Want to be in the movies? Your golden opportunity may be right around the corner.

Maggie Renzi and John Sayles, producer and writer-director for the upcoming film &uot;Honeydripper,&uot; are in town this week.

Several other crew members are also in the Camellia City as preparation gets underway for pre-production on the independent film.

&uot;We are putting out the call for the 18 speaking parts we’ll be casting here in Alabama and for all the extras,&uot; Renzi said.

Pre-production is slated to begin on &uot;Honeydripper&uot; in mid-September.

Location casting directors Kathleen Broyles and Galia Hardy will be looking primarily for African-Americans to act and to serve as extras in the film, Renzi said.

&uot;The film is set in a black-owned ‘juke joint’ in the early 1950s, so this is a particularly wonderful opportunity for African-Americans. However, I want to stress anyone is welcome to apply.&uot;

Some 500 extras will also be needed for the film, Renzi said.

&uot;We will need more adults than children, and more men than women, as this film includes soldiers preparing to serve in Korea.&uot;

There is also a role in the film for a 14-year-old male drummer, so Renzi wants to get the word out to local churches, clubs and schools that might know of such a young talent.

Anyone who is interested in appearing in the film in either a speaking role or as an extra, should submit a snapshot they do not need returned, along with name, age, address and telephone number/e-mail to the following address:

Honeydripper Films, Inc.

100 West Commerce St.

Greenville, AL 36037

Photos and information can also be dropped off in person at the film office’s Whitney Bank (Old First National Bank) location downtown.

Those interested should send or bring their information in as soon as possible.

Beginning September 16, Broyles and Hardy will begin getting in touch with those planning to read for parts and setting up times for them to come in, Renzi said.

&uot;Extras will not necessarily have to come in; they will simply be contacted by the casting people.&uot;

And if you want to make your car a star, the producer said there is still a need for vehicles from the ’40s, particularly farm trucks and cars, for use in the film.

&uot;The pay is not huge, but it is a lot of fun to see your vehicle on the screen,&uot; Renzi said.

October 16 is the projected date to start filming the movie, with camera work on &uot;Honeydripper&uot; slated for completion before Thanksgiving.

The film will shoot on location in Georgiana, Forest Home and Greenville.

&uot;We will also need local people who can work on the film with us. We’ll have more information in the coming days as to the specific needs,&uot; Renzi said.

&uot;We are very excited and looking forward to making this film in Butler County.&uot;

&uot;Honeydripper&uot; will star veteran actor Danny Glover in its lead role. Other featured performers include award-winning blues guitarist Keb’Mo and singer-actress Ruth Brown.