Local cast members sought for O'ahu-based TV pilot

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

TV producers are holding a casting call for a hoped-for NBC pilot based on O'ahu called "Pearl City."

It's described as a drama with action and adventure, along the lines of "Hawaii Five-O" and "Magnum P.I."

If the project gets a final greenlight, preproduction or filming could start in Hawai'i next month.

Casting director Jerold Franks said he's eager to put Hawai'i residents in the mix. He has a call out for actors and actresses of all ethnicities.

As many as 35 speaking roles could be cast locally, Franks said.

A young, sexy, on-the-edge male, 20 to 30, and a leading lady, 20 to 30, are being cast in Los Angeles. Casting is also under way in New York.

Franks, a former president of the Casting Society of America, said he's a supporter of nontraditional casting, and therefore is open to seeing performers who look like Camryn Manheim (of "The Practice"), as well as Paul Williams and Gwyneth Paltrow types.

Several character roles are available; types needed include a movie-star-looking type in his mid-30s; another handsome man in his early 30s; an Asian coroner; a veteran detective type in his mid-40s; an African-American, twentysomething actor with boyish, intelligent looks; a society type in her early 40s; a heavy-set Samoan type and more.

Financing is contingent on the casting of the leads, Franks said.

Send pictures and résumés to Jerold Franks & Associates, 1340 Hoapili St., Suite A, Lahaina, HI 96761. For phone inquiries, call Chanell Akamine at 847-0556.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.