Is your child a future movie star?
Here’s a great chance to get a taste of Hollywood up close—Warner Bros. will be in Wilmette in late November for on-location filming of an upcoming Matt Damon feature, “Contagion.”
The production company is looking for kids in grades K – 4 to serve as extras while shooting scenes at Central School in Wilmette, and has opened a casting call up to District 39 students only.
Please note: Prior to taking the following steps to apply, think about how much time you want to spend sitting or standing in waiting for the cameras to roll. It can be an exciting, but extremely time-consuming, opportunity.
According to information from District 39:
To employ children under 16 years of age, Illinois requires an employment certificate prior to employment as a first step for a minor to appear in a motion picture. If you are interested in having your child participate in the filming project, there are a number of documentation steps to which you must be strictly adhere. These include the following:
1) The Employer’s Statement on Intention to Employ
2) Proof of Age
3) Parental Approval
4) Social Security Number
5) Medical statement
6) Principal’s Statement on school letterhead stating that the minor is a full-time student, hours the child is in school, and principal’s signature
If you are interested in having your child participate, you must go to the District Office to pick up the required forms and work permit:
Mikaelian Education Center
615 Locust Road
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 256-2450
The deadline (firm) for submission is October 25. There will be a meeting in early November by the Casting Director at Central to explain the particulars to parents who have submitted the appropriate documentation.
You can also apply to be an extra—whether it’s for scenes filmed around the school or elsewhere on the North Shore. You can find a downloadable PDF to apply at Central School’s website. Once you complete the pdf, email the application, your availability, interest in shooting scenes at the school or other locaitons, and a photo of yourself to: castingcontagion@gmail.com
Good luck!
