We speak of a cast call for extras by Southern Hollywood Events, a film production team that is working with the makers of “42,” a new feature-length movie about the life story of major league baseball legend Jackie Robinson. Much of the movie is being filmed in Historic Engel Stadium in Chattanooga and a lot of extras are needed each day for the stadium scenes.
Last week, Southern Hollywood Events laid out the welcome mat to Cleveland and Bradley County residents to come on out, join in the fun and take a stab at serving as one of the lucky extras.
Those who are interested in trying to be selected are reminded that filming started Monday, but it will continue for several days more so there’s still time to get involved. But, “extra wannabes” must do some homework by dressing for the occasion.
It’s not as simple as showing up in cutoff blue jeans, tank tops and flip-flops. Extras must dress for the occasion based on 1940s style. Film producers issued a few reminders that we published last week, but are repeating today for the benefit of those who still want to get in on the action.
First, all would-be extras must register online at www.beinthemovie42.com. Spots are limited because the film needs less than 500 extras each day. But filming is taking place several more days in addition to Monday and today. Filming also will take place at the Chattanooga stadium Thursday, May 24, and Friday, May 25, as well as Tuesday, May 29 through Friday, June 1, and again on Monday, June 4 through Wednesday, June 6.
Second, extras must make full effort to dress in 1940s attire. According to SHE founder Jessica Brown, this includes wearing contact lenses for those who wear eyeglasses. That’s because modern-day frames differ from styles more than half-a-century ago.
For males, this unique attire means more business dress than is typical at a modern ballgame. For females, it means a simple dress or skirt suit. Remember what we said about cutoffs, tanks and flip-flops. That won’t fly for a movie about the ‘40s.
The “42” website on extra casting specifies, “The main idea of 1940s fashion is that both men and women always looked dressed up; you didn’t see much in casual clothing as compared to today.”
And for you ladies, go easy on the the makeup. The women of the ‘40s didn’t wear a lot of face paint. However, pack plenty of red lipstick. It was popular.
For those whose hearts are yearning for Hollywood stardom, even if for just a few seconds, don’t despair over the clothing issues. Here’s a tip. Go to the website and check out the complete guidelines for some visual inspiration. The site can be accessed at http://www.beinthemovie42.com/what-to-wear.html. This should be especially helpful to those with visions of those 15 fleeting seconds of fame.
Besides, it sounds like some fun.
Each filming day will include free food, prizes, free food, contests and free food. One contest will feature the most authentic 1940s attire. A male and female winner will be chosen in each contest each day. Photos will even be posted on the SHE Facebook page of all the extras who are used. The prize is a featured extra role in the movie. And did we mention free food each day?
Vacation trips to Jamaica and Cancun, along with iPads and TVs, will be included in drawings during the events. Also included will be a contest for singing the National Anthem. And, every 42nd person to enter the stadium will receive a special behind-the-scenes tour of the filming process.
And don’t forget about the free food.
It sounds like a fun time.
For anyone straddling the fence between “yes, no and maybe,” just consider it a critical step in overcoming one’s shyness. Besides, you might even meet the film’s stars — Harrison Ford, Christopher Meloni (“Law and Order: SVU”) or Chadwick Boseman (Jackie Robinson).
And then, there is that free food.
