The movies are coming in hot this summer in Central Illinois, and speaking and non-speaking roles are needed in Champaign County.
Upcoming Projects
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A major motion picture about Midwestern heists starring some of your favorite well-known actors (John Goodman, to name one…)
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Rap fans, you’ll want to be part of a few projects this summer. Some artists you know and love need you!
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Registered nurses and paramedics, we want you!
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There’s a Bollywood film coming to town—if you have Bollywood dancing skills, we want to see you!
Casting Director and owner of the hosting companies, Sarah Cayce, is excited to see a variety of people at the Photo Open Call. “Photo open calls are the fastest way for us to see as many people as possible for all of the upcoming films, music videos, and more, shooting summer of 2025, right here in Champagne County. The process is simple: folks of any acting ability arrive at our open call location, we’ll take their photo and ask them for their contact information to get them in and out as quickly as possible. When we have all the photos, we present those photos to films and music video teams. If they like your look, we’ll call you in to audition for whichever project you fit the best.”
“If you’re an actor from the area and you’d like to bring a headshot and resumé, you’re welcome to leave it with us. We’ll be taking your photo and adding you to our system, but the more actors I know in Champaign, the better!” Says Cayce, encouraging folks to take ten minutes to join the actor pool on May 3rd at Parkland College.
PHOTO OPEN CALL INFO
Date & Time
Saturday, May 3rd
from 10:00am-3:00pm
Address
2400 W Bradley Ave,
Champaign, IL 61821
What to Expect
This is a photo open call, meaning we'll take your picture, ask for your information, and enter you into our database. Our casting team will review photos and request auditions as needed. If you're an actor, please feel free to leave your headshot and resumé.
Parking
The Parkland Theatre is located in the C wing. After entering the campus, follow the perimeter drive around to the west side of campus. Parking lot C4 is adjacent to the theatre. There will be green Parkland Theatre flags at the entrance to the C4 parking lot.
Filmmaking in Illinois
Action!
Filmmaking is happening all over Illinois, not just in Chicago. Films and television shows are coming to shoot in Central Illinois, heating up Summer 2025!
If you've ever wanted to be in a film or see how filmmaking works, this is a great way to get started.
From movie stars to local filmmakers and everything in between, right in your backyard.
Talent Pool
We are creating a pool of people who would like to be considered to be in these films. From background actors to roles with lines, we're helping filmmakers find the people they're looking for.
You do not need to have any previous experience and this doesn't cost you anything. If you book a role, they'll pay you!
How It Works
When you arrive at our open call, we'll take your photo and collect your information, which will be entered into our database. When projects are looking for folks like you, we'll get in touch asking for an audition or for your availability, depending on the project.
We'll communicate needs, requests, and give information as we get it!
Who We Want
Champaign County Locals! Anyone who's ever wanted to be in a film is welcome to join our talent pool. All ages, genders, ethnicities, body types - we want to see everyone.
You do not need previous experience, just a photo and a way for us to get in touch with you.
SUMMER 2025 NEEDS
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Midwestern small-town folks
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Rap fans, some of your favorite artists are coming to film in Central Illinois.
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RNs and EMTs
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Bollywood dancers and Indian families
Time Commitment
So, when will we need you to come to set? It depends on the project! We'll send out emails letting you know we are casting a project, and if you're available for the dates, you can request a slot on set.
Some shoots are short, but we always tell folks to plan on being on set for a full day.
If you can't make a day, don't worry. We'll keep trying to get you in the next project.
Paid Work
Like we said, this doesn't cost you anything. When you book roles with us, the films will pay you to be there.
The rates will vary from one project to the next, so we'll let you know the dates, times, and rates when we reach out to book you.
Learn the Lingo
Speaking Roles
These roles are the roles with lines - talking to folks, interacting with other actors, and memorizing the script.
These roles will require an audition and are harder to get, but this office loves giving chances to new faces.
Background Roles
If lines aren't your thing, join the background! This is the easiest way to get on set - you could be at a restaurant, in a crowd, a non-speaking secretary - the possibilities are endless!
If you've never been on a set, we recommend you start here.
Production Assistants
Unlike background or speaking roles, this is not an acting job. Production assistants are part of the crew.
Being a part of the crew and helping make the movie is a great way to be involved if you're too shy for the screen.
"What if I've already come to an open call?"
If you look different than your last picture, or would like to be considered for speaking roles as well, we'd love to see you! Come see us in person or fill out the open call form to update us if you can't be there on May 3rd.