What We Teach Them

ROLE:

MOM (Lead)

Age Range: 35–45

Gender: Female

Ethnicity: Open (script references a woman in hijab; open to authentic casting)

Description:
Warm, intelligent, values-driven mother. She is thoughtful, decisive, and emotionally grounded. Must convey concern, clarity, and confidence with minimal dialogue. Comfortable with subtle, naturalistic performance.

Key Moments:

Reviewing a traditional car loan and reacting to high interest

Discovering an alternative financing option

Teaching moment with her son about values and money

Notes: Strong screen presence; expressive but restrained.

SON (Supporting / Featured)

Age Range: 18–22 (must look believably college-age / young adult)

Gender: Male

Ethnicity: Open

Description:
Curious, hopeful, thoughtful young adult. He is learning independence and financial responsibility for the first time. Performance should feel authentic and grounded, not “teen sitcom.”

Key Moments:

Reacting to interest rates (“Whoa!”)

Asking questions about how the program works

Receiving the car keys and stepping into independence

Notes: Comfortable with light dialogue and expressive reaction shots.

ROLE:

Middle-aged man (late 30s–50s). Approachable, grounded, and relatable. He is part of a Middle Eastern family and/or an actor able to authentically portray a Muslim household. The role takes place in a backyard grilling scene at home and should feel real, warm, and trustworthy — like a father or homeowner casually explaining something important to his family and community.

This character speaks directly to camera and interacts naturally with voiceover moments. He is curious, thoughtful, and confident without being salesy.