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Wanted: Tall People Give Us a Ring
Tania McCauly

Calling all tall people -- the Lord of the Rings casting crew is coming to Napier and might want you. But be warned -- they don't want anyone under 5 foot 10 inches tall and they won't accept anyone shorter wearing platforms or other height-elevating devices.

Publicist Claire Raskin said the casting department was looking for about 300 extras, willing and able to work flexible hours from about mid-April to mid-May and be open to travelling and working away from home. All she could say about the work was that it would involve a battle scene.

Filming of the big budget Peter Jackson trilogy moves to the Central North Island shotly. Rather than expecting extras to travel from Wellington, for practicality's sake the casting department is hoping to find who they want in the region. They will be at the Napier Municipal Theatre between 3-7pm on March 25, and 9am-1pm on March 26. They are looking for two types of people. Type 1, men and women 5ft 10 or taller, aged between 18 and 40, of slim build; type 2, men, same height requirements, aged 18-50 with fair or grey hair, long or short hair and beards allowed, and of athletic build.

The department will also be travelling to Palmerston North and Wanganui. The production hopes to set up location in National Park but is waiting on consents from the Department of Coservation.