A Murcian screenwriter and director, Jesus Melgares, seeks the central character for his new work between Alicante and Murcia. Losers is a 15-minute short that examines the rising issue of underage gambling and its impact on families.
To realize this project, Beatriz Martinez from Alicante and Elena Carrasco from Murcia—co-producers—have begun the casting process to cast the lead in the fictional short. The narrative centers on boys aged 16 to 18 who are involved in sports, particularly football. Prior experience in translation is not required, only a strong interest and commitment to the production. Payment is arranged through registration with Social Security and after obtaining the necessary permit from the regional Labor Office.
From late February to mid-March, interested candidates from both the Region of Murcia and the province of Alicante are invited to submit materials via an official casting portal. Applicants should include two recent photographs, contact information, and, if desired, a short video (up to two minutes) that conveys something about them. A selection will be made by the director based on profiles that best fit the character, followed by in-person auditions during the Easter period.
Filming is planned across both regions during the summer to minimize disruption to the school term. The project will feature supporting roles for actresses who portray other characters alongside the young hero and his friends, the ensemble of Losers.
Losers is a co-production between Murcia and Alicante. It has development support from ICA (Murcia Region Cultural Industries and Arts Institute) and production backing from the Valencian Community’s regional television channel À Punt Media, contributing to its visibility. The project has received recognition at film events, being selected for screenings at venues such as the Cerdanya Film Festival (Barcelona) and the Skyline Benidorm Film Festival, with further opportunities anticipated in 2023.
The script is expected to be ready by the end of the current year, with distribution anticipated in 2024, highlighting nominees for national and international festivals and potential Goya considerations.
Manager
Jesus Melgares is the lead writer for the short. The project is supported by Álvaro Robles and José Prats, the latter having earned a Goya nomination for Best Animated Short in 2022. The team, trained at prestigious institutions in Salamanca and Cuba, brings a social narrative aimed at educational use, designed to raise awareness about gambling and its effects inside and outside classrooms. Collaboration with local educational centers and associations in Murcia and Alicante helps drive community engagement and outreach to families affected by gambling addiction. Partnerships with organizations like Espinardo, Adictlescentes from IES José Plan in Murcia, and the Nueva Esperanza Association contribute to rehabilitation and awareness efforts, underscoring the project’s commitment to social impact.
Producers
The Alicante-based producer Beatriz Martinez has previously been recognized in national circles, including a Goya nomination for animated work and a Best Short Documentary Award at Berlanga events. Elena Carrasco, a member of Cinemur and the Alicante producers’ network, also brings a track record of festival recognition and industry collaboration. The project continues to garner support from local production communities and associations, demonstrating a strong regional collaboration between Murcia and Alicante for a socially meaningful short film.