Open casting call announced for 'Heartland' starring Dennis Quaid and Heather Graham

"Heartland" is casting children through seniors as actors and extras.

AB Media Publishing, LLC

Casting directors for the independent feature film "Heartland" are holding an open casting call in DeKalb, Illinois on Sunday September 18, 2011. They are seeking local talent for small speaking roles, extras, and stand-ins for the film's stars. All ages and types are needed, no experience is necessary. Shooting is taking place in the DeKalb area which is approximately 60 miles east of Chicago.

The film has a fantastic cast that includes Dennis Quaid, Heather Graham, Zac Efron, and Kim Dickens. The main starring roles are being cast out of New York by casting director Douglas Aibel. For 20 years he has been the artistic director of the Vineyard Theater, a small downtown New York company known for producing world premieres of plays. The smaller speaking roles are being hired by Casting Society of America member Jennifer Rudnicke of Paskal Rudnicke Casting in Chicago. Extras are being cast by Erin Stewart of Chicago's Atmosphere Casting.

Independent Spirit Award winning Ramin Bahrani will direct "Heartland" from a screenplay that he wrote with Hallie Elizabeth Newton. Bahrani's 2007 film "Chop Shop" was named as the 6th best film of the decade by film critic Roger Ebert, who also hailed Bahrani as "the director of the decade". His first feature film in 2005, "Man Push Cart," premiered at the Venice Film Festival and screened at the Sundance Film Festival. The film won over ten international prizes, was released theatrically around the world, and was nominated for three Independent Spirit Awards.

Open Casting Call Details

Where:

The Egyptian Theatre
135 North 2nd Street
DeKalb, IL 60115-3203
Click Here for directions.

When:

Sunday, September 18, 2011
2:00pm - 6:00pm

The following types are being cast:

One-line speaking roles

• Young men ages 18 to 28.
• Males and Females ages 30s to 70s.
• Married couple, ages 50s to 70s.

Featured extras (non-speaking roles)

• Young men ages 14 to 28.
• Males and Females ages 30s to 70s.

Church background extras (non-speaking roles)

• All ages welcome.
• Congregation needed for scripted church scene.

Sycamore Speedway extras (non-speaking roles)

• All ages and types. Typical auto racing fans.

• Although not required, it's always a good idea to bring a pen or pencil and be prepared to fill out a form with your clothing sizes, physical stats, and contact information.

If you are unable to attend this open casting call, you can submit a recent color snapshot or headshot/resume and the following information:

• Name, phone number, e-mail address, age, ethnicity, hair color, eye color, height, weight.

• Women also include your: dress and shoe size, bust/waist/hip measurements.

• Men include your: Coat/suit, shoe, shirt (neck/sleeve), and pants (waist/inseam) sizes.

• If submitting via email, attach your photo - jpg format only, no files larger than 1MB.

Submit to:

"Untitled Ramin Bahrani Project"
c/o Atmosphere Casting
PO Box 802629
Chicago, IL 60680-2629

or

farmfilmextras@gmail.com

If you have a child (under the age of 16) and would like him/her to be considered for work on 'Heartland', please register them via email: farmfilmextras@gmail.com.

Include name, phone number, e-mail address, age and date of birth, ethnicity, hair color, eye color, height, weight, your child's clothing sizes and attach a recent photo (jpg format only, no files larger than 1MB). The photo does not have to be professional, it can be a color snapshot.

Your child will also need a valid Illinois Department of Labor Employment Certificate, also known as a "work permit". The paperwork needed to obtain a child work permit is available in the 2011 Chicago Actors Resource Guide eBook. The following is included:

• USA Child Actor Work Permit Requirements
• Illinois Child Labor Laws Information Sheet
• Illinois Child Employment Certificate Application
• Illinois Teenage Employment Certificate Application
• Illinois Night Hours Waiver Certificate Application
• Illinois Parent/Guardian Approval Form
• Illinois Child Statement of Physical Fitness
• Illinois Child Labor Complaint Form

Note: This "Untitled Ramin Bahrani Film" has been using the working title of "Heartland". A working title is the temporary name of a film used during its development. Working titles are used primarily for two reasons - the first being that an official title has not yet been decided upon and the working title is being used as a filler for naming purposes, the second being to intentionally disguise the production of a high profile film. In some cases a working title may ultimately be used as the official title. This "title ruse" is now a very common practice by which these high-profile films or television series is given a fake working title to keep its production a secret, and to prevent price gouging by suppliers, casual theft and undesirable attention. It this case, it is unknown if the film will be titled "Heartland" or will have a different title to be named at a later date.

