It’s Spreading

Contagion: Casting Update

Kevin Jagernauth at ThePlayList Blog reveals additions to the cast, including Jennifer Ehle’s participation reported here two days ago.

From his post: ”According to our sources, Demetri Martin, Jennifer Ehle, Bryan Cranston and Elliott Gould have joined the cast for the film”

and ”Contagion is a taut, thrilling and all-too-plausible and frightening screenplay that is a "Traffic"-like sprawling film about the ramifications of the spread of a global virus. We hear Burns continues to fine-tune the already strong draft we read earlier in the year. No word yet on what roles the new cast members will be playing.”

He adds that the film won't be in 3D (reports earlier this year had it being 3D).

Older “Contagion” entries at that blog cover details on the film discussing the script and who plays who.
and
Casting John Hawkes
and
Jude Law Talks

Mentioned above, the draft is being fine-tuned so it will be interesting to see how it varies from this downloadable version of the script as of January 14th.


A chance to test your supernumerary powers

Extras for the movie are being sought in Chicago soon.

The Tribune Leisureblog says ”Director Steven Soderbergh will film the virus outbreak thriller "Contagion," … in the Chicago area this fall. […] If you're interested in being an extra, Rich King Casting will hold open casting calls for the movie on September 25 at Lincoln Park Cultural Center (10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.) and September 26 at The Annoyance Theatre (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.). For more info, call 312-283-1061.”

Chicago casting call details are also available at this open-casting-calls link that reveals
"Shooting on Contagion will run from September 25, 2010 through January 11, 2010". That encompasses the filming dates for all locations, not just Chicago [although I’m pretty sure that should be January 2011!].

According to the article ”They are seeking adult men and women, ages 18 and above, all shapes, sizes, types and ethnicities**. Everyone is welcome. This is a paid gig and meals are included.”

**(Hey, that’s us; we all qualify!!)


An LA Examiner article about the open call for Elmers & Elsies notes ”It is rumored that Contagion won't be a sensationalist sci-fi movie, rather it will be more of a reality type situation”.

[I like that theater name, by the way, “The Annoyance” *smiley face here*]


Final note: I'll try to catch you up on The King's Speech news soon ...