ST. GEORGE — Southern Utah enthusiastically answered the call when Hollywood rang to cast Kevin Costner’s upcoming Western film. 

On Friday, 700 individuals and groups of families waited for their turn to apply for a position as an extra in “Horizon, an American Saga.”

“We really enjoy Western movies. We want to see all the horses and have experiences together as a family,” Sarah Alexander, a St. George mother of twin girls, told St. George News. 

The 3-year-old twins, Myla and Mira, patiently waited for their photos to be taken. 

Another family hopes all six of their children can be in the movie. Betsy Black is from the Cheyenne and Sepik Native American tribes and is married to a Navajo native. Black said they live in Enterprise and look forward to hearing if they will be chosen to be in the film. 

The movie’s second part will begin production in the St. George area in May. This shoot will cover Parts 2 and 3 of the four-film series. “Horizon, an American Saga” is an epic Western written, directed and starring Costner. The film spans the timeline of the settlement of the American West pre- and post-Civil War. 

Los Angeles Casting Director Maryellen Aviano casts movies all over the globe. She appreciated the attendees who stood in the long lines. 

“I loved today, loved the people and loved their patience,” Aviano said.

She gave an orientation covering project details, such as rates and hours and cautioned people not to quit their day jobs. The extras cast as townspeople will receive $150 per day. Aviano said food and snacks would be available. She also cautioned attendees they would experience long hours on set.

“It’s a lot of getting directions from different people and followings things you’ve never done before,” Aviano said. “There’s just sitting around and waiting, usually on set.”

She said there could be a multitude of reasons for delays during casting and production. 

“If you don’t like this process, and this irritation, then you don’t want to be an extra on any movie,” Aviano said. “I don’t want to burst anybody’s bubble; it’s a fantastic opportunity. It’s the time of your life and you’ll never forget it.”

She said getting to view the end product is very rewarding. Aviano said she enjoys seeing the people in the movie she saw on casting day.

“When I see those people and I remember them from the casting call day, for me, that’s full circle,” Aviano said.

One of the applicants, Floyd Kitchen, said he hoped he could still ride a horse. He is 76 years old and said it had been a while since he was on a horse. But he thinks it will come back. Kitchen said he spent time on a Native American Indian reservation where he learned many things.

“I spent 10 years on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. They took me under their wing and taught me good things,” Kitchen said.

Floyd has lived in Southern Utah for 20 years. Previously he worked as a ranch hand and for the U.S. Forest Service.

According to the Greater Zion tourism office, Washington County could benefit more than $90 million in economic impact from the Costner production in the area.

There will be a casting call on Saturday, March 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Best Western Plus Abby Inn. The hotel is located at 1129 S. Bluff St. in St. George.

For future details on how to get involved in the movie, click here.

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