Bartlesville residents hear about plans from movie producer

BARTLESVILLE, Okla - Residents in one Green Country town could soon be seeing stars. They've heard a movie, possibly staring Ben Affleck, could be shot in Bartlesville.

Friday the movie producer and locations director showed up at a the Friday Forum, a weekly town hall meeting of sorts.

They told Bartlesville neighbors they could see film cameras in town starting in September.

"Our decision to film here in and around Bartlesville is due in large part to our experience in this community," said Movie Producer Nick Gonda.

"A lot of it has just been assuring the people involved that there is no community that is going to be more cooperative than Bartlesville will be. This town can rise to this occasion," said Steve Martin, State Rep. Dist. 10.

Officials at the Oklahoma Film and Music Office predict the possible movie could generate a jump in sales tax revenue. They say that towns of similar size have seen a 20 percent increase.

A casting call will be held Saturday in Bartlesville. The group is looking for people to fill speaking and non-speaking roles during the open casting call.

It will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 29 at Bartlesville High School, located at 1700 Hillcrest Drive.

Officials say those attending the casting call should expect a brief talk with a member of the casting team and may be called aside to participate in an on-camera interview. They will also be asked to provide the casting team with contact information and availability. The casting call is open for people of all ethnicity's, ages 5 and up, regardless of prior acting experience. However, all children attending the casting call must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.