We will have the first open casting call for our feature motion picture “Bonefish” (The Galloping Ghost of Bimini) on Wednesday, August 28 at Bimini Big Game Club in Alice Town, North Bimini, Bahamas. Interested folks can fly to the island from Fort Lauderdale (FLL to BIM) on either a commercial airline or the more convenient (and exciting) seaplane charter service offered by Tropic Ocean Airways.

From Miami, the fun way to go is on Resorts World Bimini’s SuperFast Ferry, which cruises across the Gulf Stream twice each day from the Port of Miami to Bimini in a fun 2.5 hours. The ferry features cabins, casinos, excellent food, and friendly, talented bartenders. Google “Resorts World Bimini” for more information.

Here is what is being shared on the island concerning this fun event:

“Bonefish!”

Please read this information prior to meeting with movie personnel.

What this open casting call IS:

• A pre-production search for possible talent to appear during the filming of our PG-13 mainstream movie, “Bonefish!” Since most of the movie will be filmed on location in Bimini, we are looking for local folks who want to be involved.

What this open casting call IS NOT:

• A guarantee or commitment that you will be involved during production or post-production (after the film is shot and as it’s being cut). Producers look for many things when filling roles. Please respect this process.

What’s the story?

“An odd but friendly horse unexpectedly arrives on tiny Bimini and helps a mixed up, impressionable teenager become a responsible young man while also becoming a unifying force that brings together the island’s rich and poor for the betterment of all.”

“Bonefish” is a movie adaptation of the award-winning romantic comedy novel “12 Miles to Paradise” written ten years ago by longtime Bimini visitor Ted Simendinger, who now writes under the pen name “Ocean Palmer.” Ted founded the No Bats Baseball Club and twice brought No Bats over to Bimini for goodwill games. He has also brought baseball Hall of Famer Andre Dawson to Bimini and helped put computers in the schools. Ted is also producing the film.

What type of story is “Bonefish”?

“Bonefish” is a mainstream 4‐panel (male/female/young/old) multicultural ensemble comedy with social conflict undertones and a happy ending. We are looking for a wide variety of enthusiastic locals to help make a really fun movie.

Probable rating: PG‐13.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is “Bonefish” a big studio production?

A: No. “Bonefish” will be an independent film. Private investors will fund the picture and sell it for distribution into a global market. There are no guarantees it will be made or released – but the executive team has produced nearly 50 films.

Q. What is an “open” casting call?

A. An “open call” means we are looking for local people who might fit certain supporting role profiles and anyone can apply. Applicants do not have to be professional actors in order to be selected.

Q. Will I get paid?

A. Probably not. Most roles we need to fill will be non-speaking parts.

Q. Will some of the roles be paid speaking parts?

A. Yes, but just a few. Unless it’s a significant part, payment will be small.

Q. If I haven’t had any acting experience, can I still get a speaking role?

A. Yes. Our plan is to bring a professional acting coach to Bimini a week prior to shooting to help those selected learn the fundamentals of professional acting before the picture goes into production. While experience is nice, it is not necessary. After all…every star had to start somewhere! Why not here?

Q. When will the movie be made?

A. We are not sure. The start date depends on securing the funding for the film. We are hoping to begin filming in early 2014. Everyone selected will be kept fully informed as the project unfolds. We would not be here if we did not expect to make it.

Q. How long will it take to shoot “Bonefish”?

A. About 30 days. Depending on the weather and the pace of the shoot, we may take a little longer. How many days each actor will be needed depends on his or her role and the scene or scenes they are in. Workloads will vary from one day to many. Unpaid roles are minimal commitments. Substantive roles are compensated.

Q. Who is the star going to be?

A. We don’t know . . . yet. We know who we want and hope to secure but cannot reveal any information pertaining to professional talent until he or she is under contract.

Q. How will I know if I am selected?

A. No decisions will be made today. Everyone who applies will be contacted – yes or no, one way or the other – shortly after we confirm the film is funded. In order to keep everyone fully informed, you need to provide an accurate email address. We also will maintain a specific “Bonefish” website you can check for ongoing updates.

Q. If I am not selected for a role this first time, is there still a chance I can get in the movie?

A. YES!!! Everyone who is not selected the first time will be notified electronically how he or she can have a second chance at being involved. We want this movie to be a community project — and we will do our best to include as many interested people as we can within the framework of the story we are telling.

Q. What if I have questions after today?

A. Information on how to stay in touch with the production company will be provided via email to everyone who applies and provides his or her email address. You will also be able to send in questions through the film’s website, which will be announced later.

 

THANK YOU FOR COMING OUT AND SUPPORTING

“BONEFISH!”

 The Galloping Ghost of Bimini

Hope to see you at the casting call!  This will be a very fun project!