REGION: Few show for casting call

Movie starring Katherine Heigl, Gerard Butler to film next month

By JOHN HALL - Staff Writer | Saturday, May 24, 2008 4:56 PM PDT ∞

TEMECULA ---- Few took advantage of the chance to be a movie extra at a casting call held Saturday in Temecula.

The production company for a movie titled "The Ugly Truth" is looking for extras for a scene at a balloon festival, something those in the Temecula Valley should be very familiar with.

Based on the small turnout Saturday, the word must not have gotten out.

Only 14 people came to the four-hour casting call at Embassy Suites and some of those just happened to be sitting in the hotel lobby at what could turn out to be a lucky time.

Monique Morris, 38, and Tamila Frierson, 34, both of Riverside, were surprised when casting call workers approached them and asked if they'd be interested in possibly being a movie extra.

"I've never tried anything like this before," Morris said. "It sounds like it could be exciting."

Morris and Frierson stayed the night at the hotel after attending the Teena Marie concert Friday night at the Pechanga Resort & Casino.

"It would be cool" if she were selected, Frierson said.

Laughing, she added that maybe this will be the first step in her path to "fame and glamour as a pop star."

If those who turned out ---- or were solicited ---- happen to be selected as extras, they will show up at a yet-to-be-announced film location on June 3 for at least an eight-hour day. About 20 of those extras will be picked to be at a second shoot on June 7.

According to the Internet Movie Database Web site, "The Ugly Truth" is expected to be released next year and stars Gerard Butler from the movie "300" and Katherine Heigl of "Grey's Anatomy" and "Knocked Up."

IMDB describes the movie's plot like this: "A romantically challenged morning show producer (Heigl) is reluctantly embroiled in a series of outrageous tests by her chauvinistic correspondent (Butler) to prove his theories on relationships and help her find love. His clever ploys, however, lead to an unexpected result."

But don't expect, as an extra, to get anywhere near those stars.

Extras are provided a sheet of what they can and can't do, which specifically states in capital letters, "Don't fraternize with the actors or director."

The extras casting for the movie is being done by San Diego-based Tina Real Casting.

As she waited in one of the hotel meeting rooms for potential extras Saturday, Real said she was surprised more people did not show up.

While Real said she has not been told where the June 3 or June 7 filming will take place, she had this to say about Temecula: "It's really pretty out here. They should film out here more."

Real has been in the casting business since the early 1970s, having provided extras for such movies as "Bruce Almighty", "Antwone Fisher" and "Apollo 13."

Real said being a movie extra "is a real good way to get set savvy" and to network should someone have a desire to be an actor or work on a movie crew.

The production company for "The Ugly Truth" told her to line up 185 extras.

Having not even come close to that number at Saturday's casting call, Real said she will now put the call out on Craigslist and by word of mouth.

"I prefer bringing people in from this area," Real said.

Extras for this movie need to be in their 20s to late 30s and will portray patrons and vendors at a balloon festival as well as some more specific extra roles such as balloon crew members.

Selected extras will be paid $75 for the eight-hour day and will be paid overtime, which they must be able to do if needed.

Anyone interested can call the Tina Real Casting hot line at (619) 298-1766.

Contact staff writer John Hall at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2628, or jhall@californian.com.

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