Filming will continue through mid-late October, 2011 in DeKalb. "Heartland" is due to be released in theaters sometime in 2012.

Principal Actor Casting

See the post titled Headshot and Resume Information regarding how to submit for acting roles.

Please submit photos and resumes by mail only.
No phone calls or personal drop-offs.

New York:

Douglas Aibel
"Heartland" Casting
c/o Vineyard Theatre
180 E. 15th St.
New York, NY 10003

Chicago, IL:

Jennifer Rudnicke
"Heartland" Principal Actors
c/o Paskal Rudnicke Casting
10 W. Hubbard Suite 2-N
Chicago , IL 60610

Extras Casting:

Illinois:

Erin Stewart
"Heartland" Extras
Atmosphere Casting
P.O. Box 802629
Chicago, IL 60680-2629

Production Companies:

Do NOT send photos and resumes to the production companies, as they will most likely end up being thrown away. They do not cast the films, rather they hire casting directors who sort through the thousands of submissions.

"Heartland" Production Office
1600 E. Lincoln Hwy
Dekalb, IL 60115

Bankside Films
3 Richmond Buildings
4th Floor
London W1D 3HE
UK

Black Bear Pictures
185 Franklin St
4th Floor
New York, NY 10013

Killer Films
18 E. 16th Street
4th Floor
New York, NY 10003

Benaroya Pictures
311 N. Robertson Blvd.
Suite 686
Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Producers:

Christine Vachon
Pam Koffler
Michael Benaroya
Justin Nappi
Brian Young
Andrew Levitas
Phil Hunt
Rose Ganguzza
Moe Al Turki
Ron Curtis

Writer/Director:

Ramin Bahrani

Starring:

Dennis Quaid - Henry Whipple
Heather Graham - Meredith Crown
Zac Efron - Dean Whipple
Kim Dickens - Irene Whipple
Maika Monroe - Cadence Farrow

Story:

The story is about Henry Whipple (Dennis Quaid) an ambitious farmer with 3,700 acres and is a salesman for Liberty Seed Company. Whipple wants to expand his empire but gets caught up in the genetically modified foods debate with a company called AgriWarrior, and has a rivalry with Liberty Seeds top sales team of Jim Johnson and Sons. Zac Efron plays Dean Whipple, his rebellious son who would rather be a race car driver. Heather Graham plays Meredith Crown, who is having an affair with Henry behind his devoted wife's (Kim Dickens) back. Newcomer Maika Monroe will play Zac Efron’s girlfriend named Cadence Farrow.

Updated 'The Voice' Season 2 open casting calls and video submission information

Click on the above banner to download the full-size "The Voice" Season 2 flyer.

Print it out and pass it along to help spread the news!

Note regarding San Francisco auditions: The location has been changed for the auditions in San Fransisco on August 23, 2010. Here is the new venue:

South San Francisco Conference Center
255 South Airport Boulevard
S San Francisco, CA 94080
Click Here for directions.

The mega hit NBC reality talent show "The Voice" is holding open casting calls and accepting audition video DVD's for season 2, which will begin production in mid-October, 2011. Auditions for season 2 of The Voice will be sweeping the nation beginning July 2011. Applicants must be willing to travel to Los Angeles, CA for up to one week in September/October, 2011 for the final selection process.

The Voice is a vocal competition series hosted by Carson Daly, and features four top world renowned musician coaches who want to coach only the most talented artists. The show's format features three stages of competition: the first begins with the "Blind Auditions", then the competition enters the "Battles", and finally, the "Live Shows". The winner receives $100,000 and a major record deal.

"The Voice" premiered on April 26, 2011 on the NBC and immediately became a huge hit, and has averaged almost 13 million viewers so far in season 1. In May, 2011 it was confirmed that the network had renewed the show for a second season. "The Voice" Season 2 will air Mondays at 8/7c on CBS this coming winter 2011/2012. NBC will broadcast a special hour-long episode of "The Voice" following the network’s exclusive coverage of Super Bowl XLVI on Sunday, February 5, 2012.

"The Voice Season 2" casting producers are looking for solo artists and duos that perform all types of music: pop, rock, rhythm and blues, hip-hop, alternative, latin, country, blues, indie. They want to know your story and why you are The Voice.


How To Apply

• Create an Artist Account by clicking here. You will receive a registration number and once you've confirmed your e-mail address, you'll be able to customize your Artist Profile.

