KELSEYVILLE >> July-Rising, an independent feature film production shooting in Kelseyville this summer, is holding auditions for supporting, featured roles and extras this week.
The film, a coming-of-age drama set on a struggling pear farm in northern California,was written by Lake County native Chauncey Crail. He said he seeks to convey real agricultural lifestyles and conflicts.
The film’s protagonist faces not only financial barriers but prejudice, self-doubt,cultural conflict and grief. With themes of urban/rural conflict, gender stereotypecasting, land stewardship and food/wine sourcing, the film addresses contemporary issues head-on.
“I hope to challenge traditional thinking…it’s going to be a relevant film,” Crail said.
Crail said he is thrilled to have the assistance of a long-time friend he met in film school, producer Robert Mahaffie.
Mahaffie, a Washington D.C. native who has been scouting locations for a week in Lake County, said he’s impressed with the friendly and receptive nature of the people he’s met. “People have been incredibly helpful.”
In coming weeks crew members will not only be auditioning extras and walk-ons, but constructing sets and procuring props.
Casting Director Lucy Houlihan said all the five lead actors have been cast as well as six supporting roles. The remaining roles include 11 featured roles, day-player roles and extras.
“The professional actors we’re flying up from L.A. are extremely well fit for these roles,” Houlihan said. “The players we’ve selected are the result of a talent search we’ve been conducting for the past six months and include career actors and award-winning talent. We’re all pleased about how fortunate we’ve been in finding our talent.”
Houlihan said she looks forward to filling roles with local talent as well.
“Our location liaison, Wilda Shock, tells me there is lots of great acting talent in the area, so we’ve decided to check it out,” Mahaffie said, “We’ll be looking for strong actors with the ability to take direction.”
Interested actors may peruse the casting call at https://www.backstage.com/casting/july-rising-154645/ and submit headshots and resumes to casting director Houlihan directly at: casting@chaunceycrail.com.
All auditions are by invitation only and will be conducted in the Kelseyville/Lakeport area. All applicants must be over the age of 18.
Actors selected to audition will be given location instructions. All ethnicities are encouraged to apply. Prior acting experience, though preferred, is not required.
