The casting note called for tough men with a gangster look, a drug dealer with an exotic dancer for a girlfriend and a tired, overworked businessman.
Cameras were rolling on the latest music video for one of Australian hip-hop's most popular acts, Bliss n Eso, when it all went horribly wrong.
Johann Ofner, a 28-year-old Gold Coast stuntman whose tattoos and physically imposing body had him fitting the tough-looking bill perfectly, was shot dead in underground Brisbane bar Brooklyn Standard as several guns were fired.
Shocked friends and the wider Queensland acting community were left reeling from the shock something like this could happen.
Police were investigating whether simulated ammunition had malfunctioned or been incorrectly used as faux bullets flew in the "gangland scenario" of the music video.
It is understood a double-barrelled shotgun discharged the fatal shots.
Witnesses saw paramedics rush into the basement bar just before 2pm on Monday as cast and crew yelled for help.
They arrived to find the crew performing CPR but left again after 20 minutes, unable to revive the 28-year-old former chippie.
His body wouldn't be removed for another four hours, as crowds of curious and concerned CBD workers ebbed and flowed.
Friends online remembered the "nicest guy you would ever meet" with the "smile of an angel", offered condolences to family and urged witnesses to seek help if needed.
He was due to compete in Channel Nine's upcoming Australian Ninja Warrior show, according to his Facebook page.
Between 10 and 20 people who saw the shooting were interviewed by police and offered support.
The casting call for new single Friend Like You had gone out early this month to Bliss n Eso's near-52,000 Twitter followers, calling for "a diverse range of people of all ages and cultural backgrounds".
"Whether you're an aspiring actor looking for on set experience, or you just love being in front of the camera, this is for you!" it read.
On Monday, Mushroom Promotions said the video production crew and its team were working with police.
Brooklyn Standard was closed on Monday night. Staff were unhurt and management said the venue had been wholly rented out for the filming.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the individual involved, and we appreciate your respect and understanding at this time," the venue posted to Facebook as management spoke to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and police.
Both agencies would continue to look for answers on Tuesday, with a post-mortem and ballistics testing on all weapons expected to be carried out.
Detective Inspector Tom Armitt said police would also investigate whether all safety requirements were followed.
"We're making further inquiries regarding the supplier of the firearms used (and) the manufacturer of the simulated ammunition," he said.
"So all those sorts of investigations will be undertaken in order to present the brief to the coroner."
He said police would be investigating what type of weapons were used and whether any mistakes had been made.
"Several firearms were discharged during a scene by several actors," he said.
"As result of the use of those firearms, one actor has received wounds to the chest and has subsequently died of those injuries."
Production company The Dreamers couldn't be reached for comment.
Police said the incident was believed to be accidental but was being treated as suspicious until proven otherwise.
- With Amy Mitchell-Whittington
