Casting call has locals dreaming of Hollywood stardom

The Edmonton Journal talks about a recent extras casting call for Christmas in Wonderland, a feature film starring Ray Liotta and Leslie Nielson. The film begins shooting in Edmonton on April 23.

Thousands of people spent hours lining up for the chance to be extras in Christmas in Wonderland, a feature film starring Ray Liotta and Leslie Nielsen that is scheduled to start filming here on April 23. Never mind that extras will only appear in the film's background and that many will not even be paid for their time; those attending the casting call still seemed to think the experience would be worth it.

"I came because I like to act and I wanted to be in the movie, so that I can start my big career!" said 10-year-old Kira Mann, who was accompanied by her mother.

Mann was surrounded by a diverse crowd that included teenagers, seniors and children. Some people brought folding chairs to make the wait more comfortable, while others brought books or iPods for entertainment. Some arrived in their street clothes, while others appeared carefully primped for the event.

I've also heard reports that the holiday decorations are still up at West Edmonton Mall for the filming. You can read the full article at the link above.

More Pitt and Jolie Edmonton Rumors

As orginally published in the Edmonton Journal, July 16, 2005:

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Angelina, Brad hanging around the Pitts?
Speculation has Hollywood's hottest couple in town for racing

Welcome to Edmonton, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

The rumour mill kicked into high gear Friday to coincide with all those racing engines at the West Edmonton Mall Grand Prix [Edmonton].

Depending on who you talk to, and how willing you are to suspend belief, Pitt and his Mr. & Mrs. Smith co-star have dropped by to witness Edmonton's first go-round with a big auto race.

Bounce radio started the ball bouncing early Friday.

One of their DJs managed to engage Chad Murphy of the Century Grill in a little on-air speculation that Pitt and Jolie might be in Edmonton already and could be attending tonight's private party at the southside restaurant where Oilers GM Kevin Lowe and Wayne Gretzky are expected to be front and centre.

"I didn't confirm anything," Murphy protested later in the day. "It's a private party and we already have a fair amout of police cars and security lined up. No, the Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt bit is speculation, as far as I'm concerned.

"... But if Brad Pitt shows up, hey, we're going to let him in."

Murphy did point out that Pitt is supposed to begin shooting at Fort Edmonton Park, sometime soon.

Indeed, there have been reports that Pitt plans to shoot a new Jesse James movie this summer at Fort Edmonton and locations outside Calgary.

So, who knows? But keep in mind that there was actual confirmed news out of Los Angeles Thursday, reporting that Pitt had been diagnosed with a mild case of viral meningitis and sent home from hospital with flu-like symptoms. Sounds like not the best circumstances for setting up a flight to Edmonton.

But if Hollywood's big power couple isn't actually here in Edmonton, take heart. There's a rumour Sylvester Stallone is on his way.

© The Edmonton Journal 2005