Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Background shots from Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis. Photo supplied: Anthony ‘Bud’ Hopes
Airlie Beach locals could soon find themselves in front of the camera, with casting now underway for background and supporting roles in an international television series set to film in the region from late October to early November.
The project is casting for North Queensland-based people of any Asian heritage, aged from three to 100.
The opportunity includes both single and multi-day roles, with most successful applicants to spend two days on set after attending a fitting the week before filming.
The production will give locals a rare opportunity to step behind the scenes, experience life on a professional television set and perhaps even spot themselves on screen when the series is released.
Behind the search is Bud Hopes Film and Television Casting, a Gold Coast-based company with more than 60 production credits to its name, that has spent more than 20 years helping everyday people step onto film and television sets.
“I sort of fell into it,” said Founder Anthony "Bud" Hopes.
“It was in the early days of the Queensland film industry when someone rang and asked if I wanted to give the job a go. I said yes, and 20 years later, I’m still here.”
The company works with talent agencies and community groups to find background performers who reflect the places, cultures and stories being brought to the screen.
“In the bigger metro cities, we have an ecosystem of agents that we use, and we combine that with delving into communities as well,” Bud said.
“When we go north to places that don’t have a whole lot of agents, we get straight into the community and put it out there through social media and the press.
“Bud Hopes Casting is passionate about bringing realness and authenticity to all the stories we tell, and we'll go to any length to nail the brief every time.”
Bud Hopes Casting has built an impressive list of credits across film and television, with its portfolio including Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, the action thriller Land of Bad and work connected to the Godzilla vs Kong franchise, with more recent projects include Anaconda, Balls Up, The Bluff and Runner.
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