On a role: Films tap masses in casting call
May 20, 2007
By Eve Sullivan
Special Correspondent
STAMFORD - Treated as outcasts in most workplaces, smokers were welcomed and encouraged to apply at yesterday’s casting call for the new Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet movie set to begin filming in the area next week.
“It’s the ’50s - it’s before they knew smoking was bad - so there’s smoking in every scene,” said Melissa Braun, an associate with Grant Wilfley Casting. “If you are a smoker, it’s a bonus.”
Casting agents at St. Basil’s Seminary also were looking for men to have short, cropped hair and women with shoulder-length or shorter hair - but no highlights - for the 1950s period move “Revolutionary Road.”
Yesterday’s casting call at the Glenbrook Road seminary included casting for “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2,” starring Amber Tamblyn and America Ferrera.
Braun told the hundreds of people who showed up that they would be working eight- to 16-hour days and must be available at the last minute. She said they are looking for people of all ages for “Revolutionary Road,” but mostly college-age girls or younger for “Sisterhood.”
When Braun was done lecturing, people came to the front of the room, handed in their form and got their picture taken.
On her way out of the auditorium, Tracy Lavery of Stamford said she brought her 8-year-old son, Jake, so they could try out together. Lavery said she’s doing it for fun, but Jake has an interest in acting.
“He does hip-hop dance, guitar, karate, baseball. He likes to keep busy,” she said. “Since this was local, it made sense to give it a shot.”
Many of those who showed up for the casting call were newcomers to the movie business.
Ira Baer, of New Rochelle, N.Y., said he heard about the casting call from his daughter, who lives in Stamford.
“I’m looking to be an extra,” Baer said. “I’ve never done anything like this before.”
Some who attended were working actors looking to get into a big film.
Trisha Sutherlan Rock, a part-time actress from Bridgeport, came to the audition wearing a ’50s-style black dress, high heels and platinum blond hair. She said she was looking for a background part.
“I just did a film that premiered at Tribeca,” she said. “So I feel like this is my time.”
Grant Wilfley, owner of the casting agency, said they need hundreds of people to be extras for “Revolutionary Road.” He said they are looking for people of all ages with “good faces for period films.”
Wilfley said the film will shoot at several places in the Stamford area, including St. Basil’s.
Source: Stamford Advocate
Posted by: Ruth
Posted in: News > Revolutionary Road
