Ned is recording their voiceover four weeks before production (One-day session, January 25th). VOICE-OVER ONLY. Chatty artificial intelligence. Open and friendly. Unwaveringly confident. Always smiling. Believes they know best at all times. Special note on A.I.: This is an anti-A.I. short film. We will not use your performance as training data for any generative A.I. - your performance will be recorded as facial motion capture, which we will use for 2D animation.

Outwardly pleasant. Strong charisma.

Sophia is an emotionally guarded teenager who lives through her phone and struggles to be present with the people around her. She is navigating new, heavy emotions while trying to understand what they mean and who she is. Over the course of the story, Sophia evolves from an irritable and distracted girl to a compassionate and self-aware person.

Ava is playful and curious. She uses her humour to connect with the people around her. She craves attention, often teasing Sophia to get a reaction. But, beneath her mischief is a deeply caring child who steps up when it matters most.

Gigi is Ava's and Sophia's grandmother. She is warm, loving and grounded. She’s the kind of grandmother who shows up with cookies on a random Saturday and stands up for you in front of your parents, even when you might be in the wrong. Though she struggles to understand her granddaughters’ digital world, she simply wants to connect with them and rebuild the connection that has drifted as they have gotten older.

Wren is Ava’s and Sophia’s mother. Ambitious and career-driven, she often prioritizes work over time with her children. She, too, has fallen into the digital world, spending much of her time on her phone, working or scrolling, at the expense of meaningful connections with her family.

James is Ava’s and Sophia’s father and Gigi’s son. As the manager of a prestigious company, he spends most of his time working and is less involved in day-to-day parenting, often unsure how to handle conflicts between the girls or what to say.

Once the most electrifying player in the NBA, Marcel walked away from the sport after his wife’s sudden death — and drowned his guilt in alcohol. Now working in a fast-food drive-thru, he’s a bruised soul with a hidden fire. When fate pulls him back onto the court, he must confront his past, rebuild his legacy, and earn his son’s forgiveness. Athletic ability and basketball skills required. Minor to moderate action and basketball stunts (all stunt work will be supervised by a professional stunt coordinator).

Rookie sensation with superstar talent. Mars wants greatness on his own terms and refuses to rely on the absentee father who hurt him. A storm of pride, resentment, and raw potential. His biggest opponent isn’t the other team — it’s the fear he might turn out like Marcel. Strong dramatic arc balancing vulnerability and confidence. Athletic ability and basketball skills required. Minor to moderate action and basketball stunts (all stunt work will be supervised by a professional stunt coordinator).

Head Coach of the Scorpions and the embodiment of win-at-all-costs coaching. Polished on camera, ruthless behind the scenes — with a superiority complex that crumbles the moment Marcel threatens his dominance. Manipulative, intimidating, and entertainingly villainous. Think charismatic snake with a whistle.

The Scorpions’ star player — physically dominant but mentally fragile. Used to being the biggest threat on the court until Marcel humiliates him. Spirals from cocky trash-talker into a desperate bully propped up by performance enhancers. A physically demanding role with a sharp, emotional breakdown arc. Athletic ability and basketball skills required. Minor to moderate action and basketball stunts (all stunt work will be supervised by a professional stunt coordinator).

NBA CFO — beautiful, polished, brilliant, and cool-headed. She sees the business and human value in Marcel’s comeback long before anyone else. Balances power and empathy — a strong ally with executive presence. Key emotional support connection for Marcel and a major driver of the league’s future.

General Manager of the Lightning, an old teammate/friend of Marcel. He discovers Marcel working at a drive-thru and recruits him to save the team from being sold. He is the only one who initially knows Marcel's true potential and identity.

NBA Commissioner — commanding, ambitious, and strategic. Wants to reshape the league and sees Marcel as the key.

A shrewd businessman and Owner of the Scorpions.

Lily – Daughter & Connector. Caucasian, Blonde hair. The bright, loving child who unknowingly reunites her long-lost parents through her striking resemblance to Eddie. *Open to Vancouver Actors Only

Bella Gold (60) – Matriarch & Meddler. Caucasian, blonde or light brown hair. Eddie’s elegant, strong-willed mother who pushes him to secure the family legacy but softens when she discovers her granddaughter. *Open to Vancouver Actors Only

Hank Flynn (50s) Caucasian – Abusive Father & Antagonist. Rachel’s violent, greedy father who reappears to exploit her and kidnap Lily for ransom. *Open to Vancouver Actors Only