Now Filming In Charlotte: 'Ashby,' Starring Mickey Rourke, Nat Wolff, Emma Roberts, and Sarah Silverman

It's time to go on the hunt for celebrity sightings again. A new movie, titled Ashby, began filming in Charlotte last week, packing some star power, with Mickey Rourke, Nat Wolff, Emma Roberts, and Sarah Silverman among the cast. Mickey and Sarah are industry veterans, of course (he's in the long-awaited sequel to Sin City, due out in August; she's one of the funniest--and one of my favorite--comedians of the last 15 years; her We Are Miracles HBO stand-up special last year was awesome). And Nat and Emma are two of Hollywood's hottest young actors (he co-stars in The Fault In Our Stars, which opened a couple of weeks ago to rave reviews and a No. 1 gross at the box office ($48 million opening weekend); you probably know Emma from her early days on Nickelodeon and a handful of movie roles she's had since, before co-starring in last year's blockbuster comedy We're the Millers).

Nat Wolff shared this photo Friday from the set of Ashby. Credit: instagram.com/natandalex

Not many details have been published about Ashby, but it's described as a comedy-drama that follows the paths of a high school student (Nat) and a retired CIA assassin (Mickey) who only has months to live. It's being directed by Tony McNamara.

Emma's character, Eloise, looks very wholesome, and even a little Southern, based on the photo she tweeted yesterday.

Hey everyone. Meet Eloise #AshbyMovie pic.twitter.com/3XtJ3ioH04
— Emma Roberts (@RobertsEmma) June 22, 2014

Nat tweeted a photo from the set a few days ago as well, which I believe is from the practice field of a Charlotte high school.

I'm in NC shooting a movie with my hero Mickey Rourke and my friend the fantastic @RobertsEmma. Learning my routes pic.twitter.com/DbHorg8sF1
— Nat & Alex Wolff (@natandalex) June 20, 2014

And as usual for movies and TV shows that film in Charlotte (Homeland will always be in our hearts), Ashby is casting locally for extras. Tona B. Dahlquist Casting is handling the calls for extras, which you can find listed on the company's Facebook page (you'll also find calls for Charlotte extras for Cinemax's TV series Banshee and an MGM family movie called Max).

Ashby is scheduled to film in Charlotte for about five weeks, and will hit movie theaters some time in 2015. You can check for updates on its IMDB page.

READ FULL STORY

'Homeland' Season 3 Begins September 29

The cast and crew of the hit Showtime television series Homeland have been spotted around Charlotte a lot over the last couple of months--Uptown, SouthPark, Plaza Midwood--filming scenes for the upcoming season. Now we know when we'll get to see the highly anticipated season three: it premieres Sunday, September 29, 9 p.m. Showtime released this 30-second tease video, "Signals," today, and although it doesn't show any scenes, it's enough to get hardcore fans like me excited.

I'll certainly be among the millions of viewers tuning in to Showtime exactly two months from today to see what's going to happen with Brody, Carrie, Saul, and 'em, particularly after that explosive end to season two (literally). ShowBiz411 has revealed the titles of the first seven episodes of season three, and reports that episode nine is still being cast. The latter appears to align with the calls for extras in Charlotte on the Homeland Casting Facebook page, and since each season of Homeland features 12 episodes, I'm assuming the show is still in production on a handful of episodes.

The working relationship/friendship between Carrie (Claire Danes) and Saul (Mandy Patinkin) is expected to be one of season three's most pivotal storylines.
Credit: facebook.com/homelandonshowtime 

Visit the multi-Emmy-winning show's website at www.sho.com/homeland.

UPDATE: 8-09-13
The official Homeland Season 3 trailer was released today. It's a little more than three minutes long and is full of riveting snapshots.

READ FULL STORY

Casting Company Seeking Extras for Charlotte-Area Based TV Shows: 'Sleepy Hollow' Pilot, 'Banshee' Season 2, 'Homeland' Season 3

It's a great time to be an aspiring actor in Charlotte. The Tona B. Dahlquist Casting Company, which handles local casting for the Showtime hit television series Homeland and the new Cinemax series Banshee, is opening its call for extras for the next seasons of both of those shows as well as a new one: Sleepy Hollow, the TV pilot adaptation of famed short story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" being attempted by FOX. The story is perhaps most known to audiences today from the 1999 box-office hit that starred Johnny Depp.

