Films Currently Shooting
(WARNING: Most casting directors request that all contact be made only by mail or email. Do not phone or visit their offices unless specifically instructed to do so.)
The Alan Chan Band, about a 40-ish comedian who decides to become a rock star, began filming Oct. 16 and has extended its original January wrap date to sometime in March. The film is an improvisational project in the style of "Curb Your Enthusiasm." Chan (Nick at Nite's "Hi-Jinks") also stars. He is especially seeking actors (male and female) who play bass guitar and flute. Principals: "The ACB" (c/o Alan Chan Productions, 481 Eighth Ave., Ste. 1710, NYC 10001) or rialchen@aol.com. Background: Not casting at this time.
Across the Universe, the new title for the Julie Taymor musical project, continues filming here through Jan. 12. Jim Sturgess, Joe Anderson, Dana Fuchs, and Martin Luther join already-announced cast members Evan Rachel Wood and T.V. Carpio. Although previously referred to as a "Beatles musical," the film has an original story and production reps want to make clear that this is not a Beatles biopic. Principals: Bernard Telsey Casting (145 West 28th St., Ste. 12F, NYC 10001). Background: Grant Wilfley Casting (123 West 18th St., 8th floor, NYC 10011).
Beautiful Ohio shoots Oct. 5-Nov. 8, with Chad Lowe reportedly directing William Hurt. Principals: No further casting. Background: Amerifilm (195 Chrystie St., Ste. 502G, NYC 10002).
Brooklyn Boyz, from director Joseph Johnson, a leader of a drug gang falls for a young woman and attempts to escape his past. The drama began filming Aug. 15 and concludes Nov. 1. The cast includes Allen Coye, Shafee Wilson, the singularly named Loon, Nicole Ray, G. Dep, and Reiney Smith. Principals: No further casting. Background: rocwes95@yahoo.com or traygobin@yahoo.com.
The Devil Wears Prada stars Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, and is directed by David Frankel ("Band of Brothers"). Based on the novel by Lauren Weisberger, the story follows a young woman who goes to work for a powerful editor. Filming continues through the end of November. Principals: No further casting. Background: Barbara McNamara Casting (150 West 28th St., Ste. 1601, NYC 10001 or prada@barbmcasting.com).
The Good Shepherd is headlined by Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie, and Robert De Niro who also directs. It's based on the life of James Jesus Angleton, one of the early leaders of the CIA. The supporting cast includes William Hurt, John Turturro, Billy Crudup, Tammy Blanchard, Michael Gambon, Alec Baldwin, Timothy Hutton, Keir Dullea, Eddie Redmayne, Lee Pace, and Gabriel Macht. Filming continues in New York through Dec. 1 and then moves to the Dominican Republic and Great Britain. Principals: Amanda Mackey Johnson, Cathy Sandrich Gelfond, and Sig De Miguel (180 Grand St., 3rd floor, NYC 10013). Background: Grant Wilfley Casting (123 West 18th St., 8th floor, NYC 10011).
Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (English title: Never Say Goodbye), a Bollywood project, continues lensing here through Dec. 14. The last parts of the project will film in Bombay. Seventy percent of the dialogue is in English. Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukherjee, and Preity Zinta. Principals: No further casting. Background: Extras Casting by Booked (295 Greenwich St., #513, NYC 10007) or kank@dillywood.com.
Margaret, from writer-director Kenneth Lonergan ("You Can Count on Me"), concerns a bus accident is witnessed by a 17-year-old girl. Cast: Anna Paquin, Matt Damon, Mark Ruffalo, J. Smith-Cameron, and Jeannie Berlin. The shoot began Sept. 12 and continues through Nov. 18. Principals: No further casting. Background: Sylvia Fay/Lee Genick & Associates Casting (71 Park Ave., NYC 10016).
Quid Pro Quo is a comedy about a semi-paralyzed radio reporter on an investigative assignment. Vera Farmiga, Nick Stahl, Kate Burton, Aimee Mullins, and James Frain head the cast. Carlos Brooks directs, Oct. 3-27. Principals: No further casting. Background: Amerifilm Casting (195 Chrystie St., Ste. 502G, NYC 10002).
September began filming Oct. 17 and wraps Nov. 15. Paramount's drama is about two Port Authority officers trapped in the rubble of the World Trade Center. Oliver Stone ("Alexander") directs. Cast: Maria Bello, Nicolas Cage, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Michael Pena. Principals: No further casting. Background: Grant Wilfley Casting (123 West 18th St., 8th floor, NYC 10011).
Spinning Into Butter stars Sarah Jessica Parker, Beau Bridges, Miranda Richardson, Mykelti Williamson, James Rebhorn, Peter Friedman, Victor Rasuk, and Paul James. Theatrical director Mark Brokaw will make his film directing debut with this drama, based on the successful play by Rebecca Gilman about political correctness and hate crimes on a college campus. Shooting began Oct. 12 and will continue for six weeks. Principals: No further casting. Background: Kee Casting (P.O. Box 3170, Guttenberg, NJ 07093).
