Casting Call

Film News: ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ Announces Open Casting Call in Pittsburgh on June 11, 12, 18, 19, 2011

HollywoodChicago.com — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 22:50:39 -0400

CHICAGO – Following the production schedule we’ve been reporting, “The Dark Knight Rises” filming is heading to Pittsburgh. The film is also holding an open casting call there on June 11, 12, 18 and 19, 2011. The call, which was announced on Saturday by SWD Casting, is for “Magnus Rex,” which we know is code for “The Dark Knight Rises”. Full details are below!

The all-star cast of “The Dark Knight Rises”.
Image credit: SuperHeroHype

“Magnus Rex”

A Warner Bros. film requires extras to play as victims and perpetrators within a city besieged by crime and corruption. Take part in the urban action/adventure ripping through the streets of Pittsburgh from July 28 through Aug. 21, 2011.

Casting dates:
Saturday, June 11, 2011: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 12, 2011: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, June 18, 2011: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 19, 2011: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The Omni Hotel
530 William Penn Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
In the William Penn Ballroom (ground floor, downstairs).
Please use the Oliver Street entrance.

Men and women ages 18 and over. All ethnicities! No experience necessary!

Some specific types we are looking for are prisoners/thugs, guards, police officers, businessmen and women and sports fans. All types are needed!

Bring your photo ID (i.e. a driver’s license, state ID or student ID).
You must be legal to work in the U.S. with a working social security number.
There are no sign-up fees!

“The Dark Knight Rises” will again star Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne, Gary Oldman as Jim Gordon, Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox and Michael Caine as Alfred. The film also stars Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Juno Temple, Josh Pence, Diego Klattenhoff and Alon Aboutboul. Nestor Carbonell and Daniel Sunjata are currently rumored to be involved.

The film, which is again directed by Christopher Nolan, is scheduled for release on July 20, 2012. “The Dark Knight Rises” is written by David S. Goyer (story), Bob Kane (characters), Christopher Nolan (screenplay), Christopher Nolan (story) and Jonathan Nolan (screenplay) with original music from Hans Zimmer and cinematography by Wally Pfister.

Stay tuned to HollywoodChicago.com for complete “The Dark Knight Rises” coverage.
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Our comprehensive coverage of “The Dark Knight Rises” can be found here.
While you wait for more “The Dark Knight Rises” news, check out our Mecca of “The Dark Knight” coverage when the film and its viral networking took over Chicago and the world!

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

TV News: Chicago Auditions For Simon Cowell’s ‘The X Factor’ on April 27, 2011 With $5 Million Prize

HollywoodChicago.com — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 19:48:01 -0400

CHICAGO – While Simon Cowell has outgrown “American Idol,” he’s got the itch again. Now the nation’s meanest music critic is scouring cities large and small to unearth the singer with “The X Factor”. And this time, the winner nabs more than national notoriety and a recording contract. A grand prize of $5 million is enough clams for the show to start cracking some serious skulls.

Following auditions in Los Angeles, Miami, Newark and Seattle, Chicago is up next on April 27, 2011. Hopeful auditioners in the Windy City must have registered in advance on April 26, 2011 and then the potentially all-day hurry up and wait begins on Wednesday. Details about the Chicago audition can be found beneath the following promo video for “The X Factor”.

Audition venue: Sears Centre Arena
Audition address: 5333 Prairie Stone Pkwy, Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
Audition date: Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Audition time: Arrive before 8 a.m.

Eligibility: Singers and vocal groups 12 years of age or older as of March 1, 2011 who are legal U.S. citizens or eligible to work in the U.S. and do not currently have a music recording contract. Some restrictions apply.

Registration: Wristbands distributed from approximately 6 a.m. on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 until approximately 6 a.m. on Wednesday, April 27. Auditioners will not be permitted to camp out. Once auditioners obtain their wristbands, they will be asked to return to the Sears Centre Arena by 8 a.m. on Wednesday, April 27, 2011.

Bring ID: You must bring two forms of ID that show proof of your age and at least one of those must have a photograph. For example, bring a birth certificate and driver’s license, a birth certificate and a passport or a birth certificate and a school ID card. Any auditioner under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Audition details: No musical instruments are allowed. Pick three songs to sing that make you stand out. Choose a verse and chorus from three different songs to sing without backing music (vocals only). You may not get to perform all three. Cowell advises you to be “original” and “the wackier the better”. If you’re singing a known song, do it with “your” unique spin and arrangement. Full frequently asked questions about the audition process can be found here.

