NOW

CASTING

FOR

+ SONG BIRD

Song Bird follows Harmony, a small-town wahine who steps up when no one else will. In a world where gangs have been dismantled but crime has grown faceless, her journey wont be easy or the direction clear.

Relying on the friendship of her cousin Kiri and wisdom of Aunty Tui, she seek’s strength in the shadow of her uncle Haast.

From viral humiliation to discovering her mana, Song Bird is full of action and humour, grounded in Māori cultural.

A coming-of-age superhero story about whakapapa, kinship, and finding strength within.

+ LEAD ROLES

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Harmony (Lead)

Athletic and empathetic teen who steps into a protector role after finding a mask with a deeper power. Brave and loyal with sharp instincts.

Character Age: 15–17
Ethnicity: Māori or Māori/Pākehā
Gender: Female
Character Traits: Brave, impulsive, loyal, witty under pressure
Skills/Physicality: Comfortable with light stunt work and action blocking, some proficiency with Te Reo Māori
Accent: New Zealand (East Coast preferred)

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Kiri (Supporting Lead)

Harmony's best friend. A creative and mischievous filmmaker who documents their adventures. Smart and grounded with dry humour.

Character Age: 15–17
Ethnicity: Māori/Pākehā
Gender: Female
Character Traits: Quick thinker, comedic timing, emotionally grounded
Skills/Physicality: Comfortable handling a small camera and props
Accent: New Zealand

Anahera ( Antagonist)

Leader of the Scott St Scoundrels. Streetwise and defiant with a charismatic edge.

Character Age: 16–18
Ethnicity: Māori
Gender: Female
Character Traits: Fierce, proud, commanding presence
Skills/Physicality: Light stunt work and grappling.
Accent: New Zealand

Aunty Tui

Guardian and anchor. Mixes humour with tough love and spiritual wisdom. Protective but loving.

Character Age: 35–50
Ethnicity: Māori
Gender: Female
Character Traits: Protective, sharp, funny, warm
Skills/Physicality: Proficient in Te Reo Māori.
Accent: New Zealand

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Uncle Haast

Neighbour with shady dealings and a hint of supernatural ability. Protective yet morally grey.

Character Age: 35–50
Ethnicity: Māori
Gender: Male
Character Traits: Intense, calm, enigmatic
Skills/Physicality: Driving. Light physical beats.
Accent: New Zealand

+ SUPPORTING ROLES

Samara (Bus Stop Teen)

Classmate who compliments Kiri's edit. Small role that builds school world.

Character Age: 15–17
Ethnicity: Open
Gender: Female
Character Traits: Casual, friendly
Accent: New Zealand

Mr/Mrs Kirk (Teacher)

Strict but fair media teacher who confiscates the camera. Small recurring.

Character Age: 30–55
Ethnicity: Open
Gender: Open
Character Traits: Firm, dry humour

Accent: New Zealand

Kuia (Cameo)

Elder whose mugging becomes a catalyst. Carrying mana and warmth.

Character Age: 65+
Ethnicity: Māori
Gender: Female
Character Traits: Wise, humorous, strong presence
Accent: New Zealand

Shopkeeper (Chinese Shop)

Cheerful store owner who recognizes Harmony from a viral clip. Adds local colour.

Character Age: 55–70
Ethnicity: Chinese or East Asian
Gender: Open
Character Traits: Friendly, observant
Accent: NZ English or Chinese NZ

Jayden (Scott St Scoundrel)

Crew member in the graffiti trio. Adds energy and tension in group scenes.

Character Age: 16–18
Ethnicity: Māori
Gender: Open
Character Traits: Energetic, street-smart
Skills/Physicality: Basic action beats
Accent: New Zealand

Crystal (Scott St Scoundrel)

Crew member in the graffiti trio. Loyal to Anahera and quick to escalate.

Character Age: 16–18
Ethnicity: Open
Gender: Female
Character Traits: Reckless, reactive, bold
Skills/Physicality: Basic action beats
Accent: New Zealand

LEAD ROLES

Readings for the lead roles will be hosted in Rāngai studio. This will be filmed and performed in front of the Producers and Director. Anyone interested should submit the form below or RSVP to Joe Alexander joe@rangai.nz.

You may read for more than one character, scripts will be provided during the RSVP process.

Auditions:
Date: Saturday 15th November
Address: Rāngai, 235 Gladstone Rd, Gisborne

Supporting and Minor Roles

Readings will be completed by self tape. This is a self filmed video and a phone is a perfectly acceptable choice of camera. Submissions close 20th November.

Anyone interested should submit the form below or contact Joe Alexander joe@rangai.nz.
You will receive a short script to perform for the self-tape.

Notification

All actors will be notified on the 24th November. Those who were successful will receive the full script and Rāngai will host a table read (full script readthrough) Saturday 29th.

Availability

Dates have not been finalised but shooting will begin mid December..

Remuneration

“Song Bird” is intended as a 6 episode tv series and we are filming the pilot (Ep 1) to help achieve funding. Cast and crew are working unpaid, with a contracted offer to complete the remaining episodes if funding is successful.