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February 17, 2025

Want to be an extra? Movie to be partially filmed in Woodbine

WOODBINE — Cape May County is getting a second chance at silver screen glory late this winter, as footage for another major movie is to be shot here.

Cape May had a breakout role in the movie “A Complete Unknown,” starring Timothee Chalamet as a young Bob Dylan when he burst onto the music scene in the 1960s. The town doubled as Newport, R.I., in the film, and dozens of its residents won coveted spots to be extras in the movie. 

Nearly 8 million people have seen the production since it premiered Christmas Day. The movie also received eight Oscar nominations. 

Opportunity quickly knocked again.  

Last month, Amblin Entertainment, Steven Spielberg’s production company, announced it was making a movie called “The Dish,” which would be partially shot in Woodbine on March 10-14.  Considered one of the greatest directors of all time, Spielberg is returning to his sci-fi roots with the film, reprising a beloved genre of movies that includes “E.T,” “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “War of the Worlds.”  

Due out May 15, 2026, the movie has an all-star cast that includes Emily Blunt, Colin Firth, Josh O’Connor and, more than likely, one or two breakout visitors from galaxies far, far away. 

Grant Wilfrey Casting is the casting agency for the movie. Anyone interested in being an extra in the film must submit an application. Candidates who qualify for a spot must audition in person in Woodbine the week of March 10-14. The agency is the same that recruited extras for the Dylan movie in Cape May.  

This time, the agency is looking for extras to play train passengers or car drivers who will be able able to use their own vehicles in the movie. If selected, applicants must be available to audition for the part in Woodbine. Anyone interested should send an email to nj@gwcnyc.com with photos and the information accompanying this article. 

Jay Eppenbach, a teacher and musician in Cape May who was an extra in the Dylan movie shot in Cape May, is hopeful that he will make the cut in the Spielberg movie. Typecast, perhaps, he played a music agent in the earlier production. He would like to be aboard the train in “The Dish.”

“It’s very exciting to have two blockbuster movies shot in Cape May two years in a row,” he said. “It was thrilling to be a part of it. Now every single person in town wants to be in the Spielberg movie.”    

The county’s seemingly sudden emergence as a film location wasn’t entirely a surprise to many of the people who have worked long and hard to promote southern New Jersey as a movie site. The Cape May County Tourism Department has been working closely with Destination Marketing Organizations through the state to broaden outreach efforts.

One of the biggest steps they’ve taken is aligning with the Newark-based New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, which promotes the state as a film site. Currently, the county is engaged in a five-step certification program called “Film Ready” that will showcase its offerings to prospective movie-makers.

Last year, the film and television industry spent $590 million in the Garden State, according to the commission. This year, it’s predicted to be closer to $600 million. It sounds like a great year to go to the movies. 

Extra, extra!

People interested in being extras in the Steven Spielberg film ‘The Dish,’ set to be partially shot March 10-14 in Woodbine, must submit a completed questionnaire and two photos of themselves. 

Applicants must be at least 18 years old; no previous acting experience is necessary.

The base pay rate is $216 per day (8 hours). The car allowance is $37.50.

To be considered for the film, send an email to Grant Wilfrey Casting at nj@gwcnyc.com. Use the subject line “Non-View Cape May Locals” and include the following information:

— Your name, pronouns, phone numbers and whether or not you are  a SAG-AFTRA member. 

— Dates you are available during the filming window.

— Indicate any visible tattoos and whether you are local to Cape May 

— Include current non-professional photos of yourself, both close-up and full-body. If you own a car that you can use in the film, please note the year, make and model and include a photo.

– By LYNN MARTENSTEIN/For the Sentinel

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