Manning, SC (WLTX) -- For any aspiring actors out there, this could be your big break.
A TV series based on a best-selling book series by Stephen King is filming in downtown Manning next week, and they need hundreds of people to play extras for the season two finale.
"You'll get to experience a country vibe and an uptown feel," said Craig Levy, Owner of Gullah Gullah Fish in Manning.
"I think it's great for the commerce for the city and we're very excited to have visitors from out of town join us in beautiful downtown Manning, South Carolina," said Ashley Martin of Lake Marion Insurance, who works right across from the future TV set.
Tuesday, June 12 and Wednesday, June 13, downtown Manning will transform into a production set for the finale of the TV series "Mr. Mercedes".
"We just want to put our best foot forward, make them feel welcome, and show off Manning for the next few days," said Scott Tanner, the Manning City Administrator. "I think it's just a general excitement because this is a Stephen King production."
In Mr. Mercedes, "A demented serial killer taunts a retired police detective with a series of lurid letters and emails, forcing the ex-cop to undertake a private, and potentially felonious, crusade to bring the killer to justice before he can strike again."
The series is directed by Jack Bender, known for Lost and Game of Thrones, and adapted for television by David E. Kelley. Stephen King, Bender and Kelley serve as Executive Producers.
Much of the filming will take place outside of the Clarendon County Courthouse in Manning. Tanner says the film crew will also utilize an old county building on the south side of town.
Many nearby businesses to the courthouse that would otherwise be closed Tuesday and Wednesday will open their doors for the occasion.
"We're only open on the weekend, but we'll be open for the whole week," said Levy. "I guarantee you my wings are the best you've ever had!"
Gullah Gullah Fish is preparing for lines of hungry customers fueling up on seafood and eager to catch a glimpse of celebrities.
"I know we're gonna get people from all over, from other towns and everything, so I was very excited," said co-owner of Gullah Gullah Fish, Barbara Levy. "We have our beautiful courthouse, the scenery, and everything downtown Manning is. It's just a little small town, but we've got a lot to offer."
The restaurant has a front row seat to the action, and so will Martin, who works for an insurance company a few doors down.
"I hope we can work next week! We'll probably spend a lot of time on the sidewalk," said Martin.
350 extras are needed for both days of filming. The film crew needs men and women 20 and older to apply.
Tanner says the city doesn't plan on blocking any roadways, but they will block off some parking areas for the filming crew. He says officials will mostly be doing crowd control.
"It may spur some other activity, some future productions. Maybe we'll be the next Charleston or something of that nature," said Tanner. "Looking forward to seeing the season finale."
Season Two premieres August 22.
Mr. Mercedes, an AT&T original, airs on the Audience Network.
If you're interested in being an extra in Mr. Mercedes, you must be 100% available on filming dates. You must also be able to arrive as early as needed and remain as late as needed. Typical filming days can last 12 hours.
All extras will be paid. The pay rate is $64 total ($8 an hour for 8 hours or less). Time and a half is paid after 8 hours. No travel expenses are paid.
Those interested in being considered should submit the following to MM2request@gmail.com with the subject line including your ethnicity, gender, age and city/state you reside (Example: Asian female, 35, Manning, SC):
- 2 current photos (1 full length and 1 close up). These photos can be taken with a cell phone.
- Name, age, city/state in which you reside, height/weight, clothing sizes and phone number
- Description of any visible tattoos and piercings
- Color/make/model/year of vehicle you drive in case crew can use it for filming as well
- Dates you will be available to film (Example: Available 6/12 & 6/13)
To learn more about the series, click here.