• Choose an audition city where an open casting call will be held. You will be assigned a specific date to audition in your selected city. Only come to the audition on this day.

• Print your artist audition pass. 48 hours before your audition day, you will receive your personal Artist Audition Pass. It will be e-mailed to you.

• You must print out your Artist Audition Pass and bring it to the open casting call along with a photo ID in order to audition.

Auditions

• Only attend your assigned audition day.

• Do not forget your printed Artist Audition Pass and your Photo ID.

• You may be asked to a callback so please plan accordingly.

Open Casting Call Cities and Dates

Chicago, IL: July 15th and 16th, 2011
Navy Pier, Festival Hall A
600 East Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60611
Click Here for directions.

New York, NY: July 22nd, 23rd, and 24th, 2011
Izod Center
50 State Route 120
East Rutherford, NJ 07073
Click Here for directions.

Nashville, TN: July 29th and 30th, 2011
Municipal Auditorium
417 Fourth Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37201
Click Here for directions.

Atlanta, GA: August 5th, 2011
Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart
240 Peachtree St. NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Click Here for directions.

Orlando, FL: August 11th, 2011
Loews Royal Pacific Resort
6300 Hollywood Way
Orlando, Florida, 32819
Click Here for directions.

Houston, TX: August 17th, 2011
Reliant Center – 2nd Floor
One Reliant Park (McNee entrance off Kirby Drive)
Houston, TX 77054
Click Here for directions.

San Fransisco, CA: August 23, 2011
South San Francisco Conference Center
255 South Airport Boulevard
S San Francisco, CA 94080
Click Here for directions.

Los Angeles, CA: August 30th and 31st, 2011
LA Forum
3900 West Manchester Blvd.
Inglewood, CA 90305
Click Here for directions.

Please plan to be at the audition all day. It is suggested to bring snacks and water.

To audition, you must be a United States resident and be 16 years of age or older.

Click here for "The Voice Season 2" eligibility requirements.

If you are unable to attend one of the open casting calls for "The Voice Season 2," you can submit a audition video DVD via postal mail. You only need to make an audition DVD if you can't attend one of the open casting calls and are submitting through the mail.

How To Apply Via Postal Mail

• Complete and sign the application and release form (coming soon).

• Perform two songs and tell us about yourself. Be creative.

• DVD must be no longer then 5 minutes in length.

• DVD must be labeled clearly with your name, phone number and registration number.

• The registration number must be obtained when you create an Artist Account.

• You need to create an Artist Account before sending a video submission.

• Click Here to create an artist account.

• Include a still photo of yourself.

Mail the DVD, Photo, application and release form to:

The Voice Season 2 Casting
3000 Olympic Blvd.
Building 4
Suite 2372
Santa Monica, CA 90404

Adding a video link in your Artist Account profile will NOT count as a video submission. The only way to submit an Official Video Submission is to follow these guidelines and mail in a DVD. Only make a video if you cannot attend an open call.

Deadline for DVD submission are Friday, August 26th, 2011 by 12:00am PST.

If you have any questions send an email to info@thevoicecasting.com or call 1-855-404-SING (7464).

20th Century Fox open casting call for NBC series 'The Playboy Club'

*** "The Playboy Club" has been cancelled ***

The show premiered to a only 5 million viewers on September 219, 2011 and then plummeted to a mere 3.8 million the following week. It's a bummer because I personally loved the show. I think it was a huge mistage airing on the same night as Dancing With The Stars.

_____________________________________________________

"The Playboy Club" will air Mondays 10/9c starting September 19, 2011.

AB Media Publishing, LLC

The new NBC historical fiction television series "The Playboy Club" is now in production in Chicago, and an open casting call will be held on August 20, 2011 for people interested in working as a background artists on the show. The series regulars and larger guest starring roles are cast in Los Angeles and New York, while smaller speaking roles and extras are cast in Chicago.

Academy Award winning Brian Grazer is producing with Francie Calfo and Robin Gurney under the banner of Imagine Entertainment. Chad Hodge wrote the script and is also co-producing. Primetime Emmy winner Alan Taylor directed "The Playboy Club" pilot episode. Taylor's television directing credits include "The West Wing," "Six Feet Under," "Sex and the City," "Lost," "The Sopranos," "Mad Men," and "Boardwalk Empire".

