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For more than 30 years, John Kiesewetter has been the source for information about all things in local media — comings and goings, local people appearing on the big or small screen, special programs, and much more. Contact John at johnkiese@yahoo.com.

Extras Needed For Robert Redford-Casey Affleck Film

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Robert Redford

Want to be in the Hollywood movie with Oscar winners Casey Affleck, Robert Redford, Cissy Spacek and Danny Glover?

"The Old Man and The Gun," their new movie to be shot here this spring, will hold an open casting call for extras 4-8 p.m. Thursday, March 9, at Xavier University's Gallagher Student Center, 3800 Victory Parkway.

Filming "will begin in a few weeks," says Kristen Schlotman, Film Cincinnati executive director.

Producers also need cars made in the 1960s and 1970s.

"Please come wearing or holding your best 70s clothing if possible and if you have a period car from the 70s or earlier please bring a photo!!," says D. Lynn Meyers, casting director for many Hollywood movies shot here, on her D. Lynn Meyers Casting Facebook page. 

"We are looking for all types of people and we want to see everyone, even if you've been to one of our past open calls, hope to see you there!" says Meyers, who also is producing artistic director at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati in Over-the-Rhine.

Film Cincinnati, the regional film commission, says those interested in being an extra also should email resumes to omagtalent@gmail.com. Prospective crew members should email omagresumes@gmail.com. There was no email address provided for owners of vintage autos to send photos of their cars.

Meyers' Facebook page says filming will be Monday-Friday "for the whole month of April." She's also been looking for a "photo double" for Redford needed "many days" in April.   "We need one with a very close look," she told me Monday. 

Specifically, she says she needs a male, 5' 10" tall, age 60 or older, a full head of hair (white/gray/strawberry blonde) with these sizes (chest 41, pant 32/33, shirt 16x34, hat 7.5) Meyers asks those who fit the description to send a personal message through her D. Lynn Meyers Casting Facebook page, along with a few photos of yourself, your sizes and your contact information.

The Hamilton Journal-News broke the story in January that producers were scouting here for the new Redford movie. Film Hamilton director Steve Colwell told the paper that representatives from the production company "are scouting the area and Film Hamilton has been helping them look at different locations to shoot some scenes at. They like some of the locations here,” he said.

I've also learned that producers scouted area farms, including one large tract in Clermont County.

Affleck, who won best actor on Feb. 26 for "Manchester by the Sea," will star as the detective pursuing aging bank robber Forrest Tucker (Redford), who broke out of prison 18 times, including San Quentin. This will be the second time in four years that a major Academy Award winner will come to film here immediately after the honor. Cate Blanchett started filming "Carol" two weeks after winning best actress for "Blue Jasmine" in 2014.

David Lowery ("Pete's Dragon") will direct from a screenplay he wrote from a 2003 New Yorker story about Tucker. Varietysays the script "retraces Forrest's twilight years, from his audacious escape from San Quentin at the age of 70 to an unprecedented string of heists that confounds authorities and enchants the public. Wrapped up in this chase are a detective (Affleck) who becomes captivated with Forrest's commitment to his craft and a woman who loves him in spite of his chosen profession."

Redford, 80, won the 1981 Academy Award for best director for "Ordinary People." He was presented an honorary award in 2002 for his career as an actor, producer, creator of the Sundance Film Festival and support for independent filmmakers.

Spacek won the best actress Oscar in 1991 for her portrayal of country singer Loretta Lynn in "Coal Miner's Daughter."

Emilio Estevez's "The Public" wrapped three weeks of filming here last month.

John Kiesewetter, who has covered television and media for more than 35 years, has been working for Cincinnati Public Radio and WVXU-FM since 2015.