Casting is now underway with the production of independent martial arts action comedy, Nanny Nena‘s, auditioning through the official Backstage portal for proper vetting as of Thursday. Principal photography is slated to start in October for the new film from writer/director Joey Min (Player Agency, Yes, Auntie!) who is also producing alongside Stephanie Pham through their Art School Dropouts label.
Notably, the team is making it a point that casting efforts will include putting reciprocity to practice for all applicable talents being hired, allowing the actors to use footage they need for future auditions.
Per the production, a statement from their Backstage page reads “We take care of our people first. One of the biggest frustrations actors have is waiting years to get their footage back. We do things differently. Once the film is complete, every actor receives their scenes so you can actually use them for your reel.” It added, “We also welcome cast to share behind-the-scenes content (without spoilers) because we love celebrating the filmmaking process together.”
I spoke to Pham for a little more clarity on this topic, and she shared a first-hand understanding on what she sees as a major problem she’s observed as an actress herself.
“I wanna say most of the acting jobs for shorts, features, things like that, I probably only get footage for one out of five, and that is still like a year or more later,” said Pham who responded to a request for comment. “Providing scenes and completed projects helps new talent to get those next roles. With a quick turnaround, they have work that better represents their current capabilities. If you give them their scenes three years later, they are probably better actors by that point and the footage isnt very useful for them.”
Pham added, “Actors typically do not prioritize a project until they are cast, but I want them to know that we value their time, talent, and we understand. And, I am going to view every single audition.”
Actors auditioning for Nanny Nena’s will be headed by lead actress and martial artist Angela Jordan in her third independent feature production for Art School Dropouts. Culturally billed as a Filipino-American story told through Min’s usual Hong Kong action-inspired lens, the film focuses on a large family that inherits their late Auntie Nena’s catering business.
The logline reads: “When Angela picks up her cousin from the airport for a family reunion, she expects an awkward day of deliveries and family obligations. Instead, the pair find themselves caught in the middle of a criminal scheme involving a stolen flash drive, internet-famous troublemakers, and a mob boss determined to get his property back. Filled with food, family, martial arts, and plenty of chaos, Nanny Nena’s is an action-comedy about carrying forward the traditions that connect us.”
With casting announcements set to begin in due time, the move marks the next phase of the project which launched on Kickstarter on July 10 before reaching 182% of its $8000 goal in just three hours. The campaign has since issued a stretch goal of $25,000 advancing more perks to supporters with just three weeks left as of this article.