Monterey – HBO is looking for extras to appear in its new series “Big Little Lies,” set to film in Monterey from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1.
The show, described as a darkly comic drama about the unraveling lives of three mothers of first-graders, finalized its cast this week. It will star Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman and Laura Dern as the mothers, and will also feature Alexander Skarsgård, Shailene Woodley and Santa Cruz native Adam Scott.
It’s based on the 2014 book of the same name by Liane Moriarty. Though the novel is set in Australia, Monterey is the designated setting for the show, according to descriptions in Variety.
Witherspoon and Kidman optioned the rights to the book, and the series is being written by David E. Kelley, known for off-kilter shows like “Ally McBeal,” “Picket Fences” and “Boston Legal.”
The extras casting call, posted by Rich King Casting of Los Angeles, says the production is looking for men and women of all shapes and sizes older than 18, especially people willing to use their own cars and bikes.
Extras will be paid $72 for eight hours, plus overtime, so participants should plan on being available for the whole day. Food will be provided.
Anyone interested should send a current photo plus height, weight and contact information to submitrichkingcasting@gmail.com. Those who want to use their cars should also include the year, make and model. If you intend to use your bike, indicate that as well.
Karen Nordstrand, director of marketing and film production for the Monterey County Film Commission, said her office has been working with the production for weeks in scouting locations across the Monterey Peninsula, “so they have seen plenty of location options.”
She said if productions hire local labor, they tend to do so closer to the start date. The film commission has an online production listing that lets crew and businesses advertise their goods and services. Simple listings are free, with enhanced listings at $60 for a year.
HBO’s arrival comes after a busy year for filming in Monterey County, which included the PBS/BBC production “Big Blue Live” and episodes of “Ghost Adventures.” The series finale of “Mad Men” in May featured scenes from Big Sur filmed in 2014.
Contact Jeannie Evers at 831-726-4340.
