It's lights, camera, action

After having transformed the second-floor lobby of the Galliard Municipal Auditorium into an airport security checkpoint complete with "gates," director Lasse Hallström and his "Dear John" crew spent Thursday shooting a series of exterior and interior shots on King Street.

Adapted by screenwriter Jamie Linden ("We Are Marshall") from the novel by Nicholas Sparks, the feature film "Dear John" is approximately midway through its 10-week shoot in the Charleston and Harleyville areas, with additional location filming having taken place on Edisto Island.

The film is a romantic drama involving a young soldier who falls in love with a college student while home on leave and later tries to sustain the relationship through a series of overseas letters. Channing Tatum ("G.I. Joe," "Stop Loss") and Amanda Seyfried ("Mean Girls," "Mamma Mia!") have the leads.

Recently added to the cast was Richard Jenkins, a versatile and respected character actor most recently on view in the Coen brothers' "Burn After Reading" and in the leading role of Thomas McCarthy's "The Visitor."

Twice nominated for an Oscar, Hallström boasts diverse credits with such pictures as "My Life as a Dog," "The Cider House Rules," "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," "Chocolat" and "The Hoax." "Dear John" marks his return to the Lowcountry; he filmed "Something to Talk About" here in 1995.

The production is still seeking those interested in working as background figures in November and December. Filming will take place in the Charleston and Harleyville areas.

Last call

The final casting call for background extras for "Dear John" will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Klauber Building of the Tri-County Regional Chamber of Commerce, 225 Parler Ave. in St. George.

Producers are seeking adult men and women of "all types and ethnicities" for filming through December in the Charleston and Harleyville areas, with a special need for Middle-Eastern, East Indian, Moroccan, Greek, Nigerian (or those of African descent) and Guatemalan adults and children. Males from 18 to 30 are needed to portray military men.

Those interested should bring a current photo (may be computer printed) and the following: contact information, age, height, weight, ethnicity. If unable to attend but still wanting to be considered for casting, send information and photo by e-mail to dearjohncasting@gmail.com or via hard copy to Dear John Productions, Attention: Extras Casting, 620 Dobbin Road, Charleston, SC 29414.

COMING UP

See Sunday's Arts & Travel section of The Post and Courier for an interview wiith "Dear John" director Lasse Hallström.