The filming of a big-budget movie in nearby Morley will open up opportunities for aspiring actors, as well as others in the community seeking temporary employment.
“This is one of the economic opportunities we have here — Morley is an ideal site for movies to be filmed,” said Hopeton Louden, CEO of Wesley First Nations.
The film, Race to Save Nome, is rumoured to be starring big-name actors such as Hilary Swank and Kurt Russell, although California project publicist, David Robertson, said no cast members can be presently confirmed.
The feature Freedom Films flick is slated to shoot in Morley from January to mid-April.
Set circa 1925, the film is a true-story account of mushers and their sled dogs bringing relief to Nome, Alaska, following the breakout of a deadly diphtheria outbreak.
Louden said several Morley carpenters have been hired to work on set design and the Nation is also seeking opportunities for training and work placement for residents interested in the film industry.
Both the Alaska Dispatch and the Anchorage Daily News released pieces last week revealing disappointment that a film about Alaska was being filmed in Canada.
Louden said there will be a casting call geared toward Morley community members on Nov. 21 from 10-6 p.m. at the Good Stoney Rodeo Centre.
There will be a general extras casting call held at Marlborough Mall, near the Sears entrance, on Nov. 24 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
The casting call is for Aboriginal men, women and children between 12-70 years of age and caucasian men and women of all ages.
Louden said the Nation will be looking into what they can do to use the sets, post-filming, as part of Morley’s plans to make the community a more desirable tourist destination.
