Movie extras wanted at Thursday booking event in Rantoul

RANTOUL, Ill. (WCIA) — People in Central Illinois are getting a chance to be on the silver screen without going to Hollywood. A local film studio and booking agency are holding an event on Thursday to find extras.

From 6-7 p.m., Flyover Film Studios — along with Bokeh Background Casting — are having an open call for extras at the Rantoul Business Center. All you need is a photo and contact information to get a chance for a call-up to the big screen.

Dustin Hoke, Co-Owner of Flyover Film Studios in Rantoul, said movies are not just made in Hollywood or New York.

“The logistics in East-Central Illinois are very attractive to a production,” he said.

Hoke is helping bring movies to the area. He said tax credits and a mix of rural and urban landscapes is drawing moviemakers to the area. The studio has a hangar at Rantoul’s old Chanute Air Force Base they hope will attract even more.

“With that, it gives us the freedom to set up multiple stages,” Hoke said, “meaning that we can one day host multiple productions at the same time.”

Village Administrator Scott Eisenhauer said the movie industry could be a boon for the local economy.

“Different restaurants are being used either as shot locations, or for catering services, or just for the cast and crew to go in and get a meal.”

Multiple films have been shot in the area over the past few years. Hoke said that’s partly due to the state’s film production tax credit that gives studios a 30% rebate.

Flyover Studios also got $1.1 million from the state to build a soundstage. They have held three classes teaching different skills people use in filmmaking, like key grips or set building. It’s all part of the plan to bring a little bit of Hollywood to the area.

“Essentially, the workforce training program is geared towards individuals that have an interest in working in this film, or in this industry,” Hoke said.

Organizers said they want all sorts of different people to fill diverse roles, because in the movies, you see all types.

“For people in this community to have the opportunity to be in some of these movies — whether it’s a small speaking part or just somebody as a background extra — I think is exciting for the community as a whole,” Eisenhauer said.

Thursday’s booking pool event will start at 6 p.m. and will last an hour. Organizers said all parts will be paid roles, and a typical movie shoot lasts 10 to 12 hours. They said when a production comes to Central Illinois, people in the pool will be the first to be notified.

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