Natchez casting call set for James Brown movie

Actor Chadwick Boseman, right, is seen Sunday, April 14, 2013, during an NBA basketball game between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks in New York. Boseman has been cast to play James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, in a planned biopic by "The Help" director Tate Taylor. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)
Actor Chadwick Boseman, right, is seen Sunday, April 14, 2013, during an NBA basketball game between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks in New York. Boseman has been cast to play James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, in a planned biopic by "The Help" director Tate Taylor. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

NATCHEZ, Mississippi — Actors and musicians looking to land a part in the upcoming James Brown movie to be filmed in Natchez will have their chance this weekend.

The Natchez Democrat reports Universal Pictures is scheduled to have a casting call for “Get On Up” Saturday at the Natchez City Auditorium.

The film will tell the story of the Godfather of Soul’s life from his impoverished childhood to his evolution into one of the most influential figures of the 20th century.

Casting directors are searching for performers and extras to audition for the movie. Musical skills are welcome but not required. Casting directors ask that actors and performers auditioning Saturday bring a current, non-returnable photograph.

The directors are looking for actors and performers of all ages and ethnicities.

As the film takes place from the 1930s to the 1980s, period hairstyles are a plus. If you currently shave your head, please allow your hair to grow before the casting call.

The film begins shooting in Natchez and Jackson in early November.

The film’s premiere is set for Oct. 17, 2014.

Tate Taylor, who directed the Academy Award-nominated film “The Help,” will direct the film. Taylor officially announced last month in Jackson that the James Brown biopic would be shot in Natchez and Jackson.