Tom Hanks movie seeks extras in Pittsburgh region

Those who want to be in a movie starring actor Tom Hanks and earn a little money have a chance to play an extra portraying background actors, even if they don’t have previous acting experience, according to the film’s production company.

Paid extras are needed for the movie “A Man Called Otto,” which will begin filming in Pittsburgh and the region in mid-February, according to Chelsea Patterson, extra casting director for Margarita Productions Inc.

A general extra is guaranteed $170 for a 12-hour day. They receive overtime compensation of 1½ times their regular pay if filming runs longer than 12 hours in a day, Patterson said.

Those chosen to play extras in the film will have opportunities for multiple days of work throughout the show, the company said. It is seeking children, teenagers and adults of all ethnicities and races to portray local residents of the town, Army recruits, hospital staff, diner patrons, factory workers, train station employees, travelers and other roles to be filled by characters from the looks of the 1970s to the 21st century.

“We are committed to inclusive, diverse casting,” Margarita Productions said.

The film is based on a 2015 Swedish comedy “A Man Called Ove,” which was based on the best-selling novel with the same title by Fredrik Backman. Hanks, a two-time Oscar winner, will star in and produce the English-language adaptation.

Those who are interested in portraying extras in the film can find information on how to apply by visiting www.movieextraspittsburgh.com or by visiting a Facebook page “Movie Casting Pgh”.