Macon’s resurgence into the strike-paused film industry kicks off early in 2024 with filming of scenes for Denzel Washington’s Netflix production of  “The Piano Lesson.”

Paid extras are needed for local filming expected January 5, 7 or 8 in Macon. Bill Marinella Casting seeks adults and possibly some children for the period film set in the Depression-era.

The production will pay a daily rate of $154, and extras may be working overnight so must make childcare arrangements, if necessary.

Anyone interested in working on this film or future productions should create a profile online at castbmc.app/talent.

Because of the costume requirements, those cast in the film may need to provide their own transportation to Atlanta for a fitting, but will be paid for their time. The fittings are tentatively scheduled for December 18-20.

Washington is producing a new streaming adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name written by August Wilson in 1987, which became a Hallmark Hall of Fame television movie in 1995.

The story set in Pittsburgh in the mid-1930s follows the Charles family’s dilemma of what to do with an heirloom piano hand-etched with the tribal and enslaved history of their ancestor.

Denzel’s son, Malcolm Washington, who is directing the film, also co-wrote this new adaptation with Virgil Williams.

The all-star cast includes Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Ray Fisher, Danielle Deadwyler, Michael Potts, Corey Hawkinsand Erykah Badu.

Crews began shooting scenes for The Piano Lesson last spring in Atlanta.

Scouts have been looking at a few Macon locations, including a downtown block and private property, said Aaron Buzza, Visit Macon’s Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer who also coordinates local film projects.

Details and potential local road closings will be forthcoming.

– Civic Journalism Senior Fellow Liz Fabian covers Macon-Bibb County government news for The Macon Newsroom of the Reg Murphy Center for Collaborative Journalism.