PROJECT TITLE: THE FIFTH SIGNAL

A mysterious signal awakens powers in five strangers who must stop an alien invasion — unaware one of them could doom the Earth.

Project Type: Independent Digital Series (8 Episodes)
Genre: Sci-Fi Thriller
Union Status: Non-Union
Distribution: Will be released on YouTube, with plans for film festival submissions
Production Dates: Filming begins August of 2025. Additional shoot dates TBD.
Location: Barboursville, WV – Priority given to local hires, but all are welcome to apply.
Compensation: This is a non-union, independently funded project. Compensation includes:
• IMDb credit
• Footage for reel (copy)
• On-set meals provided
This is a passion-driven pilot season for a high-concept sci-fi series, with long-term goals for festival submissions, online audience growth, and future monetization. Some paid stipends may be available depending on role and experience.Principal Roles:QUINCY JACKSON – Lead, 18–25, Black male. Quietly intense and brilliant, Quincy is the reluctant leader of the group. He’s telekinetic — but that power comes with overwhelming pressure. Burdened by the weight of responsibility, he carries a sharp wit and a steady edge, especially when everything is falling apart.MIA ANDERSON – Lead, 18–25, Latina or mixed-race female. Fierce yet compassionate, Mia has the ability to heal others — but every act of healing drains her. She struggles with guilt, blurred emotional boundaries, and the fear that saving people might destroy her.ISABELLA YOUNG – Lead, 18–25, any ethnicity. Thoughtful and cerebral, Isabella can hear the thoughts of others. Her intuition runs deep — but so does the quiet trauma she hides. She’s the group’s anchor in moments of emotional chaos.ELIJAH CHAPMAN – Lead, 18–25, any ethnicity. Physically strong and emotionally guarded. Elijah can unleash short bursts of superhuman strength — but it takes a toll. He uses sarcasm and bravado to hide vulnerability, especially when the stakes are personal.PARKER JOHNSON – Lead, 18–25, White or Asian male. Stealthy, sarcastic, and quick on his feet. Parker has the power of invisibility — and the paranoia to match. The group’s scout and spy, but also a deeply human character with his own fears and insecurities.VIREK – Lead, 25–45, male, any ethnicity. The calculated and terrifying alien leader, disguised in human form. Commands with eerie calm and brutal precision. Capable of hallucination-based manipulation and physical domination. Rarely seen — but unforgettable when he is. A hidden threat in plain sight.SUPPORTING ROLES:OLIVIA – Supporting, 16–21, female, any ethnicity. A resourceful survivor with a strong will. Determined and sharp, even when scared.HARPER – Supporting, 16–21, female, any ethnicity. The funny one in the group. Witty, quick with comebacks, and brings humor even when things start to feel off.RILEY – Supporting, 16–21, female, any ethnicity.Loyal and grounded. Elizabeth’s best friend. Initially skeptical of Quincy, but quickly proves brave and dependable.ELIZABETH – Supporting, 16–21, female, any ethnicity. Recently rescued from an alien Echo Zone. Partially altered by experimentation — haunted by what she’s seen, but courageous in the face of fear.ANDRE – Supporting, 18–25, male, Black. Quincy’s childhood best friend. Charismatic and calm — but something darker simmers beneath the surface. Duality is key.JAMES – Supporting, 18–30, male, any ethnicity. Smart, analytical, and quietly nerdy. Knows more than he admits. Loyal, but out of his depth.TAYLOR –Supporting, 16–25, female, any ethnicity. Resourceful and observant. Quick on her feet. Doesn’t trust easily, but once she does, she’s all in.AMANDA –Supporting, 16–25, female, any ethnicity. Sharp but emotionally shaken. Recently traumatized, struggling to hold it together. Hides fear behind distance.TYLER – Supporting, 16–25, male, any ethnicity. Brave and impulsive. Protective by nature. His fate becomes a turning point for the group.KORRAK – Supporting, 21–40, male, any ethnicity. A towering alien warrior with superhuman strength. Loyal to Virek, Korrak is relentless