Auditions for some of these people should be gold. I can't tell you all how much I'd love to sit in on the auditions for Nutt. That's a potential Oscar role, I think.

I remember hoping we'd get open casting for the coaches for The Blindside before it was announced all the actual coaches would be playing themselves. Wonder if Stoerner will audition to play himself.

Also, the release refers to the Burlsworth story as "the greatest walk-on story in the history of college football." Suck it, Rudy!

Here's most of the release from the casting agency:

"We need TONS of extras and true Razorback Fans + some great actors and so many locals with one-liners for some fun roles!!! The list below is long, but please do have a read! At the end we have a general call for "what we need."

Thanks so much for your help & please feel free to spread the word and invite family and friends!!

Our schedule:

Casting in Fayetteville, AR – March 15-17
Casting in Central Mississippi – Sat. March 23
Casting in New Orleans, LA – Sun. March 24
Callbacks: April 6/7 in Fayetteville, AR
Shoot dates: April 29 – June-07 - 2013
Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas
Note: We are trying to cast as local as we can to Fayetteville, Arkansas.

ALL EXTRAS/ BACKGROUND WILL BE CAST OF COURSE IN ARKANSAS March 15-17!!! Stay tuned for location and times!!!

The unlikely career of Brandon Burlsworth is perhaps the greatest walk-on story in the history of college football. Known for his distinctive thick black glasses and resemblance to the 1990s incarnation of Drew Carey, the small-town Burlsworth had always dreamed of playing for the Arkansas Razorbacks, but was considered too small to play Division I ball. Undeterred, Brandon ended up taking a big risk by walking on to the team in 1994. Written off by fellow teammates and coaches alike, Brandon displayed dogged determination in the face of staggering odds. By 1999, Burlsworth was not only a star player in the toughest conference in college football, but he was also an All-American and taken as an early draft pick in the NFL by the Indianapolis Colts.

Character Breakdowns

1. Brandon Burlsworth: 8 - 22 years– Very large frame, resembles a young Drew Carey) The gentle giant, and the greatest walk-on story in the history of college football, Brandon Burlsworth goes from unwanted walk-on to the heights of Division 1 football success before dying tragically in a car accident at the pinnacle of his achievement. Devout in his faith, Brandon "walks the walk" in a way that astonishes all who meet him. He is a rock - completely without guile, an unfailing force of simple, humble decency that changes the lives of all he meets. He doesn't have an "arc" in the traditional sense, rather, he serves as a fulcrum around which every other character arcs in the story. [LEAD]

2. Younger Brandon Burlsworth: Looks to be 12-13 years of age. He enjoys chips and cheesecake, watching TV on the couch and dreams of one day being a Razorback. Looking for a great kid actor. Must be able to convey emotion well.

3. Marty Burlsworth: 35 - 40ish through bulk of film, 30 in a few early scenes. Caucasian. Brandon's older brother, handsome with an athletic build and perpetual five-o'clock shadow. Seventeen years Brandon's senior, Marty has essentially raised his younger brother like a son in the absence of their real father. He is shattered by Brandon's death and rages against the universe over the unfairness of it all. The battle for Marty's soul that serves as the framing device for the movie is the true "A Story" of the narrative. It is Marty that stands in for the audience as he wrestles with one of the great questions of life, "Why do bad things happen to good people?", and it is Marty through which we learn the great lessons in the film. If "Greater" is "It's a Wonderful Life",
then Marty Burlsworth is its George Bailey. [LEAD]

4. Barbara Burlsworth: 60ish through bulk of film, 50ish in a few early scenes. Caucasian. The epitome of Southern grace and dignity, Barbara Burlsworth is mother to Brandon and Marty. Though she's had a difficult life as a single mother working multiple jobs to raise her children, Barbara is deeply serene, warm and commanding. The wisdom of the universe is reflected behind her eyes, and a simple glance from her is enough to tell us everything is going to be okay. In fact, Barbara is a stand-in for God in this story. Of course, it's not a perfect allegory, as no human being can be God, but as far as any human being can represent the source of all knowledge, truth and goodness in the universe, that is what Barbara Burlsworth symbolizes in "Greater".

