“It’s a big story about friendship, mental health, and the importance of both self-care and caring for others,” said senior Gavin Strauss about his upcoming film project. Strauss is the writer and director of the film, which is set to begin production in February and wrap by mid-to-late March 2025.
Strauss is a senior majoring in Media Communications with a double minor in film production and graphic design at Doane University. This upcoming film is his senior capstone project. According to Strauss, the original script he wrote was 71 pages; he edited it down to 59 and will be producing and filming a 10- to 15-minute scene of the film that encapsulates the rising tension and the overall situation as a whole.
The film is set in a small Nebraska town and explores three lifelong friends. Throughout the story, they navigate grief, self-discovery and the unbreakable bonds of friendship as they attempt to rescue one of their own from spiraling into isolation. With themes of mental health and emotional growth at its core, the story aims to portray the raw and often complicated journey of young adulthood.
“I wanted to make a film that really worked well as far as embodying the experience of being a young adult,” Strauss said.
According to the flyer, the production is currently seeking both actors and crew members to join the project. As a non-union, low-budget student film, participation will be entirely volunteer-based, with available funds going toward supporting the cast and crew. While no monetary compensation is offered, the production will provide food and beverages on set.
For the cast, Strauss is specifically looking for three male actors between the ages of 21 and 25 to portray the film’s main characters: Lucas Hensley (23), Sean Trager (23), and Ethan Markham (22).
The production is offering various crew positions, including assistant director, camera operator, grips, gaffers, production assistants, production supervisors, prop master, set designers, makeup artists, costume coordinators, editors, sound mixers, foley/adr artists, music recordists, colorist and other miscellaneous roles.
Auditions and interviews are ongoing. Those interested in scheduling an audition or interview should email Strauss at gavin.strauss@doane.edu as soon as possible. Applications will be accepted until Feb. 10.
