Tom Hanks' blockbuster looking for Dubai extras
Wanted: five Somalian pirates for a possible hijacking on the high seas.
No, this isn’t some twisted job listing, but rather a premise for a casting call for UAE residents to star in Tom Hanks’ next, directed by acclaimed Hollywood director, Paul Greengrass.
Dubai-based Mediacubed is urging young hopefuls to log on to their site, Dotcasting.com, and audition for the five parts that are available in “A Captain’s Duty”, with a possible chance of more opportunities to crop up.
Said Managing Director, Adam Ridgway: “I have just been reading the script and the film is absolutely brilliant, based on the true story of Captain Richard Phillips. It’s a $50 million (Dh183.6m) project that will be filmed from February in the US.
“Hopefuls should you not miss out on this opportunity; after all, it’s not every day that you get the chance to work alongside Tom Hanks and Paul Greengrass.”
He added: “Currently, there are five parts up for grabs to essay the roles of Somalian pirates on screen. The parts are open for ages 16 to 35 years, and people need to speak the language and English to audition.”
Those wanting to try out for the part must log on to the Dotcasting website and create a 3D profile of themselves, by even uploading their showreel. However, Ridgway says that if people don’t have one ready, they can assist in the matter.
“The advantage of conducting online auditions are, those shortlisted will be given a sample script to recite the parts into a webcam and video camera, allowing them to perfect their skills before sending the final product in. We all know how auditions can get messed up in nervousness,” he explained.
The final videos will then be sent to Greengrass, who will make the final selection.
Deadline for registering is December 7, with Ridgway revealing that nearly 40 people have already signed up auditions.
“There is also potential that some more parts may open up for the film in the near future, so budding actors shouldn’t miss the chance,” he said.
The Sony Pictures'film is a big screen adaptation of Captain Richard Phillips' memoir, "A Captain's Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs, and Dangerous Days at Sea." Phillips was the captain of a cargo ship that in 2009 was overtaken by Somali pirates, and, offering himself over to save his crew, was held hostage in a small life boat with his captors until Navy Seals helped spring him loose three days later.
The brave rescue made headlines world over, which saw the Seals parachuting onto the USS Bainbridge, where they surrounded the pirates until they could get clear shots, all the while Phillips was being held at gunpoint. Finally, the courageous captain jumped ship so the Seals could finally fire.
Incidentally, Mediacubed is also the same agency that was appointed by Filmworks for the casting of Tom Cruise starrer, “Mission Impossible 4: Ghost Protocol”, which is having its world premiere in the emirate on December 7 at the Dubai International Film Festival.
Ridgway said he is very excited that the film is returning to the city, where extensive scenes had been shot atop Burj Khalifa, with him adding: “I am first thankful to Filmworks for giving us this opportunity to see local talent blossom here.
“We all had secretly hoped the film would premiere here and I am sure that all the 1,033 local cast members who were part of “Mission Impossible” are extremely excited.”
Quiz Ridgway if he is planning to attend the red carpet event and he laughed, saying: “I will be there with bells on.”