Operation Playground – Part I

For the short film "Operation Playground – Part I," we are looking for actors to play various roles: a boy, a baby, and two mature women.

Are you a parent or guardian? Then we kindly ask that you carefully read the explanation below before making a decision.

Operation Playground tells the story of a boy who, shortly after his mother's death, is left alone with the responsibility of protecting his baby brother in a cruel world taken over by the living dead.

We understand that the idea of a zombie film may raise questions for some parents. Therefore, we want to emphasize that Operation Playground is not a film about graphic violence or jump scares. The story has been carefully crafted as a meaningful and emotionally driven narrative about responsibility, resilience, and the special bond between two brothers.

At its core, the film is about a child learning to navigate a world where adult support suddenly disappears. This also touches on a broader reality: that in the real world, many children unexpectedly grow up without protection or guidance.

At the same time, this film is part of a larger, carefully crafted narrative universe that further explores these themes. If you would consider allowing your child to participate in this project, we would greatly appreciate it. We will do everything we can to carry out this project with care, respect, and professionalism.

SYNOPSIS

Six months after the outbreak of the Revenant pandemic, deep in the southern forests of the Netherlands, twelve-year-old Ricky van Ruijten finds himself alone when their camp is overrun by a horde of Revenants—the living dead—and his mother is killed. With her death, his childhood abruptly ends and a ruthless form of independence begins. From that moment on, he bears sole responsibility for his six-month-old brother, Lucas.

The gravity of this new reality only truly hits home when he encounters a tied-up Revenant. The chattering of its teeth traps Ricky in frozen fear and confronts him with a horrific truth: everything around them poses a threat to him and his vulnerable brother.

Against all odds, fate seems to favor them when they find a securely locked house. The next morning, they awaken by a warm fireplace, where a fire that Ricky himself never lit has burned. Unaware of this, they continue their desperate struggle for survival.

Gradually, the traces of a third party become increasingly visible, along with the intention to test Ricky's ability to protect Lucas. These trials prove to be no coincidence, but rather the prelude to the revelation of a secret organization: Operation Playground.

What do we offer?
We offer full involvement of actors and parents/guardians. Catering will also be provided.

Type
professionele productie / lowbudget

Location
Eindhoven

Description
We are looking for 4 roles:

RICKY VAN RUIJTEN
Age: ± 10–14 years
Gender: boy
Appearance: White / European appearance
In the story, Ricky is suddenly confronted with enormous responsibility. After his mother's death, he is left alone with his baby brother Lucas, who is completely dependent on him. Ricky barely speaks; his emotions are mainly visible in his eyes, his body language, and his reactions to danger. The role therefore primarily demands strong nonverbal acting and natural emotional expression.

LUCAS VAN RUIJTEN
Age: ± 4–9 months
Gender: baby
Appearance: White / European appearance
Lucas is Ricky's baby brother. He's still completely dependent on others for protection, warmth, and care. Within the story, Lucas is Ricky's primary motivation to persevere and keep fighting for survival. His presence underscores the vulnerability of the situation Ricky finds himself in.

SALAMANDER
Age: ± 25–35 years
Gender: female
Appearance: N/A
Salamander appears as a woman who moves with remarkable composure and purpose. Where others in this world are driven by fear or panic, she remains calm and completely in control. She looks others straight in the eye and speaks with a confident, almost judgmental air, as if observing and analyzing someone rather than having a normal conversation. In the story, she represents the moment when Ricky is confronted with a greater power behind the chaos and questions whether he is truly capable of protecting his little brother.

ANNA VAN RUIJTEN
Age: ± 30–40 years
Gender: female
Appearance: White / European appearance
Anna is Ricky and Lucas's mother. She is caring, protective, and tries to provide her children with safety in a world slowly falling apart. Her role is primarily played at the beginning of the story and forms the emotional starting point of Ricky's journey. Her death suddenly leaves Ricky alone with the responsibility for his little brother.

Language requirements
No language required

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