in combat and fiercely protective, embodying brute force with strategic precision.DRAX – Supporting, 21–40, male, any ethnicity. A fearsome alien enforcer, larger and more powerful than most. Drax is a cold and disciplined fighter, serving as Virek’s personal bodyguard and chief enforcer during battles.OFFICER RAY MILLER (Day Player) - 21-45, male, any ethnicity. A local police officer caught between strange events and his duty. Appears briefly but memorably.MR. KLINE (Day Player) - 55-70, male, any ethnicity. A nervous neighbor who notices too much and says so. A short but standout role during the first wave of chaos.TEEN #4 (OPINIONATED) (Day Player) , 15-25, any gender, any ethnicity. Blunt, sarcastic, always has a critique — especially about that movie ending.TEEN #2 (COMEDIC) (Day Player) 15-25, any gender, any ethnicity. Easygoing and funny, brings levity with quick one-liners.TEEN #3 (ENTHUSIASTIC) (Day Player) 15–25, any gender, any ethnicity. Excited about the final fight scene. Curious and wide-eyed when things go strange.TEEN #1 (SKEPTICAL) (Day Player) 15-25, any gender, any ethnicity. Quietly observant. Picks up on the vibe shift before anyone else.FRIEND #1 (Day Player) 13-18, male, any ethnicity. Out of breath and scared, this friend tries to stay brave while navigating the chaos and protecting their companion.FRIEND #2 (Day Player) 13-18, male, any ethnicity. The more cautious and nervous of the two friends. Faces a terrifying encounter with an alien disguised as a human.PARANOID MAN (DAY PLAYER) 50–70, male, any ethnicity. A traumatized survivor encountered during a tense street crossing. Erratic and unstable, he’s lost everything and teeters between fear and fury. A short but emotionally intense role.ALIENS / EXTRAS – Supporting Roles, 18+, any gender, any ethnicity. We’re seeking diverse actors willing to wear alien makeup and prosthetics. Roles include aggressive combatants, stealth operatives, and sinister alien imposters. Must be physically fit and able to perform basic stunts and fight choreography safely. Previous cast members may be asked to reprise their roles. No prior experience necessary — enthusiasm and ability to take direction are essential.Production Crew Roles (Non-Acting)We are also looking to fill key crew positions for The Fifth Signal. All positions are non-union. Ideal for emerging creatives looking to build experience on a high-concept digital series. Meals, credit, and copy provided. Some paid stipends may be available depending on role and experience.Director- Leads the creative vision and works closely with actors and DP.Director of Photography (DP)- Oversees visual look, framing, lighting. May double as a camera operator if needed — or coordinate the two camera ops.Camera Operator #2- A second camera operator to assist with coverage, especially for action sequences, stunts, reactions, and B-roll.Script Supervisor- Tracks script continuity, actor performances, notes, and scene coverage.Production Designer / Art Director- Oversees set dressing, props, and maintains the visual tone of locations and interiors.Costume Designer / Wardrobe- Defines characters through clothing and ensures wardrobe continuity.Hair & Makeup Artist / SFX Makeup- Essential for alien makeup, transformations, and practical effects. Experience with prosthetics a plus.Stunt Coordinator / Fight Choreographer- Plans fight sequences, trains cast, and ensures on-set safety during physical scenes.Production Assistants (PAs)- Flexible crew members supporting all departments — from gear management to crowd control.To Submit (Actors & Crew):
Please email the following to [email protected]
Subject Line: "ROLE NAME – The Fifth Signal"
Actors:
• Headshot
• Resume
• Reel (if available)
Crew:
• Resume or short description of experience
• Reel or portfolio (if applicable)
Additional Notes:
• Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Work permits may be required.
• Remote rehearsals (via Zoom/FaceTime) may be scheduled prior to shoot dates.
• Early submissions encouraged — casting and hiring decisions will begin shortly.