I'm Okay Productions is casting EVERYTHING HERE IS REAL, a micro-budget independent feature shooting in Chicago this October. Written and directed by Stephen McNamee, whose first feature MUFFLED world premiered at Dances With Films: Los Angeles in June 2026, with fall screenings at Richmond International Film Festival, Screamfest NOLA, and a yet to be announced NYC film festival.
ABOUT THE FILM
Linnea is a Chicago ghostwriter in her late twenties with a good job, a patient boyfriend, and a life that fits her badly. For seven years she has been quietly certain that something about her life is wrong. She has never been able to articulate it, and she has never said it out loud to anyone, not even to Kalen, the accountant she loves. Then a stranger answers a post she made online.
The film is a warm, funny two-hander that turns quietly stranger as it goes. Tonally in the neighborhood of THE FAREWELL, BLUE JAY, and TAKE SHELTER.
ROLES
LINNEA - Late 20s / early to mid 30s. Lead. A Chicago ghostwriter who has spent seven years quietly certain that something about her life is wrong, and has never said it out loud to anyone. In nearly every scene.
KALEN - Late 20s / early to mid 30s. Lead. An accountant. Warm, funny, and in love with Linnea. Skeptical of what she believes, steadfast with her anyway.
THOMASINA - 30s to 40s. Supporting lead. Poised, certain, and impossible to read. She validates Linnea's beliefs - but for what purpose?
UNA - 30s. Supporting. A neurologist and an unapologetic nerd. Bedside manner optional.
Additional supporting roles are also being cast. Full breakdowns are available on Actors Access and Backstage.
All roles are open to actors of all ethnicities and backgrounds.
COMPENSATION
No upfront pay. Cast and crew receive a stake in potential profits, scaled to days worked, including pre-production, production, and post-production. Credit, meals, and footage for your reel. All terms are covered in a written agreement.
CONTENT NOTE
The script includes kissing (of the hello/goodbye variety rather than a makeout session) and non-sexual bed scenes between the two leads, in which the characters talk while lying down. No nudity and no simulated sex. Intimacy is staged and discussed in advance.
8 shoot days in October 2026, likely on weekends but with possibly a mix of weeknights. Filming in Chicago (Lakeview and Lincoln Park). This is a local-hire production. No travel or housing provided.
Contact Info:
Email a headshot and resume to EHIR.Film@gmail.com. Self-tape sides will be provided to selected actors. Submissions accepted on a rolling basis until roles are filled.