NEW BEDFORD — Kendall Cooper Casting is seeking locals to play background actors in the upcoming film "Finestkind," being shot April through June in New Bedford.
"Submissions will be open throughout filming, but I highly suggest people submit as soon as possible to make sure they are considered for a role," said Kendall Cooper, founder of the casting company.
Cooper said she and her team is seeking experienced commercial fishermen as well as New Bedford locals of all ethnicities who are interested in working as extras.
Union (SAG/AFTRA members) and non-union actors can submit.
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"Finestkind" is about two half-brothers reunited as adults after being raised by different fathers. When one discovers his estranged father has only months to live, he strikes a dangerous deal with a crime syndicate, putting him and his brother on a collision course with the Boston underworld.
"Hell and High Water's" Ben Foster and "The Society's" Toby Wallace star.
The film is written by New Bedford native and UMass grad Brian Helgeland. He is best known for co-scripting the crime drama "L.A. Confidential," winning an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.
According to the casting notice, the filmmakers are specifically looking to represent the diverse population unique to the New Bedford area, such as people of Cape Verdean and Portuguese descent, and Black people, mixed-race children and newborns.
The filming will generally take place Monday through Friday and is often a 12-hour-plus time commitment for each day of work. Extra roles typically work one to three days during the filming schedule.
In a previous Standard-Times article, Boston Casting's Lorna Brunelle says her best advice for people interested is to “have a great attitude” if selected to be on a set. “I always attributed this to being like at a masterclass that you get paid for,” she said. “You’re on set with A-list celebrities watching them work their craft in front of you.”
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Matt Bouldry, president of CP Casting, who has cast roles for Boston-based movies such as “Little Women,” “Jungleland,” “Manchester by the Sea” and “Spotlight," said the golden rules are being available, showing up on time and having the right wardrobe required.
All extra work is paid, but with no travel or housing provided. Both vaccination and booster are required for Zone A COVID-19 clearance, the press release specifically stated.
For all children working on set, guardians will also need to provide proof of vaccination and booster. Masks will be required at all times, except when appearing on camera.
Production is also seeking experienced stand-ins and precision drivers who are part of the SAG-AFTRA union.
According to New Bedford's Marketing Manager and Interim Director of Tourism Amy DesRosiers, in a previous Standard-Times interview, some of the locations considered are Leonard's Pier, a few private residences, the New Bedford and Fairhaven Bridge, the hurricane barrier and Custom House Square.
On March 28, Ryan Cook, supervising location manager for the movie. named several filming locations during a presentation to the Fairhaven Board of Selectman that included spots such as Rasputin's Tavern, Hedge Street, Moriarty Liquors and Union Wharf.
To submit for a role, people can visit the casting company's official website.
Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Follow him on twitter: @ChitwoodReports. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.