Description:

Microbudget independent feature length horror film MR. MONKEY'S MERRY GO ROUND, produced by Joe Swanberg and Ben Gojer and directed by Aidan Leary, is casting its lead role JAMES JENSEN.

Logline: When he realizes the cameras won't stop rolling, the aspiring host of a children's educational television show descends into madness as he loses control of his set and puppet co-stars.

From the director: "It's like a children's educational television show, like Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood or Blue's Clues, but if the host couldn't escape the show, was slowly going insane, and the puppets were trying to kill him. It explores themes of repression and the rose-tinted glasses of nostalgia, as well as loneliness and addiction."

Synopsis: James can hardly believe he is on a soundstage, surrounded by puppets, about to bring joy to children across America. As the cameras start to roll he steps onto the set, decorated to look like his backyard, and introduces himself to his new pal watching at home. He introduces the "Concept Of The Day": memory. Memories can be anything; happy, sad, angry, "or even gone!" echoes his best puppet pal, Mr. Monkey. Introducing us to the supporting cast of the puppet "Playground Pals," they begin to swap happy memories, until James realizes he can't recall a memory at all. The cameras keep rolling as he begins to unravel, and the puppets begin displaying uncanny knowledge of James' childhood. Stuck on the set, James attempts to regain control as his show comes to life, transforming into something far more disturbing.

Pay: $3,000 flat rate, includes 5 rehearsal days and 10 filming days - NON-SAG Production

ROLE:
JAMES JENSEN (30s - 50s, Mr. Rogers devolves into Ash from Evil Dead): Upon first glance, James gives the energy of a young Mr. Rogers, or Steve from Blue's Clues. As the host of a pre-school educational television show, his alluring energy and playful nature can come across as endearring, yet sometimes slightly creepy to an outside eye. He enjoys spending time with his two best friends, the puppet Mr. Monkey, and his pal at home (whom he addresses directly by speaking to the camera). However, when his show seemingly comes to life, transforming into something far more disturbing, James' demeanor begins to unravel into an unhinged descent into madness.

SHOOT DATES:
2/12 - 2/23 (M-F) Standard 12 hour shooting days.