10°c Overcast
15°c Mainly sunny
Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
A small part in Layton's life
Extras hired to fill seats during filming of biopic
Extras fill the Centennial Concert Hall Tuesday during the filming of a scene in Smilin' Jack: The Jack Layton Story. (JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store
More than 160 Winnipeggers turned up Tuesday afternoon for a chance to recreate the history of a Canadian icon.
An open call for extras was issued to fill the Centennial Concert Hall to recreate one of the late NDP leader's most exciting moments for the film Smilin' Jack: The Jack Layton Story.
The scene that required all that local talent was Jack Layton's walk onto the Toronto Convention Centre stage after the NDP was elected as Canada's official Opposition in May of 2011.
The open call brought out Layton fans, colleagues and even out-of-towners, all looking to get a front-row seat to the Canadian movie-making magic.
The star-struck extras packed the theatre, an excited buzz permeating the air as crews dressed the set and tested lighting. Each extra donned an NDP Jack Layton pin with an uncanny image of Canadian actor Rick Roberts looking every bit like Layton.
Local lawyer Stephen Friesen took a break from practising criminal law to try his hand at acting in the CBC biopic.
"I've been an extra in a few things, and I love seeing the behind-the-scenes stuff. But honestly, I was really inspired by Layton in his last election campaign and the energy he had. It's a great thing to feel a part of it," Friesen said.
Aspiring local actor Charles Fernandes has been working on the set for weeks. He said the experience is helping him get his foot in the film industry's door.
"I want to do anything I can that will enhance me as an actor so I do as much stuff as I can, whether it's auditions or extra work. It's so fantastic to see how movies are made. Also, I was a huge supporter of Jack Layton and anything I could do to be a part of his biopic, I was happy," Fernandes said.
Local and national politicians even answered the casting call. Minister of Health Theresa Oswald sat in the front row awaiting her close-up, while former cabinet minister Judy Wasylycia-Leis and city councillor Ross Eadie mingled with fellow extras in between takes.
Tania Cameron, an NDP candidate from Kenora in the last two federal elections, drove all the way from the Ontario town just to be a part of the film honouring her late colleague.
"I considered Jack to be a friend and a mentor. He was the most approachable man I have ever known. I connected with him on a very personal level," Cameron said.
Cameron said though the experience of seeing Roberts in costume as Layton was difficult, she wouldn't have missed the opportunity.
"On the way in, I said to my mom 'I'm just so glad to be a part of this. This feels right.' In my mind, it's the last thing I can do to honour Jack," said Cameron.
Smilin' Jack: The Jack Layton Story is being co-produced by Pier 21 Films and Winnipeg's Eagle Vision Inc. It is expected to air on CBC in 2013.
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition August 15, 2012 A2
History
Updated on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at 9:33 PM CDT: Fixes election year
More Latest News
- Back to Top
- Return to Latest News
More Latest News
(1 of 50 articles for this week)
Massive tornado roars through Oklahoma City suburb, killing at least 51
2:40 AM
0
View Related
Poll
Most Popular Latest News
- 87-year-old woman tells jurors, 'Somebody had to stand up to' Donald Trump
- Harper expected to speak to Tory caucus Tuesday in wake of Senate scandal
- Male facing charges after gun fired in Exchange District
- Massive tornado roars through Oklahoma City suburb, killing at least 51
- Rainfall warning issued for southern Manitoba
- Ray Manzarek, keyboardist and founding member of rock group The Doors, dies at 74 from cancer
- A gay kiss for Archie Comics' Kevin Keller is also a poke at real life controversy
- Power restored to Linden Woods after goose collides with lines
- Tornado leads CBS to pull season-ending episode of 'Mike & Molly'
- Skin picking gets status as distinct disorder, should help sufferers access help
- Seattle man dribbling soccer ball to Brazil killed by car on Oregon Coast
- Aboriginal leader Elijah Harper dies
- News of city's $17-million winner leaks out on FB
- Woman killed in head-on crash in southwestern Manitoba
- Horrific crash kills minivan driver near Brandon
- 87-year-old woman tells jurors, 'Somebody had to stand up to' Donald Trump
- Charleswood deaths being investigated as domestic incident
- Crushing blow for amateur sport
- US woman credits 'mother's instincts' in chase of 4-year-old daughter's abductor
- Flood victim gets six years for shotgun threat, attack
- Seattle man dribbling soccer ball to Brazil killed by car on Oregon Coast
- Driver crashes into tree near golf course
- Arrests made after raids on local head shops
- Aboriginal leader Elijah Harper dies
- News of city's $17-million winner leaks out on FB
- Passengers from diverted flight to leave Winnipeg Thursday night
- No threat from bag found at Winnipeg Square
- Susan Griffiths dies in Switzerland
- Woman killed in head-on crash in southwestern Manitoba
- Horrific crash kills minivan driver near Brandon
- Skin picking gets status as distinct disorder, should help sufferers access help
- Media multi-taskers are 'deluded'
- Nearly 10 years after devolution, Southern Authority hasn’t created its own standards
- Order of Manitoba recipients announced
- Man charged, victims identified in double homicide
- The rail riders' riot
- The end of the credit card?
- Twins drop fifth straight, fall 4 games under .500 with 5-1 loss to Red Sox
- Thousands of military sex abuse victims seek disability, health care after leaving service
- Measles outbreaks flourish in UK years after discredited research tied measles shot to autism
- Aboriginal leader Elijah Harper dies
- An uncommon phenomenon
- Marsh Madness: Photographers Fred Greenslade and Joe Bryksa capture spring migration's grandeur at Delta Marsh
- Prominent Canadians back petition to rename Victoria Day to honour aboriginals
- Microsoft update to address Windows 8 complaints, confusion will be free; to be called 8.1
- Horrific crash kills minivan driver near Brandon
- Uganda: Blessed are the children
- New website profiles neighbourhoods of Winnipeg
- Province removing red tape in alcohol sales
- Animals are animals, new ads say
- Aboriginal leader Elijah Harper dies
- Dogs can experience separation anxiety and depression just like humans
- Paul McCartney to play Winnipeg Aug. 12
- Ontario steps in to help save ELA
- Saskatchewan professor wants to test the health benefits of nose-picking
- 'Revenge of the redheads': Ginger-haired Montrealers gather in celebration
- An uncommon phenomenon
- Passengers from diverted flight to leave Winnipeg Thursday night
- Hundreds pitch in to dig out houses damaged, destroyed by Ochre Beach ice floe
- Retail sales in province see 2 per cent increase in February
Ads by Google
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.
Have Your Say
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.