So you want to be in the pictures? Costner movie casting extras in Washington County

ST. GEORGE — Amid Washington County’s majestic mountains and red desert canyons, residents can join Kevin Costner’s “Horizon, an American Saga” film as background actors this spring.

Kevin Costner’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This star is located on Hollywood Boulevard and is one of 2,400 celebrity stars, Hollywood, California, date not specified | Photo by Meinzahn, iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus, St. George News

A casting call for extras will be on March 17-18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Best Western Plus Abby Inn. The hotel is located at 1129 S. Bluff St. in St. George.

Production on the second part of the movie saga begins in the St. George area in May. The film will be shot at various undisclosed locations throughout Washington County in 2023. The first film was shot in and around Moab from August through November 2022.

The St. George area shoot will cover parts two and three of the four-film series, according to a news release from the Greater Zion Convention and Tourism Office. “Horizon, an American Saga,” is an epic Western written, directed and starring Costner. 

Applicants must attend an orientation in the conference room covering project details, such as rates, hours and special abilities. Los Angeles Casting Director Maryellen Aviano said in a phone interview with St. George News that she cautions people who desire to be in the movies not to quit their actual jobs and get in trouble with their boss or family.

“We’re like the circus, we come to town to hire locally and entertain, but then we pack up tents and have to move on,” Aviano said. “I always do my best to disclose everything, which may change someone’s mind about wanting to be an extra.”

Additionally, individuals shouldn’t cancel long-awaited vacations. And she emphasizes that people should consider upcoming family events before committing to short-term extra work.

Aviano said when a person is cast as an extra, they need to know it is a job and they are required to finish what they start. She advises people during casting orientations that they will typically experience long hours. There could be continuity scenes that require the same extras on the following day. She allows everyone to disclose their scheduling restrictions and hopefully, there are filming days that work for them.

Kevin Costner takes a photo with George Rodinos inside Balcony One, Virgin, Utah, date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Ricki Triplet, St. George News
Kevin Costner takes a photo with George Rodinos inside Balcony One, Virgin, Utah, date unspecified | Photo courtesy of Ricki Triplet, St. George News

“And if you have a special horseback riding skill, or we have you carry lumber or anything like that, you will always fall into a special ability category, which will earn you more money per day,” she said.

The film focuses on the settlement of the American West pre-and post-Civil War. The extras cast as townspeople will receive $150 per day. Aviano said there are always food and snacks during the shoot.

Extras should not bring guests, pets, cameras or recording devices. She said cellphones are permitted offset only.

“These are the same basic guidelines used on all sets, whether an LA soundstage or locations on a daily basis,” Aviano said. “We try to help everyone be more comfortable with a reminder to bring a warm jacket, comfy shoes for offset and books, magazines, cards, etcetera.”

She said she’s excited to be back in Southern Utah. Aviano was in Hurricane in 1983 on the set of the James Bond film “Octopussy.” 

“Southern Utah’s all grown up now. But I really love how nicely this gorgeous area is being developed.” Aviano said. “I’m excited to be back and to cast many local folks. Our director, cast and crew know how important extras are to our project.”

According to the Greater Zion tourism office, Washington County could benefit more than $90 million in economic impact from the Costner production in the area.

“The filming of ‘Horizon’ lays the groundwork for the Greater Zion region to diversify its tourism economy,” Joyce Kelly, sales manager for the Greater Zion tourism office, said in a news release. “Our distinct landscape has been the setting for several film and commercial shoots over the years but nothing of the magnitude of ‘Horizon.’ This is a multiyear partnership with great economic benefit to the community but has little impact to residents.”        

Kelly said students in the film program at Utah Tech University would have an opportunity for internships and other hands-on experiences with the film. The Utah Film Commission and the Greater Zion Convention and Tourism Office have been working with Costner’s production company Territory Pictures to bring “Horizon” to the region for a long time.

For future details on how to get involved in the movie, click here.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

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