Bureau answers call for film extras

It was a casting call – literally.

A phone call from Mr Pip extras casting co-ordinator Yvonne Bennett to the South Canterbury Citizens' Advice Bureau has landed the organisation a fun and unusual way to raise money.

Work on a film adaptation of Kiwi author Lloyd Jones' Mr Pip is due to start in North Otago next month, and Timaru's Richard Pearse Airport has been chosen to double as the airport at Australian mining town Mt Isa.

The movie has been adapted by Kiwi director Andrew Adamson, who directed the Shrek and Narnia movies, and stars British actor Hugh Laurie.

Rain, snow or sunshine, filming at the airport is set to take place on August 15 and up to 120 extras may be needed on the day.

Ms Bennett contacted the bureau for advice on ways of getting the casting information out to the community.

Bureau manager Suzanne Cullimore said the volunteer who answered the call said the bureau could supply some of its own volunteers.

Shortlisted for the Booker Prize, Mr Pip tells the story of the last white man left in war-torn Papua New Guinea, who reopens a school and inspires pupils by reading the novel Great Expectations.

There are still more extras, in a range of age groups, needed for the movie, Ms Bennett said. She was also on the lookout for vehicles from 1993 and earlier "utes and trucks and Holdens and Fords would be good. Please, no bright red."zAnyone keen to take part in the filming or who had a vehicle the film could use should send her a photograph of themselves or their vehicle. Either email y.j.bennett@gmail.com, post to PO Box 47382, Ponsonby 1144, Auckland, or phone 021 0229 0523 or 09 376 4808