5. Leo Burlsworth: 50s. Caucasian. Wiry, greasy and grey, a perpetual cigarette dangles from Leo Burlsworth's grinning lips while a forced twinkle glints in his eye - there to mask the pain. He has been everywhere, seen it all and looks it.. forty miles of rough road. Leo left his family when Brandon was two and reappears ten years later in an attempt to make things right. He's a good man, but a broken one; still fighting the bottle but desperately wanting to be the man he knows his family deserves. He is a source of embarrassment and betrayal for Marty and a lesson for Brandon... in more ways than one. Leo is a tragedy of wasted promise, but he is also a glimmer of redemption and forgiveness - a small but unforgettable part in the right hands.

6. Vicki Burlsworth: Marty’s wife. 30s to 40s. Nice, attractive girl next door. pleasant younger version of Barbara. Caucasian.

7. Pastor Rick Large backwoods preacher – near sixty. He is Burlsworth pastor and and supporting role. Caucasian.

8. The Farmer: Of unknown provenance, he could be middle-aged, elderly, or even, perhaps, as old as time itself. -- The Farmer has been long at work in the earth. His tattered set of overalls are soiled and sweat-stained, and an ashy soil is caked into the creases of his face. But clear, intelligent eyes pierce through the grime and the Farmer can silence a room with a mere look. The Farmer appears at Brandon's funeral and challenges Marty with difficult questions over the meaning of his brother's life and death. He causes Marty to doubt the very notion of meaning in the universe, and in so doing initiates the cosmic struggle for Marty's soul that kicks off and sustains the entire film. In this story, in fact, The Farmer is a representative of evil, perhaps he is even the Devil himself, though that is left purposefully ambiguous. Through him some of the great questions in life are raised, and through responding to him Marty learns why it is rational to have a sense of hope and trust in a world which can often seem random. A small part, but with great significance and originality... potentially iconic. [PRINCIPLE]

Football Players

9. Grant Garrett: Male, Caucasian, late teens to early twenties. Garrett is a large, goateed SEC offensive lineman, as well as Brandon's conscripted roommate in the athletic dorm. Witty, intelligent, and interested in improving himself, Garrett initially rides his odd new roommate as much as anybody, but he quickly comes to respect Brandon and defend him in the presence of others, ending up as Brandon's closest friend on the team. [PRINCIPLE] Please not any real football experience.

10. Nathan Cole: Male, Caucasian, late teens to early twenties. Cole is an intimidating defensive lineman, one of the most talented athletes on the team. He is also an absolute wild man - a whirlwind of energy who has perfectly assimilated late 20th Century African-American urban culture and adopted much of its language and mannerisms. Cole is the most ardent tormentor of Brandon, who is his suite mate, but like the others he is eventually won over and becomes one of Brandon's good friends. [PRINCIPLE] Please not any real football experience.

11. Anthony Lucas: Male, African-American, late teens to early twenties. Anthony Lucas is one of the greatest wide receivers ever to play in the SEC - a personification of excellence. He is also one of Brandon's suite mates, and is the kind of guy that can make people smile just by walking into the room. [PRINCIPLE] Please not any real football experience.

12. Clint Stoernor: Male, Caucasian, late teens to early twenties. A year younger than Brandon, Stoerner is Arkansas' stud quarterback - the best to play at the school in two decades. Initially cocky and arrogant, he learns humility by the end and demonstrates amazing strength of character following one of the most infamous game-losing plays in the history of college football. [PRINCIPLE] Please not any real football experience.

13. Russell Brown: Male, Caucasian, late teens to early twenties. Tough SEC offensive lineman. Buzz cut, receding hairline, cauliflower ear... Garrett is so rough around the edges that it's hard to tell if he even has edges. [PRINCIPLE] Please not any real football experience.

