Scarlett’s son. Same vibe as his sister—annoying, entitled, and always using his youth as a shield to avoid consequences.
😱 The Maid (Female, 18–26)
Absentminded, classic scream-queen energy. The kind of character who might stumble right into danger.
How to Apply 🎭
📩 Email: AidanCampbell@arcproductionofficial.com
Include:
- 🧾 Your name
- 🎭 The role(s) you’re interested in
- 📸 Headshot
- 🔗 Reel (if available)
Selected actors will be sent sides to read for auditions.
📍 Location & Dates:
- Central Indiana
- Shooting January 2027
Be the first to comment on "Indie Horror Film “White Elephant” Shooting in Central Indiana"