One of the biggest film studios in the world is set to use Falmouth, Cornwall, as a key location for a multi-million pound zombie thriller being filmed this summer. The Paramount Pictures production World War Z will be partially shot onboard a ship from August 2nd to August 12th. In advance of the filming Paramount has issued an urgent call for extras, with casting taking place this Saturday (July 16th) and Sunday (July 17th) from 10am until 5pm in the gymnasium at Truro School.
For the Falmouth-based scenes around five hundred extras are needed. The casting sessions are free to attend and are open to those aged 16 and over. A casting for children is set to be held at a later date. The roles will be paid for and those involved may be asked to have their hair cut short. The casting unit is particularly interested in those from the forces, fire brigade and RNLI and a number of film crew support staff may also be required. Anyone wishing to take part can also upload their details to www.maddogcasting.com.
Falmouth's Town Manager Richard Gates has been in ongoing discussions with Paramount Pictures. Location and Casting crews and is co-ordinating the necessary logistical and support requirements within the town. Some of the filming will take place during Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week (6th- 14th August) so extra preparatory measures for the event are being made with signage and road diversion information rolling out shortly.
Richard says, “This is a major coup for Falmouth and we're pulling out all the stops to prepare for the influx of over 600 crew and cast. We've been working closely behind the scenes with Paramount Pictures and are working hard with regards to the necessary planning and permissions. With Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week taking place at the same time, there is going to be an almighty buzz around the town.”
Jeff Taylor, Casting Agent for Paramount Pictures, says “We are very excited to be coming to Falmouth as it's a fantastic place with some unique assets that we can make the most of for the film. I'm incredibly grateful to Falmouth for helping us make it all happen and would encourage as many people as possible to come along to the casting session in Truro this weekend.”
Richard Wilcox, Falmouth Business Improvement District (BID) Manager adds: “This is such huge news for Falmouth and is set to boost the town.s profile and economy. It's not every day that a big Hollywood movie rolls into town, with so many exciting temporary jobs, so we're delighted to have been selected as a location and this situation illustrates the potential for similar future endeavours. I'm sure plenty of local people will be keen to get involved.”
Further info:
www.falmouth.co.uk – official destination website for Falmouth Regular online exclusive updates will be given via:
Facebook - 'Falmouth – spirit of the sea' – official Falmouth Facebook page
Twitter - @FalmouthBID – official Falmouth BID Twitter page
July 2011