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Hanover film seeks local cast


Are you ready for your closeup, Hanover?

An independent feature film is slated to be shot in Hanover, and the production company is holding an open call for speaking and extra roles on Saturday at Guthrie Memorial Library.

Wherl Productions, a local video production company started by Hanover residents Mark Wherley and Don Cole, will start casting for the project, an action-adventure film set in the immediate future, which is beginning filming on April 16.

“We try to fill as many roles as we can with people that are local so they can be a part of what we’re doing,” said Cole, who is producing the film. Wherley will direct.

The casting call is open for the extras and stunt roles from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m, according to the news release. The speaking roles will be cast from 12 to 3 p.m. Auditioners must be available to work in Hanover and surrounding areas April 15 and 16, according to the news release.

The film, with the working title “The Escape,” is seeking actors of all ages, genders and ethnicities, according to the news release. Applicants will be asked to read lines and perform minor physical movements in front of the casting director. These sessions will be recorded by video.

Wherl Productions, a 7-year-old local company, has focused mostly on commercial productions until finally having enough capital to fund the film, which Cole described as a “reluctant hero story.”

The news release for the casting call lists six speaking parts. There are three extra parts available, as well as stunt actors. All applicants must be 21 years old and older.

Wherl Products will be using as many local resources for the film as possible, said Cole. Aldus Brewing Company is supplying props for a bar scene to be held at Taste of Bourbon. Joe Dressel, owner of the Hanover Boxing Club, will work as the stunt coordinator for the film.

The next step is casting locals to act in the film. The parts include bikers, biker bar patrons and military or police personnel, according to the news release.

“While this open call is primarily for specific roles, this will also enable us to keep a pool of actors in our files for use in the future as we move forward on the film,” Cole said in the news release.

If unable to attend the open call on Saturday:

Send your contact information and video submission to dcole@wherl.com