Producers of Sleepy Hollow (TV), reportedly, have cast Orlando Jones, Katia Winter, and Nicole Beharie in lead roles so far. Locations in Salisbury have been confirmed for filming, potentially as early as next week.

Actress Katia Winter recently starred in season 7 of Dexter on Showtime. Credit: IMDB.com

As for Banshee, a show that I've watched each week since it debuted in January, the season finale airs tonight on Skinemax, I mean Cinemax. Tona B. Dahlquist Casting is seeking submissions for extras for season two. The company has also stated that it will be announcing local casting needs for Homeland season 3 soon.

You can keep up with the latest by visiting the Tona B. Dahlquist Casting Facebook page, as well the Charlotte Regional Film Commission's website, particularly the film news section.

READ FULL STORY

Nick Cannon Holding Auditions for 'Wild 'N Out' Monday in Charlotte

It was announced last month that Nick Cannon would be reviving his popular sketch comedy TV series, Wild 'N Out, in 2013 for MTV2. The series originally aired from 2005 to 2007 on MTV, and helped propel the careers of comedians Affion Crockett, Kevin Hart, Katt Williams, and others. This time around, in addition to appearances from established funnymen, Nick is looking for a new crop of comedians and improv actors to join the show.

Credit: NickCannon.com

He's holding auditions this Monday, December 3 in Charlotte. Not a whole lot of details are available, but if you want to find out more info you should probably listen to Power 98 (97.9 FM). On the radio station's website, it says to "send a video showing your funny for casting to: WnOCasting@mtv2.com. Videos should be no longer than 3 minutes. If your video is chosen, we’ll send you the address and location info to meet with Nick Cannon for an in person audition."

You should also follow Nick on Twitter @NickCannon. He shared on Twitter and Instagram this evening that he was leaving Atlanta, where he held auditions today, and was on his way to Charlotte.

Wild 'N Out was a funny show and it also featured great musical performances (and sexy Wild 'N Out Girls) each episode. I think the reruns still air, and it'll be good to see new episodes return next year. Nick, as you know, is also host of America's Got Talent on NBC.

Credit: NickCannon.com

He's also coming to town to do charitable deeds. He's scheduled to make appearances in Charlotte on Monday, including Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte, Levine Children's Hospital, and Buffalo Wild Wings at NASCAR Hall of Fame, for the Second Annual Celebrity Charity Wishes “Bears for Buddies" event, an initiative that raises money for terminally ill children and provides them with the essential needs of everyday living. Nick will be joined by DJ Drama, Grammy Award-winning producer Bruce Irvine, singer/songwriter Tocarra Hamilton, and Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem Patrick Cannon as they distribute hundreds of new teddy bears and gift bags to children.

READ FULL STORY

Dating, Reality Show Opportunities for Singles this Week in Charlotte

If you've been watching the new season of The Bachelorette, which was filmed largely in Charlotte, perhaps you've caught the reality show dating bug. If so, you could be in luck with one of two casting/recruiting events this week.

Thursday, June 7
The Bachelor Casting Call at Suite
This Thursday during the popular Alive After Five event, producers from The Bachelor will hold an open casting call for single women, taking place 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Suite, 210 E. Trade St., at the EpiCentre. Think the odds won't be in your favor to make the cut for the ABC reality show? Keep in mind that Emily Maynard from Charlotte, who's currently starring in The Bachelorette, not only was a contestant on The Bachelor in 2011 but was the eventual winner (though her and Bachelor Brad Womack soon broke up).

