Casting Call Held In Baltimore For HBO Film 'Game Change'
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Hundreds of actors lined up for a chance to hit it big. HBO has once again chosen Baltimore to shoot its latest production, based on the 2008 campaign trail.
As Gigi Barnett reports, the movie needs thousands of extras.
This open casting call at Stevenson University could be the start of something big. HBO is looking for extras on a new film called "Game Change." It's based on the book that follows John McCain and Sarah Palin on the 2008 campaign trail.
With headshots in hand, hundreds of Hollywood hopefuls came calling.
"It is on my bucket list to have one speaking line in a movie," said Hope Gerecht.
Acting is a hobby for Hope Gerecht. She's been an extra in several series, but she's still waiting to see herself on the silver screen.
"My husband jokes about it. 'You've done all of these things and we've never seen you,'" she said.
It's why Nathaniel Fields goes to every casting call he can find.
"You're always searching, keeping your ears to the ground, hoping you'll find that break," said Fields. "You wouldn't be here if you didn't want something to come out of it."
There's no auditioning at this casting call but there will be many callbacks.
Dagmar Wittmer is the casting director. She says little to no experience is OK.
"They don't have to be actors. Sometimes, I even think people who are not actors have so much more fun. They show up, they have fun. They don't mind waiting," Wittmer said.
According to Maryland Film Office Director Jack Gerbis, production of "Game Change" is already underway.
Baltimore is fast becoming a favorite destination for big film projects. That means more future casting calls.
"When a show like this comes to Maryland, they employ hundreds of people. They do business with hundreds of Maryland businesses and the economic impact is huge," said Gerbis.
Thousands of extras are needed for this movie. This is the seventh time HBO has visited Baltimore to film.
Shooting on the production ends next month. Actors who didn't get a chance to go to Saturday's casting call can post their headshot online. Email gamechangeextras@gmail.com.
