Aboriginal actors prepare for HBO casting call in Saskatoon

An HBO miniseries about American explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark will be holding a casting call Saturday in Saskatoon for aboriginal people.

The six-hour TV series will star Casey Affleck and Matthias Schoenaerts and is being produced by Tom Hanks, Brad Pitt and Edward Norton.

It's scheduled to be shot in southern Alberta from June 15 to Sept.15.

"I think that's exciting," Saskatoon actor Danny Knight said. "Everybody wants to meet somebody famous."

Knight, 28, said he and members of his family will attend the tryouts. "I've been told I have the chops so I know I can act," Knight said. "I have a strong background in the traditions. I was always fascinated with history whether it was oral history or academic history."

Tryouts for aboriginal men, women and childrenwill be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST at the Saskatoon Inn. Most of the jobs are for extras but there are some small acting roles available. Experienced horse riders are also needed.

"I like that they're specifically asking for aboriginals. It's a great way to get on the map," said Saskatoon actor Dalton Lightfoot. "I just hope I get involved in it somehow whether it be an extra or anything. Even just auditioning for it is an experience."

Casting calls have also been held in Edmonton and Vancouver.

The series is based on the book Undaunted Courage, by Stephen Ambrose. Lewis and Clark tells the story of America's first contact with the land and native tribes of the country west of the Mississippi River.