Saturday, June 9
Celebrity Matchmaker Seeking Single Black Men
Celebrity matchmaker Jasmine Diaz is coming to Charlotte to recruit the city’s most eligible, single, successful African-American men. If you’re single and looking, and between the ages of 35 and 45, this will be your opportunity to connect with the matchmaker for free. The Shawn Mackenzi Agency, a Los Angeles-based matchmaking company that specializes in matching affluent African-Americans and Latinos, is hosting a special recruiting session that will be taped for a new reality series being produced by Comcast Entertainment Studios / NBCUniversal. The event takes place this Saturday, 1 p.m., at Aloft Charlotte Uptown Hotel. 210 E. Trade St., at the EpiCentre. Click here to RSVP.

READ FULL STORY

Have You Spotted 'Homeland'?

I think I might have to drive around Charlotte a little bit this week to see if I can "accidentally" make my way onto the set of a television production. I blogged last month about Homeland when it was holding casting calls, and now the Showtime pilot has been filming for about two weeks in Charlotte and surrounding areas.

Homeland is a TV drama in the works about U.S. Marine Sgt. Scott Brody, played by actor Damian Lewis, who spent eight years as a prisoner of war in Baghdad and was presumed dead. Recently rescued, Brody has returned home. But CIA agent Carrie Anderson, played by Emmy award-winning actress Claire Danes, suspects that he's plotting an attack on America.

Charlotte is reportedly being used to replicate the Virginia/D.C. area, which, you know, is home to top government and military operations and officials. Filming locations include the Mountainbrook neighborhood in south Charlotte, the Ritz-Carlton in Uptown, Carolinas Aviation Museum at the airport, and the now-closed Philip Morris USA plant in Concord. The Philip Morris plant is a cool idea because it's being used as the CIA headquarters during filming. (And you might recall news from a couple of months ago in which an entertainment company proposed turning the vacant plant site into a music and movie studio complex.)

The Homeland Casting Facebook page is a great way to keep up with the progress the film crews have been making. It's also a place to find out about last-minute casting needs if you're wanting to be an extra. Below are some recent photos from Facebook.

READ FULL STORY

Justin Bieber 'Never Say Never' Singing Competition at Northlake Mall

There's a singing competition being held this Saturday at Northlake Mall in which the winner will get to attend Justin Bieber's Los Angeles premiere of his new movie, Never Say Never, next month. But before you Grown readers get too excited about a chance to meet the Biebs, please note that the competition is for teens ages 13-17. So grab your kid, little brother or sister, neighbor, or whomever because if the little rascal wins you can go with them! They'll need to be a good singer though.

Here's how it works.

The competition is this Saturday, January 15 at the Grand Court in Northlake Mall (6801 Northlake Mall Drive, Charlotte). Registration begins at 1 p.m., and the contest is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. Registration will be on site and is first-come, first-serve, and the scary part is that only the first 50 teens (13-17 years of age) to register on site will be entered in the contest. Raise your hand if you can see people lined up outside the mall before it opens Saturday.

Contestants can choose one of three Bieber songs to perform: “Never Say Never,” “Baby,” or “U Smile.” They'll be judged on voice quality, visual presentation, interpretation, and creativity/originality. Basically, it's American Idol with Bieber fever.

The winner with the highest score from the judges at Northlake Mall will win a trip for four to attend the L.A. premiere of Justin Bieber Never Say Never on February 9. Prize includes round-trip airfare, two nights hotel accommodations, transportation, and four tickets to the movie premiere. Plus, the winner from Charlotte will be put up against all the other winners across the United States, and the top five performances will be posted on the Paramount Pictures website to be voted on. Whoever gets the most votes will get to meet Justin Bieber one on one.

Kiss 95.1 FM will be on-site broadcasting and giving away prizes Saturday.

Click here for more details and for the official rules.

READ FULL STORY

Casting Call this Friday for 'Homeland,' New Showtime Pilot Starring Claire Danes

UPDATE: A second casting call for Homeland has been added, scheduled for Tuesday, December 14, 4-7 p.m. at Carolina Mall in Concord. Click here for details.

There's a casting call being held locally this Friday for a new Showtime pilot called Homeland, the Charlotte Regional Film Commission announced yesterday. The casting call is scheduled for 4-7 p.m. at Plaza Fiesta Carolinas in Fort Mill, which is near the Charlotte border. Last month, Showtime announced that Claire Danes had signed on to play the lead in the one-hour drama.

