The Sony Pictures Classics major motion picture “Mud” is gearing up for production in central and south Arkansas this fall, 2011. The film’s casting directors in Los Angeles and Arkansas are conducting a talent search seeking a teen boy for a starring role and a teen female for a supporting role. There will also be about 400 actors, extras and stand-ins for the film’s actors hired locally in Arkansas. “Mud” stars Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon.
Austin, TX filmmaker Jeff Nichols will direct “Mud” from an original screenplay that he wrote himself. He recently directed a film titled “Take Shelter” starring Jessica Chastain, Samantha LaForche and Michael Shannon. That film captivated audiences at the Sundance and Cannes film festivals earlier this year, and was snapped up sight unseen by Sony Pictures Classics. It is widely accepted as a serious Academy Award contender. “Take Shelter” is scheduled for release in October, 2011.
Everest Entertainment is financing “Mud” with Lisa Maria Falcone producing alongside Sarah Green of Sarah Green Film Group, for and Aaron Ryder for FilmNation Entertainment. Sarah Green Film Group also executive produced “Take Shelter”. Lisa Marie Falcone stated, “Jeff Nichols has written a beautiful story with rich characters learning valuable lessons through life-changing circumstances. With Jeff’s vision, this will be a work of art”.
Here is what the principal actor casting directors are seeking:
• Caucasian boy, 13-17 years old, for the role of “Neckbone”. Should be comfortable in boats and water. It would also help if the actor knows how to hunt, fish and ride a motorcycle. Lead Role.
• Caucasian girl, 15-17 years old, for the role of “May Pearl”. A small town girl with natural beauty. Supporting Role.
To be considered for one of these roles, download the following form and fill it out. Print “Mud Principal Actor Casting” at the top of the form.
Send the form along with a recent non-returnable color photo to the following:
“Mud” Extras Casting
c/o The Agency, Inc.
802 West 8th Street
Little Rock, AR 72201.
If you are in the Southern California area, send a headshot and resume to the following:
Francine Maisler
“Mud” Casting
10202 W. Washington Blvd.
Poitier Bldg., Ste. 3200
Culver City, CA 90232
In addition to the two roles mentioned above, the production will be needing hundreds of extras, photo doubles, stand-ins. All ages and types are needed including children. To attend an open casting call, go to the site below and fill out the extras registration form:
An open call will be announced within a few days. It is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, August 14th, 2011 with a Little Rock, Arkansas location.
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.
Los Angeles:
Francine Maisler
“Mud” Casting
10202 W. Washington Blvd.
Poitier Building
Suite 3200
Culver City, CA 90232
Arkansas:
“Mud” Casting
c/o The Agency, Inc.
802 West 8th Street
Little Rock, AR 72201.
Extras Casting
Arkansas:
“Mud” Extras Casting
c/o The Agency, Inc.
802 West 8th Street
Little Rock, AR 72201.
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.
FilmNation Entertainment
345 N. Maple Drive
Suite 202
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Sarah Green Film Group
451 Greenwich Street
7th Floor
New York, NY 10013
Everest Entertainment
450 Park Avenue
31st Floor
New York, NY 10022
Sony Pictures Classics
550 Madison Ave
8th Floor
New York, NY 10022
Producers:
Aaron Ryder
Sarah Green
Writer/Director:
Jeff Nichols
Starring:
Matthew McConaughey – Mud
Reese Witherspoon – Juniper
Tye Sheridan – Ellis
Story:
A coming-of-age story will center on two 14-year-boys named Neckbone (To Be Cast) and Ellis (Tye Sheriton) who come across an adult fugitive of the law, the titular Mud (Matthew McConaughey) and must help him escape off an island in the Mississippi so he can reunite with his soul mate Juniper (Reese Witherspoon). The ambiguity of the story lies with Mud, who is both an unsavory and a redemptive character and who teaches the boys as much as he learns from them. The riverside setting and coming-of-age motif will inevitably draw comparisons to Huckleberry Finn, though the film will be set in the contemporary world.