An open casting call Saturday for extras in the Western film “By Way of Helena,” which will begin filming in the Greenwood area in two weeks, brought out a good crowd of people hoping to win a spot in the movie.
“It was great, wonderful,” said Beth Foley Barnes of Greenwood, who brought her two young daughters Orla, 3, and Ruby, 6, to the call.
“It was very well organized. They’re moving everybody through very quickly,” Barnes said.
In all, she said, it took about 10 minutes from filling out the forms to getting the pictures taken.
The event took place at Greenwood’s Hampton Inn from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Greenwood resident Lorna Boyd said while she’s done a lot of commercials, radio and Greenwood Little Theatre work, this was the first film work she’s sought.
“You stand up there and take a picture,” she said.
Boyd said she was contacting people via Facebook, making sure they came out.
Jay DeFelice, background actors coordinator for Glorioso Casting, a New Orleans-based company, said turnout was heavy during the first hour or so.
By 10:30 a.m. 115 people had come in and been processed.
DeFelice said additional casting calls might be held if needed. “It all depends on how this turns out.”
“We want everyone to come. There are definitely needs that are worrisome,” he said, noting that the movie needs plenty of Mexican-Americans and those of Latino-American heritage, he said.
The film will be directed by Australian Keiran Darcy-Smith. Actors Liam Hemsworth and Woody Harrelson will star in the production.
DeFelice said there are no small parts in the Western, much of which will be filmed at the former Florewood State Park. “The director himself, he is really in tune with background actors.”
The experience will be beneficial for everyone who plays even a small part in it, DeFelice said.
“They could have a much better understanding of the whole craft,” he said.
Those who missed Saturday’s casting call can still try out online.
DeFelice said they can visit www.MyCastingFile.com and start the process that way.
He said it is important for people for answer every question fully, particularly for seemingly little things such as clothing sizes.
Jessica Roberts, a veteran of Greenwood Little Theatre, said she’d be happy if she landed a part.
“That would be great. I would love that. That would be amazing,” she said.
Anna Goode said she came to out to see what might happen.
“I figured I didn’t have anything to lose,” she said.
• Contact Bob Darden at 581-7239 or bdarden@gwcommonwealth.com.