Claire Danes.

In addition to Emmy Award-winner Danes, there's plenty of star power behind the scenes with this pilot. Homeland is being produced and co-written by Howard Gordon, former 24 and The X-Files executive producer and writer, while Dexter director Michael Cuesta is directing. Gideon Raff, Homeland’s creator, based the show on his Israeli TV series Prisoners of War.

The casting call is part of the pre-production work 20th Century Fox Television is currently in town doing. According to the Charlotte Regional Film Commission, the studio is planning to begin shooting the pilot in the area at the beginning of the year and if it's picked up as a series by Showtime, there's a possibility it could continue shooting here.

Click here for more details on the casting call, including a link to a downloadable PDF of a talent profile that's suggested you fill out if you're planning to audition.

READ FULL STORY

'America's Next Top Model' Charlotte Casting Call

Producers from America's Next Top Model are holding an open casting call for Cycle 16 this Saturday in Charlotte. The casting call will be held 2-5 p.m. at Tilted Kilt Pub and Eatery (13230 Carowinds Blvd.), and is open to females between the ages of 18 and 27 and who are at least 5'7" in height. Click here to download the application and for the list of eligibility requirements.

READ FULL STORY

Casting Call Today for 'The Good Life'

A new reality TV show is casting in Charlotte today. The Good Life is a planned TV show that's reported to be headed for a major network. The show's producers are searching for women only and the casting website says it's "searching for the most outrageous, over-the-top ladies who are living large! Maybe you were born with a silver spoon or maybe someone handed it to you — either way, you’re A-List, baby! And, it’s time everybody knows."

It goes on to state that ideal candidates will be those who have a closet full of designer clothes and shoes; whose job is an intense social calendar and hobby is shopping at Gucci; and is on the cutting edge of every trend. It even asks if you live in an amazing home with maids, a chef, a personal assistant, or a driver.


I'm not sure Charlotte has a large pool of that type of woman, but I'd suggest they focus their search in SouthPark and Lake Norman if they hope to have any luck. Open casting calls are also being held in Los Angeles, Dallas, New York, and New Jersey (fist pump!) over the next couple of weeks.

The Good Life Open Casting Call - Charlotte
Tuesday, January 26
1-4 p.m.
Sloan Boutique
1419 East Boulevard
704-338-1400

For more details, visit www.thegoodlifecasting.com or call 818-325-6904.

READ FULL STORY

Help Bi-Lo Find a SpokesMILF

Bi-Lo is holding a casting call for a "Spokesmom" in the North Carolina/South Carolina area to be the face and voice of its advertising. The grocery store chain is seeking a lady who is "a great mom, able to juggle finances, busy schedules and meals; has a fun, outgoing personality; and would enjoy sharing her family life with shoppers."

It's a paying gig that might be just right for that former model who gave up a life of photoshoots and runways to settle down with a family. Or that attractive, do-it-all, Rachel Ray-esque mom you know of in your neighborhood--maybe she's even your wife.


I think Bi-Lo should've been a little more direct in what it's looking for. Put a call out there for a SpokesMILF! Now that'll get shoppers' attention and help the chain increase its market share on the Harris Teeters, Food Lions, and Publixs.

Bi-Lo gave me my first job, near my small hometown in SC. They hired me as a bagger and I soon worked my way up to cashier (I've always been a ladder climber, you see). I actually got hired at the age of 15, even though I fudged on the application that I was 16 (my birthday was five months away). I was in the 10th grade and because I now had a job, my parents allowed me to get my driver's license. Those were the young and carefree days.

I still have a sense of loyalty to Bi-Lo, which is why I was happy that the neighborhood I moved to a couple of years ago has one nearby. So pass on the word that my favorite grocery store is looking for a SpokesMILF!

Visit www.bilospokesmom.com for details.

READ FULL STORY

Two Reality Show Casting Calls This Week

If you want to be a reality TV show star, you have the opportunity to audition for two shows this week. Both casting calls are being held at Cans Bar and Canteen (500 W. Fifth St.), which has become the go-to place for reality show auditions.

