Nolte movie seeks 1,500 student extras

While going to the movies is a great summer activity, being in the movies might be even better. … While going to the movies is a great summer activity, being in the movies might be even better. The Lionsgate film, ‘Warrior,’ starring Oscar-nominated actor Nick Nolte, is looking for up to 1,500 extras for several scenes being shot in Pittsburgh and the Petersen Events Center. Nolte will play an alcoholic Vietnam vet looking to reconnect with his family by training his son, played by Tom Hardy, in an ultimate fighting tournament. Filming for director Gavin O’Connor’s $20 million movie begins April 22 and lasts through the first week of July. Extras must be 18 years or older and will be paid $100 for 12 hours of work. Lisa Brennan, extras casting director, said there is no set schedule of how many extras are needed for any given day. Some days of shooting call for five to 10 extras and others call for 1,500. Extras do not need to have prior experience or fulfill any set requirements. However, Brennan is looking for students and those who can pass for students. ‘One of the scenes takes place in a high school classroom,’ said Brennan. ‘We will need people to fit the bill.’ The Petersen Events Center is also a major character in the film ‘Warrior.’ Brennan said that the Pete will be a gym and will possibly be transformed in to a Las Vegas set. The Pete will also be the setting during the film’s climatic scene, where the star battles opponents in a series of choreographed mixed martial arts tournaments. On that day of filming, more than 1,500 extras are needed to fill the Petersen gymnasium. The city of Pittsburgh has been the home to many major films and television programs in the past. Oscar-winning films, like 1994’s ‘Silence of the Lambs,’ 1992’s ‘Hoffa’ and 1978’s ‘Deer Hunter,’ were all shot primarily in Pittsburgh. More recently, films like 2007’s ‘Smart people,’ 2008’s ‘Zack and Miri Make a Porno,’ ‘Adventureland,’ which opens on April 3 and ‘Sorority Row,’ scheduled to be released this fall, used different areas of Pittsburgh as their main stage. Brennan said several factors like style, cost and location play a role in why Pittsburgh is home to so many films, including Lionsgate’s 2008 film ‘My Bloody Valentine 3D.’ ‘Pittsburgh is playing Pittsburgh, Las Vegas and Iraq in [‘Warrior’],’ said Brennan. ‘Turns out, the city is more versatile an actor than we thought.’ Those interested in being extras should e-mail their name, phone number and a picture to warriorextras@gmail.com. Pictures do not have to be professional. Those who apply will receive an e-mail with more details and will be entered into the database. Brennan said that those people will be notified via e-mail for the days they are needed. ‘I don’t want anyone who has an interest in this to feel excluded,’ said Brennan. ‘People can come in for one day or a lot of days.’