ByJonathan Kalmus, Jonathan Kalmus
Your son or daughter could star in a new football feature film due to be shot in Manchester by Jewish director David Scheinmann this summer.
Mr Scheinmann, who grew up in Sale, has risen to become a multi-award winning photographer and film director who has worked with Sacha Baron Cohen, Rowan Atkinson and made music videos for Cher.
He is returning to his home town to shoot his second feature film, Theatre of Dreams. The family comedy tells the fictional story of former Manchester United manager Sir Matt Busby, helping an 11-year-old boy fulfil his footballing dream. Actor Brian Cox, of Braveheart and the Bourne films, will play Sir Matt.
Young budding stars have until May 25 to upload a one-minute audition to YouTube via the film's website to snap up the role as lead youngster or his friends. Boys, girls and twins aged between eight and 12, with either football or acting skills, can apply.
Mr Scheinmann, 47, who lives in London, said he was eager to return home for the film, which he described as "Billy Elliot meets Bend it Like Beckham.
"We're on a nationwide search to find the film's young star and, in keeping with the theme, our online audition process provides an equal opportunity for all worthy talent to follow their dreams".
He added: "My parents are still in the house I grew up in Sale and my wife's family and cousins all live in Manchester. It has changed so much since I left for London in the early 80s that I do feel a little displaced when I return, but I hope, with some poetic licence, to re-create my own nostalgic fairytale Manchester on film." The director had fond memories of his barmitzvah at Sale Synagogue. He may film there and also at his old school, Manchester Grammar.