Hundreds of extras still needed for Jackie Robinson movie

Friday, April 27, 2012

photo With an old-fashioned scoreboard and walls that will be used as a "green screen," work continues Thursday as crews prepare Engel Stadium for the filming of the movie "42" this summer. Another open casting call for movie extras will be held this Saturday at the Eastgate Town Center from 11 a.m until 4 p.m.

IF YOU GO• What: Casting for actors 18 and older to appear in movie "42"• Where: Eastgate Town Center• When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday• More info: The casting agency will hold a costume contest, and winners automatically will be hired; those with headshots should bring them.

A casting agency with the Jackie Robinson biopic "42" is seeking local extras to appear in the movie and will hold another open casting call Saturday.

Even after a well-attended audition a few weeks ago, the movie, which stars Harrison Ford, still needs up to 1,000 actors, said Cecilia Davidson-Farkas, a spokeswoman with Catrett Locke Casting.

"We need a lot - many, many hundreds more," she said.

Those who auditioned previously do not have to attend Saturday's casting call, she said.

The extras will be used in various locations around Chattanooga, including Engel Stadium for five weeks starting next month, she said. The movie needs so many extras because the director must fill the stadium and often can't use the same extras on a set when filming scenes for different parts in the film, she said

Acting hopefuls are encouraged but not required to come in their best 1940s clothes, makeup and hairstyles. Don't wear brown, she said.

Women should wear dresses, tailored skirts and blouses, oxford shoes, pumps and small vintage hats if they have them.

Men should wear dress pants, short-sleeve button shirts, suspenders, sport coats, dress shoes and fedoras.

Bring clothing sizes, such as height, waist, inseam and shoe size.

Besides the lure of being on the big screen, extras are paid $8 an hour and will get a peek behind the scenes of a movie set.

"It's sort of like a backstage pass for free," Davidson-Farkas said, adding that some will get to be on set with Ford.

Those interested in being in the movie also can sign up online at www.beinthemovie42.com, but those slots are not just for Chattanooga but also for Birmingham or Macon, Ga., where other scenes in the film will be shot.

These extra slots do not pay but those selected will get free food and drinks and the chance to win vacation trips, iPads and featured extra roles, movie officials said.

Contact staff writer Steve Hardy at 423-757-6476 or shardy@timesfreepress.com.