June 15, 2015 – Academy Award nominated filmmakers are conducting three open calls for Richmond area talent to be considered for speaking and non-speaking roles in Loving, a new feature film by award winning writer/director Jeff Nichols (Midnight Special, Mud, Take Shelter).  Loving centers around Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple who resided in Virginia in the 1950s, whose love for one another changed history through the landmark 1967 Supreme Court case ‘Loving v. Virginia’.

Producers are looking for residents of all ages and ethnicities, especially older adults, children and families of African American, Native American, Caucasian and mixed heritage.  African American and mixed ethnicity children ages 0-6, expectant mothers of all ethnicities, and African American Grandparents are encouraged to attend.  They are also seeking experienced bricklayers, blue-collar construction-worker types, politicians and business types, teachers, drag race hobbyists and period car mechanics.  Three open casting calls will be taking place.  Each call will be focused on finding the above roles as well as people of all ethnicities with interesting, expressive faces.  Acting experience is not necessary and if selected for a speaking or a non-speaking role, compensation will be on the scale of other professional productions.

“We are thrilled to be working on such an important story,” said casting director Erica Arvold, “Anne Chapman, Sarah Dowling and I look forward to discovering some new talent and faces at these open calls!”

Attending one (1) of the three scheduled open calls is highly encouraged for those who’d like to be considered to appear in this feature film.

Thursday, June 25th, Bowling Green Town Hall, 117 Butler Street, Bowling Green, VA  22427 from 2PM-8PM. Parking is available in a lot at Town Hall.

Saturday, June 27th, Artworks, 320 Hull Street, Richmond, Virginia  23224 from 12PM-4PM.  Parking is available in the adjacent paid lot or on the street.  Please DO NOT CALL Artworks directly for directions or information about this project.

Sunday, June 28th, The Black Swan, 9 W Old Street, Petersburg, VA  23803 from 12PM-6PM. Parking is available in a lot behind the building along Pike Street or on the street.

Each open casting call will consist of a brief talk with a member of the casting team and possibly an interview on camera.  No appointment is necessary, but a positive attitude and the ability to quietly wait are good traits to put to use when attending an open casting call.  ALL PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING A NON-RETURNABLE PHOTO.  Candid, non-professional photos are fine.  If you do have a headshot/resume, please bring two (2) copies. Please attend one of the three calls if you’re able.  If you are unable to attend the open call, or if you have other questions, please email LovingExtrasCasting@gmail.com.

Virginia Film Office Director Andy Edmunds states, “Working with exceptional filmmakers while highlighting remarkable Virginians and their story is an honor.” And in regards to the open calls, “What a wonderful opportunity for Virginians to participate in this important film.”

Arvold has recently worked on casting the Virginia based projects Turn, Lincoln, Killing Kennedy, Ithaca, Big Stone Gap, Wish You Well, and many others.

Anne Chapman recently cast Shooting the Prodigal, MacBeth, Lincoln, Big Stone Gap, Assassinaut, and frequently collaborates with Arvold.  Sarah Dowling has worked in casting on such films as The Untitled Terrence Malick Project 2015, Mud, and The Tree of Life.

Filming will commence in September 2015 in Richmond, Virginia.