LUCERNE, Calif. – A local filmmaker is putting out an open audition call for a feature length romantic comedy to be produced in Lake County in March and April of this year.
Auditions will be held at the North Shore Christian Fellowship, 9456 Main St., Upper Lake, on Saturday, Feb. 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The film, “Relationship Status,” was written by Lucerne resident Richard Lee Grahn, who will serve as co-producer with Jim Zimmer of Wellsprings Productions of Santa Maria. Grahn also will direct the film.
“Relationship Status” will be shot on location in Lakeport, Clearlake and Lucerne by Wellsprings Productions. Wellsprings specializes in feature, short and documentary film production.
Grahn, 48, will be holding an open audition for men and women between the ages of 6 and 60 for supporting roles, day actors, voice talent and extras, and is interested in identifying experienced production crew members in the county.
The screenplay has 15 scripted roles and spots for 200 extras.
While people of all ethnicities and physiques are invited, there are specific roles for bilingual, Latina actresses, ages 30 to 35; white female brunettes, age 30 to 35; men, ages 40 to 50; teens; and young adults.
To audition, minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Resumes and current color headshots are requested if available. Current color closeup photos are requested if no headshot is available.
Working with a micro budget, Grahn is offering the opportunity to get into acting and work alongside experienced filmmakers but has no budget for local actors.
The film's lead will be Hollywood actor Corey Weber II, who is best known for his lead role in the short film “The Seed” and also played a Spartan soldier in “300: Rise of an Empire.”
“Relationship Status” is about a lonely man in search of love, who must first learn to love himself. His pursuit of love also strengthens his relationship with God, according to Grahn.
Grahn, who has an associate's degree from Mendocino College, has been producing short films since 2005 and studied film at San Francisco State between 2007 and 2009.
He was inspired to tackle the project after viewing the film “Flywheel,” which he learned was produced by a group of five people in Albany, Georgia.
“I saw that and said if those guys can do that in their community, I can do it in Lake County,” Grahn said.
Grahn hopes to inspire others to pursue their dreams and believes that as much talent exists in Lake County as in Hollywood or New York.
“If a simple guy like me that do something big like make a feature film to play in theaters then maybe someone will believe they will go big with their dreams,” he said.
He describes himself as diligent, faithful, fearless and perhaps a tad eccentric. With three screenplays currently ready for production, Grahn said, “If I have to do them by the skin of my teeth, with only a few friends, I will get them done.”
The project is currently seeking additional financing and has interest for distribution in 10 theaters, according to Grahn.
The local contact phone number for more information is 707-262-2912.