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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, August 15, 2008

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
Find yourself on 'Lost'

By Mike Gordon
Advertiser Staff Writer

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These are the last days before filming resumes on "Lost," and while producers won't call the scene chaotic, it's definitely busy.

Sets and locations are being designed, technicians are loading trucks for location shots and scripts are being written and revised.

"Think of it as a dance with many participants, or perhaps a military analogy might be better," said Jean Higgins, co-executive producer for "Lost," who handles logistics for the show on site in Honolulu.

"The show is structured much like the military, with different divisions bearing different responsibilities."

Last to get involved are the actors.

"In this final week before shooting, the actors return to the island," Higgins said. "We have make-up and hair consultations as needed for whatever the script may call for, wardrobe fittings — and the actors may have meetings or discussions with the director of the episode regarding their part in the script."

But it's not like a job, at least not yet, Higgins said: "Everyone is happy to be back at work and see their other family — the one with whom we spend the most hours."

LEARN MORE: http://abc.go.com/primetime/lost

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'LOST' TRYOUT

What: Open call for new "Lost" actors

When: Anytime between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. tomorrow

Where: Ala Wai Elementary, 503 Kamoku St.

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As production begins on O'ahu for the fifth season of "Lost," the executives at ABC have decided they need new faces for the popular Hawai'i-based drama.

There's an open call for wannabe actors tomorrow at Ala Wai Elementary. So if you've ever wanted to join the beleaguered castaways on "Lost," here's your chance.

"We hadn't done an open call before, and we felt it was about time," said Rachel Sutton, the show's new casting director. "We are looking for anyone and everyone."

Don't expect to be given a script or told any of the storyline. Those are the network equivalent of a classified state secret. Instead, organizers plan to have you fill out a form, take your photo and maybe ask you a few questions about your time in the school play.

No experience is necessary. All ages and ethnic backgrounds are welcome.

"Lost," which starts filming Monday, isn't shopping for a particular look, Sutton said. Each script has its own quirks — no kidding — and decisions like that are not decided until the audition.

But "Lost" is looking for people who speak a foreign language. Hey, is that a plot spoiler?

"We want to hire more people from and in Hawai'i," she said. "We want to try to turn over every rock to see if we can find people who might not necessarily think they are an actor but who can handle a few lines."

Auditions for those called back will be held in the coming months. Those who do secure a part will get paid $759 a day, Sutton said.

Filming is expected to last through next spring. The new season of the ABC series is expected to premiere sometime in January.

Regardless of who gets an audition, though, the show has already cast a Hawai'i toddler for a return appearance — 2-year-old William Blanchette, who played "baby Aaron" in seasons 2 and 4, said Julie Carlson, "Lost" extras casting director.

William's "Lost" debut came when he was 6 months old. "He gurgled well," Carlson said. Last spring, the boy played Aaron as a 2-year-old in a flash-forward scene.

When the show uses him again this season — potentially months to a year after his last appearance — the hope is that he will look pretty much the same. Or that no one will notice if he doesn't.

"We are hoping he hasn't grown that much and that he is not looking that much different," Carlson said. "It would be a challenge at the end of the year because he is older. If he has grown 4 inches, will the audience know?"

Reach Mike Gordon at mgordon@honoluluadvertiser.com.