Forge will be directed by Ng Jing Ai, who was raised between Malaysia and Miami (Photo: Ng Jing Ai)
Global creative studio Damian Bao Casting is currently scouting for talent aged between 18 and 70 for its art crime, dark comedy feature Forge. Malaysian-born writer and director Ng Jing Ai, now based in Los Angeles, will be directing the film that deals with authenticity and identity, in art and in people.
The plot revolves around siblings Raymond and Coco Zhang, who run an art forgery ring in Miami. When they cross paths with millionaire Holden Lawrence, the duo is coerced into creating counterfeit masterpieces. Foiling their plan is FBI agent Emily Lee, who moves to Florida to investigate a new string of art forgeries.
Damian Bao describes Forge as a tragi-comedy, “a cautionary tale about how the rat race of modernity has the ability to destroy beautiful things — whether that be art, family, or relationships. [It] is a tale of greed and youth set in Miami, a story of how a young woman’s ambitions leads to the destruction of her passion for art and eventually, her family.”
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Those without prior experience in acting are also encouraged to apply as the casting is open to actors and non-actors for all roles. This will be a paid casting opportunity under the SAG Low Budget Agreement. Selected cast will be paid US$753 per day or US$2,612 per week for speaking roles.
Filming is expected to begin around May 6 for four to six weeks in the Miami metro area pending the availability of the main lead and supporting cast. Additionally, round-trip flight, lodging, and local transportation for talent based outside Miami will be provided by the production team.
This will mark Ng's newest work after her short film Delta, rooted in observations around heritage, won gold for the Young Directors Award at Cannes Lions last year. The American Film Institute Conservatory graduate participated in Film Independent’s Screenwriters Lab, where she developed her art crime feature script Forge. Her short film Fleck also clinched the grand prize at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) Student Film Awards.
Submit your casting tape and application here.