Coaches:

14. Coach Mike Bender: Male, Caucasian, fifty-ish. Coach Bender is a driven, tough-as-nails offensive line coach for the Arkansas Razorbacks. College football is a business, Bender's job is on the line, and that stress shows. Bender never liked the political side of the game but has wearily accepted it, allowing his survival instincts to trump his innate sense of compassion. It is under these conditions that Bender first meets walk-on Brandon Burlsworth. Bender's arc is subtle but moving as we watch his relationship with this nobody walk-on awake his dormant humanity. [PRINCIPLE]

15. Coach Tommy Tice: Male, Caucasian, mid-forties. Rangy and prematurely silver-haired, Tommy Tice is head coach of Brandon's high school football team and one of his most important mentors. Calm and dignified, with an ever present twinkle in his eye, Coach Tice possesses the kind of gravitas that can freeze a man with a simple look, and the kind of country wisdom that seems almost innate rather than learned. [PRINCIPLE]

16. Coach Houston Nutt: Male, Caucasian, late thirties. A former college football quarterback, Houston Nutt is the charismatic new head coach for the Arkansas Razorbacks - a coach who will lead his formerly-last place team toward a possible National Championship. Full of a kind of manic energy and "coachy" Southern charm, Houston Nutt is the one character in "Greater" recognizable enough to much of our audience that the actor playing him will need to look at least somewhat like the real man(circa 1998). [PRINCIPLE]

17. Coach Danny Ford: Male, Caucasian, fifty-ish, but somehow looks a bit older. Danny Ford is Brandon's first head coach at Arkansas, and he is presiding over a rough patch in the school's football history. A proud redneck with a good heart, the mounting losses have sapped his spirit, making him prone to detachment, moodiness, and the occasional explosive rage. [PRINCIPLE]

18. Coach Howard Mudd: Male, Caucasian, late fifties. A former NFL lineman (in an era when linemen were nowhere near as large as they are today), Howard Mudd is the offensive line coach for the Indianapolis Colts. A bit on the heavy side and sporting a white beard, Mudd's innate toughness has weathered over the years into a kind of grandfatherly authority - he is much quicker with a smile than he is with a shout.

19. Coach Crane: Male, Caucasian. late twenties up through fifties. Not a guy you'd want to hang out with, Coach Crane is a Pee Wee football coach who thinks he's Vince Lombardi. [PRINCIPLE]

20. Dan Huber: Mid to late 60s. Momument Company owner. Caucasian. Good Actor [Principle}

Other characters: DayPlayers & Extras: Our ideal would be to get these LOCALLY in Arkansas or those willing to be day players!

21. Driver (of tombstone delivery truck): Younger guy. Fresh Faces. Innocent. 20s. [Day Player, 1 one] Open to all ethnic backgrounds.

22. Employee (Forklift operator). Must look under 40 years. 20s to 39 years. Male [Day Player, 2 lines] Open to all ethnic backgrounds

23. Cheerleaders: Harrison High School Cheerleaders – circa 1999. A real squad from surrounding area would be great. Open to single girls with cheerleading experience to make a squad – Arkansas high schools preferred (for issues of proximity).

24. Mare-Alice: 60s. 70s. Sweet Elderly lady. Thinner Type. [Day Player, one line] Open to all ethnic backgrounds.

25: High School Football Players: Looking for guys from the Fayetteville area who are real football players to fill many rolls: Will need all types + some Lineman Recruits: High School Football players: Good sized boys to enormous types. Extras. Some definitely Featured extras.

26. Cute Girls: 12-13 years of age. Mischievous. They are picking on Brandon. Call him Fat. [Day Player, 1 line]

27. Blond Kid: 12 years. Caucasian. Athletic. Could be that kid that grows up to be a jerk. [Featured extra – no lines]

28. Lanky Man: 50s skinny guy. Caucasian. A good ole boy. Congratulates Marty on his "sons" baptism. [Day Player, 1 line]

29. Sixth-grade football teams: Real teams would be great – two teams: Seeking kids in 6th grade who do truly play football! Once again, near Fayetteville please.

30. Redneck #1: Caucasian. 30s to 50s He’s a very happy-go-lucky and friendly guy vs. Redneck #2: [Day Player, 1 line]

31. Redneck #2: Caucasian. 30s to 50s. The other who is meaner and don’t give a crap – Jackal vs. Hyde. [Day Player, 1 line]

32. Man (Janitor): Has a Razorback Hat on. Taller guy. 30s. 40s. Could be mistaken for a coach, but is the janitor. [Day Player, 1 line]

33. Joe Don (6 years old)- He is joyful. Might have to burst out crying. Cute. One of Marty and Vicki’s kids.

34. Harrison High School Principal: [Day Player, 1 line]. 40s.
50s. Comes across as typical principle / teacher type.

35. Mike – Looking for good actor. Descent Sincere Kid. Looks up to Brandon. Opposition. Stands up to old man Farmer. Good vs. Evil. Current football player at Brandon’s old high school. High School Junior or Senior perhaps. He consoles Marty.