The Underdog centers on a young man facing a formidable rival for his girlfriend's attention: her new dog. Director Marcel Sarmiento's comedy is now set to film Oct. 13-Nov. 11. Principals: No further casting. Background: Underdog LLC (257 West 52nd St., 2nd floor, NYC 10019).
Super Ex-Girlfriend features a guy who dumps his superheroine sweetheart, who then proceeds to make his life miserable. Luke Wilson, Uma Thurman, Eddie Izzard, and Anna Faris star in the comedy from director Ivan Reitman ("Six Days Seven Nights"). Shooting began Oct. 14 and continues through January. Principals: No further casting. Background: Amerifilm (195 Chrystie St., Ste. 502G, NYC 10002).
Upcoming Films
The Grasslands stars Ed Lauter, James Madio, Ray Elson, and Foster Lee and is to be directed by Chris Raffaele. Set in the Bronx, the film is a love story centered on a murder. The start date will probably be sometime in November. Principals and background: Mellicent Dyane (c/o 4/10 of a Mile Productions, 1934 Williamsbridge Rd., Bronx, NY 10461).
Gratuitous Violence, directed by Ray Daly Jr., is a suspense drama set in the entertainment industry. It's now set to commence filming in February or March in Manhattan, Queens, and Long Island. Principals and background: Fighting Irish Productions (251 East 51st St., #6H, NYC 10022) or RayDalyJR@aol.com.
Ira and Abby is a romantic comedy starring Jennifer Westfeldt and Chris Messina, helmed by Robert Cary ("Anything but Love"). Westfeldt also wrote the film, which is set to shoot in and around Manhattan from early November to mid-December. Principals: Bernard Telsey Casting (145 W. 28th St., 12th fl., NYC 10001). Background: No information available.
Ten February is now the projected start date for director Bobby Guions' feature about a government agent who is kidnapped, thrown into a room, and forced to fight for his life. Cast: Morgan Benoit, Kate Kenney, Eric Blaze, Jason Veil, Quentin Jordan, John Bertrand, and Craig Pleug. Filming is in Newark. Principals and background: BG Films (33 Myrtle Ave., Irvington, NJ 07111).
Three Chords and the Truth, from director Solon Quinn, deals with race and gender issues. It starts in mid-November and continues into December. Principals and background: Youl ah Kim (315 Green Valley Rd., Staten Island, NY 10312) or cvfilms@hotmail.com.
TV Series Shoots
The Bedford Diaries: The hour-long WB series began filming Aug. 10 and continues through Dec. 23. Principals: Alexa Fogel (330 West 38th St., Ste. 906, NYC 10018). Background: Sylvia Fay/Lee Genick Casting (71 Park Ave., NYC 10016).
The Book of Daniel: The new NBC clergy drama began Sept. 8; no wrap date is set. Principals: Julie Tucker (c/o Apostle Films, 568 Broadway, Ste. 301, NYC 10012). Background: Grant Wilfley Casting (123 West 18th St., 8th floor, NYC 10011).
Hope & Faith: The season continues through Feb. 24. Principals: James Calleri Casting (416 West 42nd St., NYC 10036). Background: Kee Casting (425 Park Ave. South, Suite 3C, NYC 10016).
Law & Order: Shooting for next season proceeds through April 1. Principals: Lynn Kressel Casting (Pier 62, Room 304, West 23rd Street and Hudson River, NYC 10011). Background: Grant Wilfley Casting (123 West 18th St., 8th floor, NYC 10011).
Law & Order: Criminal Intent: Shoots through April 1. Principals: Lynn Kressel Casting (Pier 62, Room 304, West 23rd Street and Hudson River, NYC 10011). Background: Grant Wilfley Casting (123 West 18th St., 8th floor, NYC 10011).
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Shoots through May 30. Principals: Lynn Kressel Casting (Pier 62, Room 304, West 23rd Street and Hudson River, NYC 10011). Background: Grant Wilfley Casting (71 Park Ave., NYC 10016).
The Sopranos: Production proceeds through mid-November. Principals: Walken/Jaffe Casting (729 Seventh Ave., Ste. 14A, NYC 10019). Background: Grant Wilfley Casting (see above).
Daytime Drama
(Note: The casting directors of these New York-based daytime dramas stress that you should not make unsolicited visits or calls to their offices.)
All My Children (ABC): Judy Blye Wilson (casting director), Robert Lambert (associate, under-fives and background), 320 West 66th St., NYC 10023. Send headshots, resumes, postcards.
As the World Turns (CBS): Mary Clay Boland (principals), LaMont Craig (under-fives), Kate Martineau (background), 1268 East 14th St., Brooklyn, NY 11230. Send headshots and resumes.
Guiding Light (CBS): Rob Decina (casting director), Darlene Failla (associate casting director), 222 East 44th St., NYC 10017. Accepts postcards and showcase invitations.
One Life to Live (ABC): Julie Madison (casting director), Victoria Visgilio (associate), Sheryl Baker-Fisher (assistant), 157 Columbus Ave., 2nd floor, NYC 10023. Send headshots and resumes or postcards only.