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Drama teachers, film buffs and young actors in WA's South West are "pumped" about whispers that Hollywood heavyweight Nicolas Cage could soon be shooting in their area.
Key points:
- Nicholas Cage is set to shoot a surfing film in WA's South West
- A casting agent has asked students to audition for roles in the movie
- A drama teacher says it offers young actors an unique opportunity
WA's famous surfing and wine regions of Margaret River and Yallingup, three-and-a-half hours south of Perth, are set to be the backdrop for the film The Surfer starring Cage, with filming expected to start later in the year.
The local rumour mill intensified when a casting agency sent a call out to local high school students to audition for roles in the film — and a chance to act alongside Cage.
The call-out said teenage boys would play young surfers who hung out with a surf gang.
"We are looking for kids who are really confident with a bit of 'attitude' ... we see them riding their BMXs delivering beer and generally causing trouble around town," the call-out said.
Margaret River Senior High School drama teacher Amy Johnstone said her students were thrilled by the opportunity.
"As soon as we found out, we put it out in the school notices, and we had a stack of boys lining up at our office door by recess, these guys are pumped to be in a movie," she said.
The film's production company Arenamedia said it was unable to confirm any details at this stage.
'Beyond exciting'
CinefestOZ chief executive Cassandra Jordan said the film would be a psychological thriller.
"It is beyond exciting to have something of this calibre shooting in our region," she said.
"[The film] follows Nicolas Cage, a man returning to his hometown after many years of leaving the region and it's all about him up against a local gang of surfers who claim ownership over a secluded beach of his childhood."
She said local businesses and the community would reap a huge benefit with the production coming to town.
"This also has a really big tourism impact on the region," she said.
"Nicolas Cage and Yallz [Yallingup], it's just keeping our incredible region in the spotlight."
Film could launch a star
Drama teacher Ms Johnstone said she would begin helping boys prepare for their audition.
"We will be holding lunchtime sessions where we can help give them some tips on audition techniques, how to present and maybe little monologues," she said.
"Some of these boys who have put their hand up are not necessarily drama kids, it's really awesome to see the different range of ages and kind of guys that are interested in doing it.
"This could be a launching pad for some kids or a maybe an opportunity to see that they're interested in something they didn't realise they we're in to."
The Margaret River and Yallingup regions have a history of attracting surf movies, with 2013 film Drift having also been produced in the area.
Other recent high-profile regional productions include the Ewan McGregor crime thriller Son Of A Gun in Kalgoorlie and Tim Winton adaptation Drift, which was shot in Esperance and the Mid West.