“The X Factor” on FOX.
Photo credit: FOX

“The X Factor” airs this fall on FOX. The winner will be presented with a grand prize of $5 million along with a recording contract from Simon Cowell’s Syco Music, which is an affiliate of Sony. Along with Simon Cowell, past judges have included Sharon Osbourne, Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh with presenter Dermot O’Leary.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

Second Chicago Casting Call on Nov. 16, 17, 20 For ‘Contagion’ With Matt Damon From Steven Soderbergh

HollywoodChicago.com — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 03:47:01 -0500

CHICAGO – As “Contagion” continues to film in Chicago from director Steven Soderbergh with stars Matt Damon, Jude Law, Marion Cotillard, Kate Winslet, Gwyneth Paltrow and Laurence Fishburne, we have learned that a second open casting call is needed two months after the first from Rich King Casting. “Contagion” is filming in Chicago, Hong Kong and Los Angeles.

Steven Soderbergh for “Contagion”.
Image credit: (source)

“Contagion” also stars Bryan Cranston, John Hawkes, Demetri Martin, Elliott Gould, Jennifer Ehle, Sanaa Lathan, Josie Ho and Chin Han. The film is written by Scott Z. Burns and produced by Gregory Jacobs, Michael Shamberg, Stacey Sher and Steven Soderbergh. Casting is by Carmen Cuba.

The first “Contagion” casting call in Chicago took place on Sept. 25 and 26, 2010. HollywoodChicago.com has confirmed a second Chicago casting call with Rich King Casting out of Los Angeles. See the flyer below for full details on the second Chicago casting call.

Gwyneth Paltrow stars as Beth Emhoff: a business woman back from a trip to Asia who’s struck down by a mysterious ailment. Matt Damon is Thomas Emhoff: Beth’s husband who’s forced to care for his wife (and soon his step-son) as her condition worsens. Jude Law is Alan Krumwiede: a blogger with an unfortunate interest in conspiracy theories.

Laurence Fishburne is Dr. Ellis Cheever: the head of the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Kate Winslet is Dr. Erin Mears (who works for the CDC). And Marion Cotillard is Dr. Leonora Orantes: a European doctor who’s working for the World Health Organization (WHO).

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

Chicago Casting Call For FOX’s ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ on Nov. 12, 2010 at Le Cordon Bleu

HollywoodChicago.com — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 11:12:59 -0500

CHICAGO – FOX’s “Hell’s Kitchen” is holding an open casting call in Chicago to find the best and most talented chefs. You must be 21 or over, passionate about cooking and skilled on the line.

“Hell’s Kitchen” on FOX with Gordon Ramsay.
Image credit: FOX

If you can stand the heat in “Hell’s Kitchen,” show up at the TV show’s open casting call:

Where: Le Cordon Bleu
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Date: Friday, Nov. 12, 2010

For more information and to fill out an application, go to http://www.fox.com/hellskitchen. You can also call 310-482-7225, the “Hell’s Kitchen” hotline at 866-226-2226 or e-mail hellskitchencastingchicago@gmail.com. Information about the show can be found below.

Superstar chef Gordon Ramsay returns this fall with the eighth season of the scalding-hot unscripted series “Hell’s Kitchen”. The show puts aspiring restaurateurs through an intense culinary academy as Ramsay seeks out the one chef who possesses the right combination of ingredients to win the life-changing grand prize.

The competing chefs have varying degrees of experience, but all have the dream and passion to excel in the culinary industry.

Throughout a series of grueling challenges including baking pizzas and flatbreads in the all-new pizza ovens, catering a high school prom, introducing sushi to the “Hell’s Kitchen” menu, serving breakfast to hard-working EMTs and celebrating the show’s milestone 100th episode with a black-tie dinner service, Ramsay aims to instill perfection and passion in each of the chefs.

While the challenges are grueling, the rewards are sweet. Some winning teams get to enjoy helicopter rides, lavish dinners, trapeze lessons and trips to amusement parks. The losers, on the other hand, are left behind to perform the mundane tasks of cleaning the dining room, prepping a truckload of potatoes, sorting through trash for a recycling program and packing up “Hell’s Kitchen” on move-out day.

As the chefs are winnowed down, only those who meet Ramsay’s strict standards will get to advance to the next round. Hoping for the coveted black chef jacket, the chefs will compete against each another while striving to survive another week. Eventually two finalists will compete head to head to impress Ramsay with five-star dishes, but only the one who possesses the right combination of passion, skill and drive will become the winner of “Hell’s Kitchen”.

