Te Unua Museum of Southland is sending out a casting call for local talent to play characters for storytelling content at the new museum.
The physical build of the museum is set to finish later this year and will open to the public sometime in 2027.
Te Unua Museum of Southland director Eloise Wallace said a large amount of work and effort had been going into the long-term and temporary exhibitions.
"We’re in a really exciting phase of work now, and the narratives within Te Unua are shaping up to celebrate Southland in such a meaningful way."
She emphasised the region’s interesting and diverse history and hoped the museum would "be a portal into a world people don’t see".
"There is a real treasure trove of stories to be told, and we hope Southlanders are keen to help us bring those to the screen."
Experienced design firm Gibson International had been working with the council’s museum and heritage team to develop videos that would give visitors insight into the region.
Gibson International head of content strategy and media production Gary Scott said the storytelling would help capture quirky moments from Southland’s history.
"The stories really are a reflection of a slice of history, it’s very much a semi-fictionalised but reality inspired romp through the events of Southland’s past."
He hoped each scene would give visitors an insight into the regions history, exploring different corners that otherwise would go unknown.
"They’re narratives that will not only tap into the nostalgia held by locals, as well as others quite unique to this part of the world."
Casting director Jackie Gay said about 20 people of different ages and backgrounds were needed for the shoot.
Not every role required extensive acting experience, actors do need to be enthusiastic about being part of a project that showcases Southland to the world.
"Southland’s new museum is set to be a place that fosters an incredible sense of regional pride, and we want the storytelling content to be authentic and meaningful."
Taking part in this project is a way for locals to see themselves represented at the museum, and "capture the essence of Southland".
Auditions will take place in Invercargill on June 29 and 30 with shooting set to take place in mid August.
One day of filming will be required per role.
Locals who are interested can email stillvision@xtra.co.nz with a current photo and details of any previous acting experience. — Allied Media
