Scenic locations on the Palouse will star in a movie being shot this month in Moscow, Pullman and Colton.
The film, titled “The Last Champion,” stars Hallie Todd and Cole Hauser. Todd is probably best known for playing Lizzie McGuire’s mom in the Disney series “Lizzie McGuire” while Hauser stared in “Good Will Hunting” and TV’s “Rogue.”
Local people are being sought to play extras and other roles in the film, said Carol Grant, who is casting background talent for the movie.
The public is invited to a film shoot Saturday, Jan. 7 at the University of Idaho Kibbie Dome. The cast and crew will begin work around 9 p.m., after the UI and Montana State University basketball game. The scene will feature local wrestlers and stunt actors, Grant said. They hope to fill the stands with 200 spectators. Stand up comic Jon Huck will warm up the crowd and give away prizes. People in the stands may appear in the final film that is set to be released sometime late this year.
Those who want to be considered for a role in the film or to play a part in other scenes can sign up online at www.pacificnorthwestcasting.com. Grant will consider applicants and get in touch with those who might fit the part.
“The Last Champion” is a wholesome, family-friendly film about redemption set during the holidays, Grant said. It was written by Todd and her daughter, Ivy Withrow. Todd’s husband, Glenn Withrow, is directing.
“It’s very much a family affair,” Grant said.
They chose the Palouse as a location because Glenn Withrow had a friend who lived in the area, Grant said. Other sites where filming is planned are UI’s Memorial Gym, Moscow First United Methodist Church, Red Barn Farms in Colton and a Pullman diner.
“We’re especially fond of the Memorial Gym because it’s got a great look to it,” Grant said.
A Christmas pageant to be filmed at the church may feature the congregation’s choir, Grant said, while a Christmas party will be shot at Red Barn Farms. At this point crews plan to be working on the Palouse through Jan. 29, Grant said.
Working on the Idaho-Washington border they’ve had to juggle different laws and minimum-wage standards for each state, she said. In Washington people can volunteer to appear as extras. In Idaho volunteers are only allowed for humanitarian efforts and people with roles must be compensated, Grant said. That is why at the Kibbie Dome scene spectators are invited to come and go as they please during the shoot.
“People can come and see what it’s like to make a movie. It’s not too exciting after the first few hours,” Grant said with a laugh.
If You Go
What: Filming of “The Last Champion” When: 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7 Where: University of Idaho Kibbie Dome Cost: Free