“Hell’s Kitchen” is produced by ITV Studios America in association with A. Smith & Co. Productions. Arthur Smith and Kent Weed serve as executive producers.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

Chicago Casting Call on Sept. 25, 2010 Announced For Steven Soderbergh’s ‘Contagion’ With Matt Damon

HollywoodChicago.com — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 15:05:23 -0400

CHICAGO – Chicago is keeping Hollywood busy. Along with recent filming in the Windy City for Ron Howard’s “The Dilemma,” “Transformers 3” and FOX’s “Ride-Along” from the creator of “The Shield,” HollywoodChicago.com has just learned that Steven Soderbergh’s new film “Contagion” will be filming in Chicago and holding a local casting call here later this month. Full details follow.

Steven Soderbergh for “Contagion”.
Image credit: (source)

“Contagion” features Matt Damon, Jude Law, Marion Cotillard, Kate Winslet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Laurence Fishburne, John Hawkes, Josie Ho and Howie Johnson. The film is written by Scott Z. Burns and produced by Gregory Jacobs, Michael Shamberg, Stacey Sher and Steven Soderbergh. Casting is by Carmen Cuba. “Contagion” is filming in Chicago, Hong Kong and Los Angeles.

HollywoodChicago.com has confirmed a Chicago casting call with Rich King Casting in Los Angeles. King on Thursday shared with us the full details of his casting call:

A major motion picture filming in Chicago! “Contagion” is an action-thriller about an international team of doctors hired by the CDC to prevent the global outbreak of a deadly virus.

We are seeking adult men and women (ages 18 plus) of all shapes, sizes, types and ethnicities to be background performers. Everyone is welcome.

Bring your friends and family and let’s have fun! There are no fees or charges of any kind. When working, there is pay, food and fun! Come join us at one of our open casting calls:

Day 1:
Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010
10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Lincoln Park Cultural Center
2045 N. Lincoln Park West
Chicago, IL 60614

Day 2:
Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Annoyance Theatre
4830 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60640

Please do not call the location directly. Watch street parking signs. For more information, call 312-283-1061. Please bring a pen and a small photo of yourself.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

Chicago Casting Call For ‘In the Bedroom With Dr. Laura Berman’ on Oprah Winfrey Network

HollywoodChicago.com — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 15:39:31 -0400

CHICAGO – HollywoodChicago.com and Best Foot Forward have confirmed with the new Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) a Chicago casting call for the new OWN TV show “In the Bedroom With Dr. Laura Berman”! The show is seeking 12 couples with struggling sex lives who are willing to go on national TV and discuss. See below for more details!

“In the Bedroom With Dr. Laura Berman” on the Oprah Winfrey Network.
Photo credit: Oprah Winfrey Network

Have you lost the spark in your relationship? Is intimacy (or the lack thereof) a source of conflict between you and your partner?

Are you desperate to reconnect but don’t know where to turn or don’t have the resources to get the information you need?

Dr. Laura Berman – a world-renowned sex and relationship expert – has a brand-new television show on OWN to help you!

You’ve seen her segments on The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Dr. Oz Show and heard her advice on Oprah Radio, but now Dr. Berman has a new TV show called “In the Bedroom With Dr. Laura Berman”!

It’s fully dedicated to helping couples achieve greater intimacy and connection (not to mention better sex)!

Dr. Berman understands the juggling act you go through every day and the significance of keeping your sex life a top priority.

If you’re struggling with your intimacy, want a better relationship and long for a more fulfilling sex life, Dr. Berman will shed some light. Let her show you how to get exactly what you want and need in the bedroom and beyond!

If you live in Chicago or within 3 hours of Chicago and want Dr. Berman’s advice on national TV, this casting call is for you! Please include the issues you’re dealing with and a description of your family. While couples don’t need to be married, you must be committed to making a change and be willing to appear and discuss your private lives on television (if selected).

OWN is scheduled to launch in Jan. 2011 and this show is slated to air around then. We are told that “In the Bedroom With Dr. Laura Berman” is filming now and couples have been sought since June 1, 2010. HollywoodChicago.com has been told that this casting call is seeking couples of all all sexual orientation in Chicago with a preferable skew to younger couples (i.e. in your 20s, 30s and 40s). The show already has strong applicants in their 50s and 60s.

The first step of the process is a written application. You’ll then either need to create a home video or have a Harpo Studios producer film you if you live within an hour of Chicago. OWN will then determine if you’re a fit for the show.

Applications should be submitted as soon as possible using this Web submission form. You must include your first and last name, age, e-mail, phone, physical mailing address and story in your submission. Your personal information will not be sold or shared and will be kept strictly confidential. Your submission will be passed directly onto OWN on your behalf and will go nowhere else. Please do not comment here. Please only send in your submission at the link below.

