Casting assistant for the production Horace McAuley, of Tapanui, said locals had predictably supported this first part of the process. ''You'll find in our area that the people are 120% behind it and whatever is needed to be done in our area will be done.
''There's nothing that won't be able to be achieved, because this is obviously the biggest thing that's ever happened in our area.''
The silver-haired set had a good chance of making the cut, long-time local thespian and extras hopeful Graeme John Smith said.
He said he had been told the casting crew was looking for men his age - ''over-50s men''.
Mr Smith met his future wife Rosalyn in the local theatre group 40 years ago and the acting couple landed parts as extras in The Returning, a 1990 horror film shot in the nearby Mainholm Country Lodge.
The movie is set to star Robert Redford, although it is unknown whether he will reprise Mickey Rooney's role in the original.
The 10 days of filming in West Otago, including four days on the town's main street, is expected to start in April next year.
West Otago Community Board chairwoman Barbara Hanna said it was already a huge point of pride for the town.
''Personally, I'm very excited about it all. I think it's marvellous, really,'' she said.
She put her hand up and had her photograph taken in the hope she will be chosen as an extra in the movie.
Those who were successful will probably be notified in the new year.