36. Gabe: Representative another of the Arch Angels: High school looking. Football player. A little more awkward than Mike ( Michael and Gabriel) – featured extra – but good acting needed

37. Jan: Girl in dorm. Caucasian. College aged. Kappa. Out on date with the boys drinking strawberry daiquiris. Arkansas Student. Philosophy Major. The Smarter One. [Day Player - 2 lines]

38. Holly: She is at college to get her M.R.S. degree. Cole’s date. Bombshell type. : [Day Player - 2 lines]

39. Female Dates 3 & 4 –other girls – featured extras – giving reactions – they are uncomfortable.

40. Waitress: Cuts the boys off from alcohol. College age to early 30s. Harder edged. Attractive. "Townie. "[Day Player, 1 line]

41. Pizza Delivery Boy: Could be Pimple Faced. Maybe not. Delivering Pizza as Brandon get’s his call for his Scholarship. He is Awkward. 30 or under. Maybe Teenage even. Looking awkward. . [Day Player - 1 line].

42: Reporters: Various reporter types. Would love to see some decent actors. Guys circa the 1930’s style reporters. They can be real cynical jerks. Hard nosed types. [Day Players - 1-2 lines]

43. Thin Frat [Day Player – 5 lines] Caucasian. College ages. He is a good actor and appears with a few key one -iners in several scenes. Our two fat guys show how the "student fan base" goes from giving the team grief during the tougher years to being incredibly supportive fans! This Frat talks smack about Arkansas players . Then as things turn for the better, both he and Fat Frat are supportive and there to show us the turn for the better. Any race. Good actors. . Our thinner gu is a little more deadpan. The straighter man. Must be likable.

44: Fat Frat [Day Player - 5 lines] Gives Arkansas players grief then turns into support fan. Looking for a good actor.

45. Frank Broyles: Athletic director. [Day Player – 1 line] He introduces New Head

46. Happy Fan: Male. Caucasian. 50s. Grey hair. Perhaps the bigger drunk guy a bit overbearing at the game. [Day Player – 1 line]

47 Student #1: [Day Player, 1 line] - will pull from local actors or extras

48. Student #2: [Day Player, 1 line] - - will pull from local actors or extras

49. Attractive Female Student: [Day Player, 1 line] - will pull from local actors or extras

50: TN Announcer #1 & #2: [Day Player – 2-3 lines] – John Madden types. Can read as great SEC sports announcers.

51: Old Country Man: Old country man – diner type – He Laughs and cackles as the team is doing well! Looking for someone with real character: featured extra.

52: Colts Big Shots: Guys in suits- featured extras -

53. Female Officer: She comes up and brings bad news to Marty – she is an actor 30s. Has a matter of fact delivery, but kind - [Day Player – 2 lines]

In addition to all these roles, we need YOU, real people to be a part of this film to make it believabe and true to the state and community who love and cherish the life of Brandon Burlsworth!

We need: High school football teams, 6th grade football teams, high school cheerleaders ( a squad) + college football Coaches, Fans, Refs, Team Staff and opposing pposing football team and their entourage. We need a church congreation, funeral attendees, police officer, kids and parents out on Halloween, bar and diner-by-the-road partrons, bartenders, servers, TV reporters, real construction workers who can drive and handle the equipment , football players to look like NFL Colts, football players IN GENERAL and did we say true RAZORBACK FANS!!
Woooooooooo, Pig ! Sooie!

If interest, email a photo ( and resume for actors) to

castinggreater@gmail.com

Be sure to title your email with "your name" for GREATER: Cat # ___ . If you want to come by to be an extra in the film, please do not email us - we will see you at the open calls in Fayetteville and take your photos !!!

Thanks so much everyone and what a blessing to be casting on such an incredible film !! We cannot wait to see y'all soon!

Matthew Morgan - Morgan Casting Inc.
Kim Pease - NWATS & Casting Center
Mark Landon Smith

Morgan Casting Inc.
www.morgancasting.com