UPDATE — Filmmakers request that all extras please wear red or blue. No logos, art or copyrighted material of any kind allowed.
ARLINGTON — The football stadium at Haller Middle School will soon be used as the location for a film called “Seven Minutes” — the feature-length directorial debut from Jay Martin — and the filmmakers are looking for extras to fill the stands.
Starring Oscar-nominated actor Kris Kristofferson, Leven Rambin (who played Glimmer in last year’s “The Hunger Games”) and Jason Ritter, the film follows an athlete whose life takes a turn after a severe injury.
“One of our leads will be there playing the quarterback for the football team,” said Herman Esau, of the film’s location department. “Doug du Mas was the location manager for the whole film and he is very connected to the Pacific Northwest. Arlington has this perfect stadium that obviously had something to it that fit the director’s creative vision.”
The production company, Seven Minutes LLC, a Whitewater Films production, requested a permit from the city of Arlington to use the space and coordinated with the Arlington School District, which owns the property.
“It’s not a rumor, they came in yesterday and got a special event permit,” said Kristin Banfield, assistant city administrator for Arlington. “They will be at Haller Stadium on Saturday and Sunday. We are very appreciative. It’s really cool that it’s the second film to shoot in Arlington in a matter of weeks. It’s great to be able to show off everything that Arlington has to offer.”
Pre-lighting is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 3, at 5 p.m., with no people involved and filming will begin Sunday, Aug. 4, at 6 p.m. Those interested in being extras in the film should arrive prior to the start time on Sunday.
“There are stadium fans and a different scene with supplemental stands,” said Esau. “Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian if they are underage, or else they will be turned away. And, of course, if you are coming to observe or be an extra, please be respectful of the filming process. You will be told to do things by people in positions of authority. We will ask for certain kinds of cheering. Be respectful that we are trying to make a movie on a set time.”
Because the filming is taking place on school property, the standard rules apply — no weapons, no alcohol, no drugs.
“They wanted an older-looking field, so that’s why they chose the Haller Middle School property,” said Andrea Conley, public relations director for Arlington Public Schools. The stadium houses the field that once hosted Arlington High School’s football games, before the new facility was built.
“They are looking for about 100-125 extras,” said Conley. “This is a nice opportunity for the entire community, and having the film crew in town will certainly benefit local businesses.”