Apply here to appear on OWN’s “In the Bedroom With Dr. Laura Berman”!

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

New Chicago Extras Being Cast For FOX TV Cop Drama ‘Ride-Along’

HollywoodChicago.com — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 15:25:10 -0400

CHICAGO – Chicago casting for new “Ride-Along” extras will begin in “a few weeks,” HollywoodChicago.com has confirmed with Chicago casting director Darlene Hunt of ExtraOrdinary Casting. The new FOX TV show, which is a Chicago-filmed cop drama premiering in mid-season 2010 to 2011, stars Jennifer Beals and Jason Clarke.

“Ride-Along” on FOX with Jennifer Beals and Jason Clarke.
Image credit: Peter Sorel/FOX

Hunt tells us she will be casting those who worked in the pilot with her for continuity as well as new faces of all ages. She casts a lot of “real” characters and says more “real” police would be ideal for “Ride-Along”. Children under the age of 16 need to be work permitted. This time around, Hunt is not conducting an in-person casting call. You must mail in your submission. To be considered for “Ride-Along” casting, mail a hard-copy photo to:

ExtraOrdinary Casting
P.O. Box 552
Westmont, IL 60559

You must also download and submit this registration form. Once you are registered with her, you will also be considered for other extra, stand-in and photo-double possibilities on other TV shows, feature films, commercials and print work made available to her company.

ExtraOrdinary Casting has worked on nearly all of the TV shows that have come into Chicago for almost two decades including “Prison Break” (all episodes except for the pilot), “The Beast” (all episodes except for the pilot), “ER” (all episodes filmed in Chicago in the past several years), “Early Edition” and “Turks”. The firm has also cast extras for several feature films (“Public Enemies,” “The Express,” “The Time Traveler’s Wife” and more) and commercials.

Update on Nov. 11, 2010 at 5:10 p.m.: The FOX TV show name “Ride-Along” has been changed to “The Chicago Code”.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

Paramount Announces ‘Footloose’ Casting Search; Deadline is June 9, 2010

HollywoodChicago.com — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 12:30:02 -0400

CHICAGO – Paramount Pictures on Thursday announced its casting search for the feature film “Footloose” from writer and director Craig Brewer. The film, which is slated to hit theaters in 2011, stars Julianne Hough (as Ariel Moore) and Thomas Dekker (as Ren McCormack) is currently listed as rumored.

Image credit: Paramount Pictures

Paramount says it’s seeking males 18 or older to play high school seniors. Shooting begins this summer. You must have “natural rhythm” and “be comfortable dancing,” but you don’t have to be a trained dancer. You do have to be a quick learner. The setting is the South in the present day.

For self-taping instruction, click here.
To download the scene(s), click here.
To download the consent form, click here.
To download the contact form, click here.

All auditions should be sent via e-mailed QuickTime files to footloosecasting@yahoo.com. Your e-mail must include a scan of your completed consent form, a scan of your completed contact form and your audition video.

By e-mailing your information and material, you confirm that you have read and agree to Paramount’s terms of use and have read and acknowledge Paramount’s privacy policy.

The deadline for your submission is June 9, 2010. Do not send any streaming video links (Vimeo, YouTube, etc.) as Paramount needs to be able to download the clip. If your file is too large for e-mail, send it via an auxiliary site like YouSendIt.com.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

Ron Howard’s ‘Cheaters’ With Vince Vaughn to Have Open Chicago Casting Call on May 22, 2010

HollywoodChicago.com — Tue, 11 May 2010 16:15:43 -0400

CHICAGO – Here’s something novel from legendary director Ron Howard: a new comedy. And a Chicago Blackhawks-themed open casting call for the film, which is unofficially called “Cheaters,” is coming to Chicago on May 22, 2010. Information about the casting call can be found below.

“Cheaters” aims to attach a powerhouse of stars and currently has Vince Vaughn, Jennifer Connelly, Winona Ryder, Kevin James and most recently Queen Latifah and Channing Tatum.

From left to right: Queen Latifah, Channing Tatum and Jennifer Connelly.
Image credit: Google Images

Ron Howard has directed “Angels & Demons,” “Frost/Nixon,” “The Da Vinci Code,” “Cinderella Man,” “A Beautiful Mind,” “Edtv,” “Ransom,” “Apollo 13,” “Backdraft,” “Parenthood,” “Cocoon,” “Splash” and “Grand Theft Auto”.