The cast includes the amazingly beautiful and talented Amber Heard as Playboy Bunny Maureen. Heard recently starred opposite Johnny Depp in the feature film "The Rum Diary," and also starred with Twilight's Kellan Lutz in the film "Syrup". Jeff Hephner was originally cast as the series male lead before being replace by Eddie Cibrian for the role of Nick Dalton before shooting on the pilot episode began.

Development on "The Playboy Club" began back in 2009. Originally the series was called "Bunny Tales" before being changed to "Playboy" and finally the current title. The series is a co-production by 20th Century Fox Television and Imagine Entertainment. NBC ordered the pilot in January 2011, its first drama pilot order for the 2011–2012 television season. NBC announced on May 12, 2011 that it had picked up the pilot as a series

Playboy founder Hugh Hefner has the authority to review scripts for the series but according to writer/producer Chad Hodge, Hef has been very hands-off. Hefner recorded a narration for the pilot it will not be used in future episodes. A younger version of Hefner will appear in the series but will only be seen from the back.

Open Casting Call Details

Here is what the extras casting director is seeking:

• Chicago area locals.
• Men and women, 18 - 80 years, any ethnicity.
• All types.
• Dress in early 1960’s attire - dark suits for men, dresses for women.
• Bring a pen.
• Be prepared to list all clothing sizes.
• This is fully paid work.
• Both AFTRA members and non-union people are welcome to attend.

Where:

Chicago Academy For the Arts
1010 West Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60642
Click Here for directions.

When:

Saturday August 20, 2011
11:00am - 3:00pm

If you are unable to attend the open casting call, local Chicago area people can register via either email or postal mail. If submitting by email attach a recent color photo (jpg format only, no files larger than 1MB), and put "The Playboy Club Extras Registration" in the subject line. If submitting by postal mail, send a 3-1/2" x 5" recent color snapshot.

Please include the following information:

• Name, phone number, e-mail address, age, ethnicity, hair color, eye color, height, weight.

• Women also include your: dress and shoe size, bust/waist/hip measurements.

• Men also include your: coat/suit, shoe, shirt (neck/sleeve), and pants (waist/inseam) sizes.

Note: This is for local Chicago area hires only. Transportation and accommodations to Chicago are not provided for extras.

Send to:

playboyextra@gmail.com

Joan Philo Casting
"The Playboy Club" Extras
3929 N Southport #2
Chicago, IL 60613


Principal Actor Casting

See the post titled Headshot and Resume Information regarding how to submit for acting roles.

Please submit photos and resumes by mail only.
No phone calls or personal drop-offs.

This show is under AFTRA contract. Actors please put your AFTRA membership number on your resume.

Los Angeles:

Scott Genkinger
100 Universal City Plaza
Bungalow 5165
Universal City, CA 91608

New York:

Jennifer McNamara Shroff
"Playboy" Casting
30 Rockefeller Plaza
Suite 1623E
New York, NY 10112

Chicago:

Jennifer Rudnicke
Mickie Paskal
"Playboy" Casting
10 W. Hubbard St
Floor 2E, Suite 2N
Chicago, IL 60610

Extras Casting

Chicago:

Joan Philo Casting
"The Playboy Club" Extras
3929 N Southport #2
Chicago, IL 60613

Production Companies:

Do NOT send photos and resumes to the production companies, as they will most likely end up being thrown away. They do not cast the films, rather they hire casting directors who sort through the thousands of submissions.

"The Playboy Club" Production Office
2558 W. 16th Street
Second Floor
Chicago, IL 60608

Imagine Television
9465 Wilshire Blvd.
7th Floor
Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Twentieth Century Fox Television
10201 W. Pico Blvd.
Building 103
Los Angeles, CA 90035

Producers:

Brian Grazer
Francie Calfo
Chad Hodge
Jason Burns
Dick Rosenzweig

Directors:

Alan Taylor
Lesli Linka Glatter

Note: Additional directors work various episodes. In television shows composed of individual episodes, the television director's role differs from that of a film director in that he or she may work only on some television episodes as opposed to the director of an entire film production. In episodic television productions, the major creative control resides with a producer of the show. The television producer with creative control is called the showrunner.

