ABOUT THE PROJECT
“Not in the Contract“ is an independent cinematic showreel project inspired by the visual language and romantic storytelling of modern K-dramas and romantic dramas.
The project leans into an elegant, polished aesthetic with sophisticated characters, sarcasm, restrained romantic tension and slow-burn chemistry.
Our goal is to create a high-quality cinematic scene that feels like a moment taken from a larger romantic drama rather than a traditional showreel scene.
SYNOPSIS
Following the opening gala of a luxury real-estate development, Emilia Shen, a successful businesswoman and the daughter of one of the city’s most powerful real-estate developers, finds herself waiting outside for her driver.
When Elijah Carter, the successful corporate lawyer working with her family’s company, joins her, their familiar professional banter quickly returns.
Their relationship has always been marked by sarcasm, constant disagreements and mutual respect. But as their conversation becomes more personal, Emilia begins to realize that Elijah may have been paying far more attention to her than she thought.
A subtle moment at the end of the evening quietly marks the beginning of a new chapter between them.
CASTING
ELIJAH CARTER — MALE LEAD
Playing Age: 28–35
Elijah Carter is a successful corporate lawyer. Polished, intelligent, composed and quietly confident.
He knows he is exceptionally good at what he does, but his confidence should feel effortless rather than arrogant.
He and Emilia have an established professional relationship marked by sarcasm, constant disagreements and mutual respect. Elijah enjoys challenging her, but underneath their banter, it gradually becomes clear that he pays far more attention to Emilia than his professional role requires.
PERFORMANCE & CHEMISTRY
This is particularly important to us:
Elijah has a genuine crush on Emilia. He is not aggressively flirting with her or openly trying to hit on her.
We want the audience to feel his attraction before either character openly acknowledges it.
Elijah is confident and highly composed in his professional life, but Emilia affects that composure in small ways. There should be a subtle nervousness around her, fixing his appearance before approaching her, noticing small details about her, lingering looks, little pauses and moments in which his interest unintentionally slips through.
His romantic interest should be communicated primarily through subtext, reactions and body language, rather than overt seduction.
The audience should feel:
“He really has a crush on her.”
rather than:
“He is trying to get her.”
We are therefore looking for an actor who is comfortable doing less rather than more and can create chemistry through subtle screen acting.
REQUIREMENTS
- Male actor, playing age 28–35
- Fluent English with a neutral / accent-free delivery
- Mature, elegant and polished screen presence
- Strong and natural dialogue delivery
- Comfortable with sarcasm and understated romantic acting
- Able to communicate emotion through subtle looks, pauses and reactions
- Must own or have access to a formal, well-fitting suit
- Available for one shooting day at the beginning of October 2026
ROMANTIC CONTENT
The scene includes a choreographed moment in which Elijah catches Emilia around the waist, followed by close physical proximity and sustained eye contact.
There is no kissing or intimate content.
FEATURED EXTRAS
We are also looking for several featured extras to portray guests attending the opening gala.
No previous acting experience is required.
We are looking for people who are comfortable being on camera and can portray guests in an elegant, upscale event environment.
Formal/elegant wardrobe is preferred.
PROJECT INFORMATION
Title: Not in the Contract
Genre: Romantic Drama / K-Drama Inspired
Language: English
Production: Jazz Motion Pictures
Format: Independent Cinematic Showreel
Shoot: 1 day, beginning of October 2026
Location: To be confirmed after casting and final location planning — most likely Zurich, Switzerland
Compensation: Unpaid
CASTING PROCESS
Casting for Elijah Carter will take place in three rounds.
ROUND 1 — APPLICATION
Please submit the requested information and current photos.
Application deadline: 04 September 2026
Selected applicants will be contacted and invited to the second casting round.
ROUND 2 — SELF-TAPE
Selected applicants will receive a scene from Not in the Contract together with instructions for a self-tape audition.
Self-tape deadline: 10 September 2026
Please do not prepare or submit a self-tape unless you have been invited to the second round.
ROUND 3 — CHEMISTRY READ
Actors shortlisted following the self-tape round will be invited to a chemistry read with the actress playing Emilia Shen.
As Emilia and Elijah’s dynamic is central to the project, the chemistry read will focus particularly on natural chemistry, timing, subtle romantic tension and how well the two actors work together on camera.
The final casting decision will be made following the chemistry read.
HOW TO APPLY
For the role of Elijah Carter, please send:
- Full name
- Age
- Current city / place of residence
- Recent portrait/headshot
- Recent full-body photo
- Acting CV / previous acting experience, if available
- Showreel, if available
- Confirmation of English proficiency
- Confirmation that you own or have access to a formal suit
- Availability at the beginning of October 2026
- Contact
Application deadline: 04 September 2026
Send applications to:
motionpicturesjazz@gmail.com
with “NOT IN THE CONTRACT“ in subject.
HOW TO APPLY — FEATURED EXTRAS
For a featured extra role, please send:
- Full name
- Age
- Current city / place of residence
- Recent photo
- Contact information
No acting experience, acting CV or showreel is required for featured extras.
Formal/elegant wardrobe is preferred.
WE’RE EXCITED TO MEET YOU ♡
We’re looking forward to meeting the actors who connect with Elijah and finding the person who can bring the subtle chemistry, sarcasm and romantic tension between Emilia and Elijah to life.
Thank you for your interest in Not in the Contract ♡
JAZZ MOTION PICTURES
Headstart Collective GmbH
