Does appearing as an extra in a movie or TV show sound appealing? If you’re willing to hang out at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center for most of the day this Saturday, your wish might come true. That’s because Mark Ruffalo’s upcoming HBO mini-series, I Know This Much Is True, has made a commitment to “local hires only” when it goes into production, with shoots at several mid-Hudson locations scheduled for April 1 till September 30.
Based on a 1998 novel by Wally Lamb, I Know This Much Is True will star Ruffalo as troubled twins, one of whom is committed to a mental institution and the other of whom suffers from PTSD and is having relationship issues. Ruffalo, who has a home in Callicoon in Sullivan County, also serves as executive producer for the six-episode series, and Derek Cianfrance, who also filmed The Place beyond the Pines upstate, is the screenwriter and director. What we know so far is that some scenes will be shot in Poughkeepsie’s Mount Carmel neighborhood, and that the production has obtained permission from the Town of Ulster to shut down a stretch of Route 209 – between the Route 28 and Sawkill Road exits – on April 23, June 3 and August 1 for filming purposes.
The Rita Powers Casting Group is seeking actors of all ages for principal speaking roles, day-player roles and background (a/k/a “extras”) acting roles. While the call is “open to all ethnic types,” especially sought are Italian and mixed Italian/African-American looks, including dark-haired babies from newborn to 12 months. The story unfolds over a lifetime, from the 1920s to the 1990s, so aspiring actors would be well-advised to leave their nose and eyebrow rings in their pockets when showing up for this weekend’s open casting call. Members of SAG and AFTRA get generous union rates, non-union background players $15 per hour (and no guarantee that your 15 seconds of fame won’t end up on the cutting room floor).
The casting call takes place this Saturday, February 23 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center at 14 Civic Center Drive in downtown Poughkeepsie. To participate, you must first fill out the casting directors’ online sign-up sheet at https://bit.ly/2Io8Pmy, and bring along a copy of the form and a portrait photo of yourself. If chosen, you’ll be contacted later for a possible audition.
Casting call for Mark Ruffalo’s upcoming HBO mini-series, I Know This Much Is True, Saturday, Feb. 23, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Free, Mid-Hudson Civic Center, 14 Civic Center Drive, Poughkeepsie, https://bit.ly/2Io8Pmy
Join the family! 