Starring:

Eddie Cibrian - Nick Dalton
Amber Heard Bunny Maureen
Leah Renee - Bunny Alice
Jenna Dewan - Bunny Janie
Naturi Naughton - Bunny Brenda
Laura Benanti - Bunny Mother Carol-Lynne
David Krumholtz - Billy Rosen
Troy Garity - John Bianchi
Wes Ramsey - Max
Dewan Tatum - Janie
Sean Maher - Sean

Story:

A provocative new drama about a time and place that challenged the social mores, where a visionary entrepreneur created an empire and an icon changed American culture. It’s the early ‘60s, and the legendary Playboy Club in Chicago is the door to all of your fantasies - and the key is the most sought-after status symbol of its kind. Inside the seductive world of the bunny, the epitome of beauty and service, the clientele rubs shoulders with the decade’s biggest mobsters, politicos and entertainers. Nick Dalton (Eddie Cibrian) is one of the city’s top attorneys and the ultimate playboy, rubbing elbows with everyone in the city's power structure. With mysterious ties to the mob, Nick comes to the aid of Maureen (Amber Heard), the stunning and innocent new bunny who accidentally kills the leader of the Bianchi crime family. Dating Nick is Carol-Lynne (Laura Benanti), a bombshell and established star at the club who knows her days as a bunny are numbered and finds herself continually at odds with Billy (David Krumholtz), the club's general manager. Adding to the charm of the Playboy club is Janie (Dewan Tatum), the carefree life of the party who is dating Max (Wes Ramsey), an overly protective bartender.

2011 NBC Universal 'Stand-Up for Diversity' comedy talent search

The dates and locations are now available for the 2011 NBC Universal “Stand-Up for Diversity” comedy search. Comedians of diverse backgrounds are welcome to attend the open auditions. Every year NBC Universal chooses several cities across the USA and holds both auditions and live showcases of the best diverse stand-up comedians in America. At the conclusion of the comedy talent search, a select group of comedians are flown to Los Angeles to perform for top industry players at NBC Universal and industry-wide.

The national search seeks to find the funniest comics of diverse backgrounds and will be holding open calls in four major U.S. markets. The most-promising stand-up comedians will be awarded a talent holding deal with NBC Universal, along with other opportunities to be announced later this year.

The highly anticipated talent search includes auditions in Seattle on August 7, Dallas August 21, and New York on September 18. The search will culminate in Los Angeles with a final industry showcase in early December. The promising event will present the entire industry with a first look at the nation’s freshest comedic talent as selected by NBC Universal.

Many of the comics from the NBC Universal Stand-Up for Diversity program have signed with top Hollywood agents, met with the entertainment industry's leading casting directors and executives, worked on NBC Universal TV shows and launched new career milestones.

A few of the NBC Universal Stand-Up for Diversity past participants include the following:

● Eric Andre - Recently cast in ABC's single-camera comedy pilot "Don't Trust the Bitch".

● Ian Edwards - Writing credits include "Saturday Night Live," "Chocolate News" and "The Boondocks".

● Brandon T. Jackson - Starred in hit films "Tropic Thunder" and "Percy Jackson & The Olympians". Recently cast as co-lead in CBS pilot "Film Fiend".

● Hannibal Buress - Currently a writer on NBC’s "30 Rock".

Open Auditions Details


Seattle, WA:

Seattle Comedy Underground at Swannies
109 S. Washington Street
Seattle, WA 98104
Click Here for directions.
comedyunderground.com

Auditions: Sunday August 7, 2011 - 10:00am to 1:00pm
Showcase: Monday August 8, 2011 - 8:00pm

Dallas, TX:

Addison Improv Comedy Club
4980 Beltline Road
Suite 250
Dallas, TX 75254
Click Here for directions.
www.symfonee.com

Auditions: Sunday August 21, 2011 - 10:00am to 1:00pm
Showcase: Monday August 22, 2011 - 8:0000pm

New York, NY:

Gotham Comedy Club
208 West 23rd Street
Between 7th and 8th Avenues
New York, NY 10011
Click Here for directions.
gothamcomedyclub.com

Auditions: Sunday September 18, 2011 - 10:00am to 1:00pm
Showcase: Monday September 19, 2011 - 8:00pm

The following applies to all open casting calls and live showcases:

Comics can be any age to audition for the Stand-Up for Diversity program, but be aware that most of the comedy clubs where the showcases take place are 21 and up only. You can contact the club for age restriction details. The first 100 comics will be seen so it is encouraged that to arrive early. Comics will have one minute at the initial audition. A handful will be invited back later that day to perform a longer set and the top comics will be selected to perform in the showcase the following evening. If selected to perform in the showcase, you must have five minutes of polished material.

Any questions regarding the program can be directed to the NBC Universal Stand-Up for Diversity program at: diversity@nbcuni.com