'The Great Debaters' is looking for extras

Denzel Washington’s “The Great Debaters” will begin shooting in northwest Louisiana in mid-May.

Casting directors are holding an open extras casting call for the movie from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. Casting directors also are looking for a few actors.

The casting call will be held at the old AT&T plant at 9595 Mansfield Road in Shreveport.

Applicants should bring a non-returnable photograph of themselves or a headshot to the casting call. If applicants don’t have a photograph, one will be taken.

For more information, call the extras casting department at (318) 682-5645.

Applicants who cannot attend the casting call should send a self-photograph and contact information to: The Great Debaters Casting, 9595 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, LA, 71118.

Washington, an Oscar-winning actor, will direct and star in the movie about the true story of Melvin B. Tolson. During the 1930s, Tolson formed a famous debate team at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas.

The movie is being produced by the Weinstein Company and Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Productions.

Oscar-winner Forest Whitaker is in negotiations to star opposite Washington, according to the Hollywood Reporter.