TV show 'CGAUX: Life Savers' holding casting call in St. Marys, Fernandina Beach area

St. Marys, Ga. - Men and women over the age of 21 are invited to participate in an open casting call for a talent bank for the upcoming filming of the TV pilot and series "CGAUX: Life Savers" and other potential film projects. Tom Hayden, producer of the TV show, said that as the series develops, there could be a need for a variety of characters, and he would like to utilize local talent as much as possible.

"With a storyline set in St. Marys, Fernandina Beach and around Cumberland Sound, there will be some exciting opportunities for locals both in speaking and in non-speaking parts," Hayden said. "The pilot is the first step in getting a TV series produced."

Hayden added that "CGAUX: Life Savers" is the first television project to focus on the Coast Guard Auxiliary, its volunteers, and its missions. "It's not going to be a reality show, but the episodes will be based on real-life scenarios as experienced by members of the auxiliary," Hayden said.

Filming for the pilot has already begun with more production scheduled for late March through April.

Hosted by the St. Marys Film Society, the open casting call will be at 1 p.m. Feb. 20 at J's Restaurant, 711 Osborne St., St. Marys.

According to film society co-founder Barbara Ryan, the casting call will help the St. Marys Film Society start a talent bank that will be used not only for the "CGAUX: Life Savers" project, but also as a resource for other film companies considering the area for filming.

"This is just the beginning of an extensive database that we plan to create so that film producers will have access to our talent as well as location possibilities," Ryan said. "Ultimately, we will develop a Web site that will showcase our resources in a compelling format."

Doug Vaught, chairman of the film society, said the casting call is an excellent opportunity for those who are interested in the film world.

"You don't have to have any acting experience for the auditions," Vaught said, "We will be collecting talent profiles for speaking parts, non-speaking parts, simple walk-ons, and even background scenes. If you're 21 and you're not camera shy, this is a good place to begin."

Two other Film Society projects are under way as well and scheduled for February.

On Friday, Feb. 19, the film society will host a preview screening of a Georgia-related film that is scheduled to be shown at the Amelia Island Film Festival the following week.

The St. Marys screening will take place in the Ward L. Hernandez Economic Building preceded by a reception at the St. Marys Welcome Center.

For information, or if you're interested in auditioning, call (912) 729-1103.