Experiencing Interruptions?

Casting Dad

After his father passes away, a struggling actor decides to hold a casting call for a new dad – one who will be proud of him.

  • Wes Clark
    Director
    Dear Dad
  • Wes Clark
    Writer
  • Spencer Hawkins
    Producer
  • Randolph Benson
    Producer
  • Phillip Andre Botello
    Key Cast
    "Daunte"
    The Art of Self-Defense
  • Jim Esposito
    Key Cast
    "Antonio"
    Tag
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    12 minutes 7 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 1, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    1,800 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    SONY FS5ii
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Davidson College
  • Absurd Film Festival

    Italy
    August 5, 2023
    Judge's Award
Director Biography - Wes Clark

Wes Clark is a writer and director from Philadelphia. He was an MPI Fellow in 2021 and Smock Media Fellow in 2022. His debut short film Dear Dad won two festivals in 2023 for best short, earning him an Abernathy Grant to fund his next short Casting Dad.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Casting Dad is a playful short based on the classic Japanese Horror film Audition (1999). It is deeply intermixed with real conversations, emotions, and events that occurred in Wes's own life dealing with his alcoholic father who passed away in 2022. This short is a part of the larger creative body of the director's work, which deals with family strife, alcoholism, and male vulnerability. Each script and film seeks to provide understanding to those who feel misunderstood.