Ankeny Resident to Produce Movie Filmed in Iowa; Local Actors Needed

Ever thought about being in a feature length film?

Ankeny actors or budding actors can head over to neighboring Grimes on Oct. 26, where casting will start for 110 characters in the 2013 film "Murder Incorporated."

Casting for about 110 characters, ranging from lead roles to bit parts, will begin with the first round of auditions on Oct. 26, executive producer Mike Snyder said.

The first casting call will be held from noon to 8 p.m. that day at the Grimes Community Center, 410 S. Main St., Grimes. An audition after-party, which is open to the public, will be held at Wellman's Pub, 2920 Ingersoll Ave., from 8 p.m. to closing.

Iowa will be the setting for another feature-length movie in early 2013 and its backers announced Monday that it will be directed by Thor Moreno, who has two movie credits to his name in the past year.

Snyder said filming of "Murder Incorporated," a story about a group of professional killers, is scheduled to start in March 2013. "We're absolutely thrilled to have a talent of Thor Moreno's stature behind the camera, especially as we begin auditions in just a few weeks," Snyder said.

Moreno wrote and directed "I Think I Just Saw the Devil", which was nominated for eight Iowa Motion Picture Association awards. His second film, "Iowa", is slated for release around Christmas.

Moreno has worked extensively in California and Iowa, shooting music videos and short films before moving into feature-length productions. "I Think I Just Saw the Devil" is a gritty revenge story that revolves around three strangers, three Mafia families and a dead girl.  "Iowa" is the story of small-town betrayal, lies and murder.

He expects to work with some of the actors who appeared in his first two films but noted a large cast of in-state actors will be required to complete "Murder Incorporated."

"Mike Snyder's vision, and it's one I share, is to use as much Iowa talent as possible," he said. "I'm excited about this script because it is character driven and exciting, and because of the subject matter. While it's a heavy film, it's filled with dark humor, making it entertaining for all who are fans of the genre," Moreno said.

Additional audition dates in other communities will be announced in coming weeks. Moreno and Snyder expect to have the entire cast in place by Thanksgiving.

"We're going to have a lot of great people turn out to be part of this film and we want people to spread the word to anyone they know who has an interest in acting and would like to be considered for a role," Moreno said.