Casting call for lesbian short film based on Michelle Tea’s ‘Valencia’

Michelle Tea in San Francisco's Mission district in the '90s

Local filmmaker Aubree Bernier-Clarke (who you might also know from Swan Island or a recent Portlandia cameo) has issued a casting call for a short film she’s producing from Chapter 3 of legendary 90s dyke author Michelle Tea‘s Valencia. Below is her description of the project. If you’re interested in getting involved email valenciapdx@gmail.com.

This film will be part of a feature film based on the book, with different directors creating short films for each chapter. The novel dramatizes the hopes and hurts, apathies and ambitions of young lesbians looking for love in San Francisco’s Mission District in the early 1990s, focusing on Michelle, a poet navigating the druggy, boozy dyke scene while consorting with a series of lady loves.

I’m casting for the following roles:

MICHELLE (early 20s), the main character, is a person for whom blue hair is as big a style change as blue pants. She lurches between women, more in love with the idea of love than with Iris or Willa or Gwynne or Petra. Her work experiences are equally brief, although she can’t bring herself to actually quit jobs. She just stops showing up. In this chapter, she dabbles with prostitution.

WILLA (early 20s), Michelle’s current girlfriend–a depressive who won’t take off her clothes even in the heat of passion. She is a butch with a rainbow fauxhawk (this hairstyle is negotiable for the actual film) and 90s dyke style.

We will be filming July 1-3 and both actors will need to be completely available on those dates. Acting experience is not necessarily required. If interested, please send a head shot and a brief description of yourself and why you are interested in the role to valenciapdx@gmail.com. Include any acting or performing experience if applicable.

I am also seeking a PRODUCTION DESIGNER. Experience is not necessary, as long as you have an extensive knowledge of 90s SF queer punk culture, and are good at finding props / dressing spaces.

Also still looking for a SOUND RECORDIST / BOOM OPERATOR.

And at least one of our shoot days we will need 10-20 EXTRAS. So be prepared to be hit up again soon. 🙂

PLEASE REPOST! I tagged a bunch of random people. Please pass this on to anyone you think might be interested!

BTW this is not a paying gig, however you will be fed, have fun, and maybe get totally famous out of the deal.