Be in an M. Night movie
Director-writer-producer M. Night Shyamalan is casting for The Last Airbender, a live-action film from Paramount and Nickelodeon based on the Nickelodeon animated series, shooting here from mid-March through July. (It's set in a world where human civilization is divided into four nations: Air, Water, Earth and Fire. The film's hero, the reluctant young Aang, is the Last Airbender. Aided by a protective teenage Waterbender named Katara and her bullheaded brother, Sokka, Aang proceeds on a perilous journey to restore balance to their war-torn world. Standard stuff.)
The O.C.'s Jackson Rathbone has been named as Sokka. Casting folks are looking for extras to play soldiers, martial artists, dancers, gymnasts, athletes and families - specifically physically fit people from 18 to 65 years old. The open call will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Bullies restaurant at the Wachovia Spectrum. You're asked to dress casually or in the traditional costume of your family's ethnic background. Info: lastairbendercasting@gmail.com or 215-574-7878.
We've called the number provided and this seems to be completely legit. Several people have commented suggesting that those protesting the casting decision should have a presence there, and we're inclined to agree. However, it's very important that we all conduct ourselves politely, peacefully and responsibly.
If you can make it to the casting call in person, we would love for you to
• Ask polite but firm questions of the casting people about why they chose white actors to play Asian and Inuit characters and report back here with what they say
• Ask why no formal statement has been made by Paramount Pictures or Blinding Edge Pictures (Shyamalan's production company) about the casting controversy and, again, let us know what they say
• Take photos and notes about what you see and hear and share them with us in the comments
• Peacefully and respectfully protest the casting decisions, and tell the local media that you plan to do so. If you want to organize a protest, relevant information regarding applying for permits and such can be found here.
EDIT:
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drmoonpants is trying to put together a list of those who plan to attend. Please reply to this comment if you think you'll be able to make it so that we can get a headcount.You should not, under any circumstances
• Spam their voicemail or email with messages
• Harass or insult the casting people in any way or interfere with their ability to do their jobs
• Protest the casting in a manner that is not completely peaceful, polite and respectful
• Confront or disrespect anyone else who shows up to the casting call
• Behave in a manner that would cast a bad light on this movement as a whole
If you cannot make it to the casting call in person, we encourage you to send short, polite messages to the email address above (or leave equally short, polite voicemails) briefly explaining your objections to their casting decisions and asking if and when Blinding Edge Pictures plans to make a statement regarding this controversy.
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We started inside but they kicked us out almost immediately so we moved to the bottom of the front steps where people came in. A lot of people didn't care, but a lot of people also stopped and listened, although most of them went in to audition anyway, even though they agreed with our cause, disappointing yes, but creating awareness is the first step. Only 4 people turned around and left after listening to what I had to say because they agreed that they wouldn't contribute any time or energy to the movie until something was changed. Some people said some negative comments but nothing outright nasty or angry. A lot of people looked at my reference pictures and saw how deeply ingrained the Asian culture was in the show and agreed that the casting didn't make sense.
We stayed from 9:30 to 1:30 and I was pleasantly surprised how many people sympathized with our cause. The Philadelphia Inquirer took some pictures and took my name as well as some of the other supporters. Channel 3 news was there and the reporter said that even though she regretted wasn't there to cover our story she still completely agreed with our cause and wished us the best of luck. I know they only are allowed to cover the stories they're sent out for but it was nice to have a local anchor person and crew take time out of their busy day to support us. Though the local radio station KYW 1060 COMPLETELY ignored us even though it was interviewing people who auditioned RIGHT in front of us. The interviewees even said the protesters were the best part of the day!
Over all we created a lot of buzz and I made sure every person coming in and out heard our message of equality. I would have loved if every single person would have turned around and left but that obviously wasn't going to happen. Getting people to talk about it is the first step. We also handed out flyers with links to this site and Derek Kim's exceptional blog and and excerpt from his blog.
If there is anything else you want to know, or anything I have forgotten feel free to ask me/I will add more info when I remember it if it is exciting or relevant. Thanks so much for the wonderful support through this site, I wouldn't have had the courage to get up there and shout to strangers without all of you :)
-Charlee
shoot me an email ASAP: min@scaryrealty.com
michael klein from the philadelphia inquirer wants to speak to the protesters!
i will give you his number
THANKS!
Would it be all right with you if we posted about this in a main entry on the blog?
Thank you thank you THANK YOU.
Honestly, that is a HUGE accomplishment. I'm really proud of you and you should be too! Thing about how many people those 4 are going to tell, and even everybody else who still went in, how many dinner table conversations this is going to inspire? Lots of people are going to start to get it, and that it's not just about Avatar, because of you.
Raising a glass to you from all the way west in California's south bay. Thanks so much for doing this :)
My hat is off to you, and here's hoping we'll all be there next time.
[and clearly I am also sick as a dog because my sentences keep falling apart on me!! ugh]
Edited at 2009-01-25 02:27 am (UTC)
Though the local radio station KYW 1060 COMPLETELY ignored us even though it was interviewing people who auditioned RIGHT in front of us. The interviewees even said the protesters were the best part of the day!
BWAH HA take that KYW!! This issue really is gaining momentum!
The fact that you guys spread the word and got FOUR (!!!) people to walk out of a job opportunity (especially with this economy) is AMAZING. You guys have made a difference and are just...AMAZING. I just...wow. I applaud you all.
(By the way, very off topic but you sure are a cutie. :P)
Good luck with your interview. I know we're a bunch of geeks and all, but we support you!
Also, 新年快乐 (happy new year)!
Again, way to go on the protest front, I wish I lived closer (or that my car hadn't been wrecked by the snow here) so I could go too. Major Kudos!
Thanks for being there.
You just made my day.
Unbelievable. If a casting call comes to my area, I'm going to do my best to protest, too.
<3