SLATE
A Five-Minute Film Festival

Slate is casting - actors and crew.

The Baltimore Film Community doesn't have a shortage of talent. What it's had is a shortage of platforms - places where that talent could actually get in front of a camera, or behind one.

Six scripts have been selected for Slate, Backpad Productions’ first Five-Minute Film Festival, and now we need the people to bring them to life.

Slate  is a high-support, low-barrier pipeline for filmmakers of all specialties to get involved with independent film in Baltimore. Slate isn't just for the people who write the story. It's for everyone who makes it real - the actors who bring characters to life, and the below-the-line crew who make sure the lights are up, the sound is clean, and the shot looks amazing.

We're looking for actors and crew who want hands-on experience on a real set.



If you want to act, here's what we need from you:

  • Your name and best contact info (phone & email)
  • A resume, if you have one
  • A self-tape audition link with a comedic monologue, a dramatic monologue, or both - 60 seconds max, each



If you want to crew, here's what we need from you:


  • Your name and best contact info (phone & email)
  • Where you'd like to help - camera, lighting, sound, wardrobe, script supervision, BTS content, editing, or general crew support
  • Any relevant experience 



Calls are open July 7 - July 31.
Submit by filling out the designated form at the bottom of the page.

THE SIX FILMS OF


Death By Delivery - Donovan Erskine
A young man buries himself in horror movies to escape a life going nowhere. When a lonely delivery driver notices him, reality starts feeling a lot like the movies.
Genre: Horror, Comedy · Casting: 2M, 2 Gender Flexible

Don't Start - Aiden Kaleta
There are a few things in life you never forget - your first really bad car problems. Your first true love. Your first psychotic break. Mark is lucky, he gets to experience all three in the same night.
Genre: Horror, Thriller · Casting: 1M, 1F

Higgins - Bridie Powers
A man seeking social status visits renowned phonetics professor Professor Higgins, and finds out what's become of Eliza Doolittle in this uproarious, unofficial sequel to My Fair Lady.
Genre: Comedy, Period Piece · Casting: 2M, 2F


Rose - Oliver Klapp
“When one is in love, one always begins by deceiving one's self,
and one always ends by deceiving others.” - Oscar Wilde
This story of self-deception and desire is this screenwriter’s first independent film. 
Genre: Romantic Comedy · Casting: 2F, 1M

The Compatibility Patch - Matt Swanston
In the not-so-distant future, you can pay for virtually anything - including first date insurance. In a world where vulnerability is a liability, an Intimacy Risk Liaison just voided the policy on his own future. Now, the only thing more dangerous than the people chasing him is what he's starting to feel.

Genre: Sci-Fi, Romance · Casting: 2M, 1NB

The Traveling Grinder - Chevall Pryce
If you love something, set it free - especially if it's a magical grinder. Much like sisterhood and pants, it'll come back to you when you're least expecting it.
Genre: Stoner Comedy · Casting: 3M, 2F, 2 Gender Flexible


Whether you've been on set before or this would be your first time near a camera, SLATE is built to bring you in. Six films, one community - come join the production!

Submit today - shooting begins August 1st

If you're ready to get involved, fill out one of the below forms. We will then review your materials and reach out to discuss your assignment! Remember, the deadline to submit is JULY 31ST, 2026.