Chicago-based extras casting director Jon Kinnas, whose Atmosphere Casting company competes locally with Joan Philo Casting and the like, is holding an open casting call to meet and greet those interested in working on the new comedy.

Principal photography begins on May 25, 2010 and runs through Aug. 6, 2010. The film, which is about a man who discovers that his best friend’s wife is having an affair, is currently slated to open on Jan. 14, 2011.

Kinnas tells HollywoodChicago.com that the production will need to hire “hundreds of Chicago locals” to work as extras on the film. The casting call will be open to everyone – of all ethnicities – aged 16 and older.

Those coming out for the casting call are advised to wear any Chicago Blackhawks gear (official NHL licensed jerseys, T-shirts, hats, sweaters, foam fingers, etc.). A photo will be taken in your fan attire. Here is the information you need for the casting call:

When: Saturday, May 22, 2010 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Chicago Academy For the Arts, 1010 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60642

Jon Kinnas is the owner of Chicago-based Atmosphere Casting. He has cast extras for feature films, television shows, national commercials and music videos. Some of his casting credits include “Eagle Eye,” “The Informant!,” “The Beast,” “Leverage” and “CSI: NY”.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com

Report: ‘Transformers 3’ Director Michael Bay Sets Up Chicago Office; Film is Now Casting Extras

HollywoodChicago.com — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 22:00:19 -0400

CHICAGO – “Transformers 3” director Michael Bay has set up shop in Chicago at Chicago Studio City to audition local actors and actresses, according to a new report on Tuesday from a site that regularly publishes casting information. The film is currently in pre-production.

The site says that “Transformers 3” is casting extras in Chicago. The film is also casting extras and principal actors in Los Angeles. More information about the Chicago casting call is below.

“Transformers,” “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” and “Transformers 3” director Michael Bay.
Image credit: Before the Trailer

With “Transformers” (2007) raking in $709 million in worldwide box-office receipts and the sequel “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” (2009) eclipsing it with $836 million globally, director Michael Bay and stars Megan Fox and Shia LaBeouf are hoping that “Transformers 3” will be yet another cash cow.

“Transformers 3” stars Megan Fox, Shia LaBeouf, John Malkovich, Ken Jeong, Frances McDormand, Tyrese Gibson and James Avery. The film is directed by Michael Bay and written by Ehren Kruger. Chicago Studio City, which is located at 5660 W. Taylor St. in Chicago, lists the following credits.

Chicago Studio City has been the catalyst for all [of] the episodic television shows shot in Chicago starting with “Chicago Story” (MGM) in the early 1980s and up to the “The Beast” (Sony) [more] recently.

In between, we serviced “The Untouchables” (Paramount Pictures), “Cupid” (Sony TV), “Early Edition” (Sony TV) and “Prison Break” (Fox TV) along with movies [including] “Wanted” (Universal with Angelina Jolie), “Express” (Universal with Dennis Quaid), “Public Enemies” (Universal Pictures with Johnny Depp), “Unborn” (Mandate Films with Gary Oldman) and “Grudge II” (Mandate Films).

Megan Fox and Shia LaBeouf in “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen”.
Image credit: Jaimie Trueblood

Chicago Casting Call For “Transformers 3”

Pre-shoots start in April 2010. The filming locations are set for Los Angeles, Chicago, Florida, Texas, Africa, Moscow, China and Washington, D.C. Principal photography will run from May 1, 2010 through July 1, 2010. The release date for the film is currently set at July 1, 2011.

In Chicago, the extras casting director for “Transformers 3” is seeking Ukrainian men and women aged 20 to 80. While you don’t have to be Ukrainian, you must look Ukrainian.

If you’re a Ukrainian or Ukrainian-looking man, you need to be 5’10” to 6′1″ with a clothing size of 38 regular to 44 regular. You need to know how to handle a gun and must include a note in your submission stating that you do.

If you fit this description, e-mail a recent, non-professional color photo to jpextras@gmail.com. In the subject line, include “Ukrainian”. You must also include your phone number, name, mailing address and all your clothing sizes, shoe sizes and hat sizes.

You can also mail your submission to Joan Philo Casting at P.O. Box 13084, Chicago, IL 60613. If you’re mailing your submission, fill out and send in an extras registration form. You can download the “Transformers 3” extras registration form here.

Do not respond unless you are Ukrainian or Ukrainian looking. Do not send any headshots or comp cards. Do not refer to a link to look at your photos. These photos must be e-mailed as an attachment. More information about the Los Angeles casting call for “Transformers 3” is here.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Editor-in-Chief/Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com