Rakesh Baruah, a fourth-year directing candidate in the Columbia University MFA program for Film and Television, will be completing his MFA thesis short film by making a film at the Cranford Public Library and you have a chance to be part of it! The title of the film, a comedy, is “Ms. Bula Banerjee.” Aparna Nancherla (FX, Comedy Central, NPR, Conan) stars as Bula Banerjee, a librarian whose dream it is to establish the Bronte Sisters as the paragons of Young Adult fiction. One day, Lydia, a corporate consultant hired by the state, shows up with a mission of increasing the library’s bottom line. Her solution? Less Bronte Sisters and more young adult fiction that’s hot; more circulation means more overdue fines. Bula takes a stand, but Lydia’s charisma beguiles the library staff. Bula must make a choice: quit, or go down fighting for the library she loves.
Director Rakesh Baruah’s previous credits include “Broetry” (NY TV festival), “HeMotions” (Details Magazine), and “Clench and Release” (ranked top 50 funniest web series by Time Out Magazine), as well as writing stints for The Daily Show and The Colbert Report. His education includes Northwestern University (BFA in History and Gender Studies), Columbia University (MFA in film directing), The Magnet Theater (improv and comedy-writing), and The Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theater (improv).
Mr. Baruah and his crew are looking for members of the Cranford Public Library community to join their production as extra performers. This means coming on to the set and interacting with actors either in the background or foreground. The shooting will take place on Saturday and Sunday, July 11 and 12, and Saturday and Sunday, July 18 and 19, when the library is closed. Even if you can only come for one day, Mr. Baruah and his crew would love to have you be a part of their story. If you would like to be included please email slfilmcasting@gmail.com. Be sure to indicate what days and hours you are available.
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The team is also looking for featured extra performers. If you believe you, or someone you know, fits either of the following roles, please contact email slfilmcasting@gmail.coml: [Tiffany] female, black, 18+ (must be able to play 15). Too cool for school. Lost in her Samsung Galaxy. Physical comedy, pratfall required; [Joanne] female, 40s. A cozy librarian who is wide-eyed and in awe of the corporate consultant who whirls into town. Strong physical comedian. 2 close-ups.
