News Summary
Jacksonville is emerging as a dynamic location for aspiring actors, with new casting opportunities for various short and feature films. HBO is also searching for unique Floridian stories for their series. Local success stories, like that of dancer Essence Sugar, highlight the potential for career growth in the industry, while NFL player Trevor Lawrence continues to train hard for the upcoming season.
Jacksonville is becoming a hotbed for aspiring actors with multiple casting calls available nearby as well as the nationwide search for unique stories by HBO. As the film and entertainment industry continues to evolve, many actors are seizing the opportunity to create sustainable careers through these open casting calls.
Current casting opportunities in Jacksonville include two short films. The first is looking for talent for roles such as Nat, a lead role suitable for a non-binary actor aged 18-25, and Lilah, a supporting role for a female aged 18-25. The average hourly rate for this project is $15. The second short film is also casting a lead male role, Jasper, aged 18-23, and a lead female role, Ruby, aged 18-23, alongside crew positions. The hourly rate for this project is not disclosed.
Additionally, a feature film is casting numerous roles, including Mary Ann (lead, ages 18-30), Ann (supporting, female, ages 20-35), and Jenna (day player, ages 18-30), with an average hourly rate of $75. This casting call spans across the nation. Another feature film is looking for an Assistant Editor in Tampa, although the hourly rate is not available. A different feature film in Savannah, Georgia, is casting voiceover roles for CALLER #1 and CALLER #2, and is offering an average hourly rate of $27. Lastly, a scripted show in Orlando is seeking voiceover talent, with roles for Reporters/Announcers and day players like Annie and Liam Stevenson, for an average hourly rate of $12.
In addition to local casting calls, HBO has put out a call for Floridians to submit stories for the second season of “It’s Florida, Man.” The network seeks epic adventures and stranger-than-fiction tales that highlight the uniqueness of Florida’s cultural landscape. Director Jeff Tosmic is focusing on showcasing unlikely heroes and compelling characters. Filming for the new season is expected to commence in April 2025.
Among local successes, Essence Sugar, a 29-year-old mechanical engineer and dancer from Jacksonville, has made headlines after she won Torrid’s nationwide 2024 Model Casting Call. Out of more than 11,000 applicants, she advanced to the Top 10 in the Torrid campaign. Her rewards include being featured in a 2025 campaign, a cash prize of $2,000, a wardrobe worth $15,000, and a potential contract with a global talent management agency.
While the upswing in casting calls supports local talent, Jacksonville’s own NFL star, Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars, has been keeping busy this offseason. He recently participated in workouts with his teammates in the Bahamas, including players Dyami Brown, Brian Thomas Jr., and Travis Hunter, plus kicker Cam Little. Such off-field activities foster camaraderie among team members, a crucial aspect for the upcoming season.
Lawrence has been noted for preparing with pads during workouts to adapt to throwing encumbered, aimed at enhancing his in-game performance. New Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen is advising on improving Lawrence’s footwork, relying on analytics from previous player performances. The team’s strategy emphasizes not only physical size but also agility, as they aim to incorporate quick releases and highly skilled athletes who can effectively create separation.
As more actors and athletes pursue their dreams in the Jacksonville area, the city stands at the forefront of both the film and sports industries, providing numerous opportunities for growth and success.
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Additional Resources
- Action News Jax: HBO Casting for “Florida Man” Season 2
- News4Jax: Jacksonville Woman Wins Torrid’s 2024 Model Casting Call
- Jaguars: O-Zone Casting Call
- Wikipedia: General Information
- Encyclopedia Britannica: General Knowledge
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