More to Love is a new dating series planned by FOX and being produced by the creator of The Bachelor. The casting crew is looking for plus-size, single men ages 27 to 35. Casting call is today (Sunday) from 5-8 p.m.

A crew from CBS's Big Brother 11 will be here Saturday, April 11 from 5-9 p.m. scouting for housemates for the popular show who'll compete for the $500,000 grand prize. Men and women must be at least 21 years old to audition. Click here for more details.

READ FULL STORY

Relationship Reality Show Casting Call

The CW is holding two casting calls in Charlotte this weekend for a new relationship reality show. The producers are looking for "young hot couples who’ve been together for over a year but haven’t taken that next step."


The first casting call will be held this Saturday, 2-6 p.m., at The Grape at SouthPark, 4300 Sharon Rd. The second will be held Sunday, 2-6 p.m., at Cans, 500 W. Fifth St. Click here for more info.

READ FULL STORY

'Real World' Coming

If you're looking for a new career opportunity, say as a future D-list actor, cheap calendar model, or traveling nightclub party host, here's your chance.

YOU could live here! ... For a few months.

MTV has begun casting calls for The Real World 22 and they'll be in Charlotte this Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Fox & Hound in uptown, 330 N. Tryon St.

Click here for casting details.

READ FULL STORY

America's Next Top Model Casting

America's Next Top Model is holding a casting call in Charlotte on Saturday, August 9. For all you ladies who've been dreaming of runway and/or reality show stardom, here's your chance. I may go just to watch. Man Law.

This could be you, girl.

The ANTM casting will be held at the Renaissance Charlotte hotel in SouthPark. You can learn more details and download an application by clicking here.

READ FULL STORY

A Bubbling Fashion Scene In Charlotte?

As Charlotte continues to grow, it's only natural that the cultural amenities we enjoy would expand as well. Our restaurant scene is starting to rival other major cities. Our nightlife offerings have come a long way in the last couple of years. And now it appears that fashion is the next to rise.

A sign that a fashion scene is developing in Charlotte is the number of fashion shows we're starting to have here. I sort of stumbled upon one last summer that I really enjoyed. And since then there have been several well-produced, well-attended fashion shows around the city.

Next up is "Got Beauty? Got Fashion? Rock It!" presented by KMB Marketing. The event takes place this Thursday, 7 p.m.-midnight, at The Grape at Northlake Mall (my end of town, yes!). You can expect a mini fashion show featuring local models wearing pieces by T-Simone Designs, which is a line by local designer Tenisha Campbell. The fashion show is just part of the fashion and beauty inspired event. And in addition to the free gift bags and free hors d'oeuvres, admission to the event is free also. I don't know about you, but I like to be in a roomful of models. Man Law. And these types of events usually attract beautiful onlookers.

There was, from what I've been told, a pretty good fashion show held last month at the Levine Museum of the New South. I missed it because I was out of town.

Charlotte is also a part of the Urban Fashion Week network, with a week of events being held here in the fall. The inaugural Charlotte Urban Fashion Week was held in October. CUFW also holds several fashion events and casting calls throughout the year, and there was one earlier this month. Then there's Charlotte North Carolina Fashion Week, which I've only recently learned of and believe is completely unrelated to Charlotte Urban Fashion Week. CNCFW is scheduled for September 18-20 at the Blake Hotel, and according to its website it will feature runway shows, industry workshops, vendors, and entertainment. It will also be hosting an Industry Night mixer June 4, 6-10 p.m., at Woods on South.

And lastly, a couple of local fashion magazines have recently popped up: Charlotte Style Magazine and Blu Magazine. I'm very critical of magazines so I'll reserve judgement and give these new pubs time to develop.

You may read all of this and say that what we're experiencing in Charlotte pales in comparison to other cities. You're probably right. But I say it's progress. Plus, good fashion is something we can all benefit from. As Deion Sanders says, "If you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you play good. And if you play good, they pay good."

READ FULL STORY