CASTING NOW: Unwritten - A Short Film by X.Wynn Films

🎥 About the Film

James, a star high school football player, is known for his confidence on the field, but off of it, he’s hiding a side of himself no one sees. Between the pressure to perform, the weight of expectations, and the silence he's learned to survive in, James has started to lean into poetry, something he’s never dared to share publicly.

When an unexpected connection with a bold classmate opens the door to a new kind of self-expression, James is forced to confront the tension between who he is and who the world wants him to be. As his love for poetry grows and his body begins to fail him on the field, James must decide whether he’ll keep playing the role others expect or finally speak his truth out loud.

Unwritten is a heartfelt story about identity, masculinity, Black youth, and the power of finding your voice on and off the field.

🎭 Open Roles

We are currently casting the following roles:

Angela (F, 17–18)

Bold, poetic, emotionally sharp. A natural spoken word artist who challenges James and sees through his defenses. Must be confident with dialogue and open to light poetry performance.

Stacy (F, 30–45)

James’ foster mom. Grounded, emotionally intelligent, with a quiet strength. Warm, observant, and calm.

Lily (F, 7–10)

James' foster sister. Innocent, playful, curious. Must be comfortable on camera and able to deliver 1–2 short lines naturally.

Poetry Club President (Any Gender, 17–18)

Charismatic and confident. Facilitates the poetry club scenes with a clear presence.

High School Students (Any Gender, 16–19)

Teammates, poetry club members, and classmates. Some may have lines. Must bring personality, authenticity, and presence.

Note: Lead roles of James, Spencer, and Coach have been pre-cast.

📝 How to Audition

We’re casting locally in Cincinnati, OH. No experience necessary—we’re looking for natural presence, honesty, and emotional depth.

To audition: Submit your interest via the link below: [Insert your Google Form link here or embed it]

Please prepare:

Your name, age, and contact info
A clear photo (headshot or selfie)
Any past acting experience or reel (optional)

🎬 About the Director

Xander Wynn is a filmmaker from Cincinnati whose work explores identity, youth expression, and emotional healing. His debut short Rebound told the story of a basketball player coping with grief. Unwritten is his follow-up—a story about finding your voice on and off the field.