Calling all extras: An independent movie is looking for local extras in DeKalb.

NIU alumnus Nathan Stein, NIU student Adam Perly and Eerie, Ind., resident Jason Schaever will be shooting a few scenes of a yet-to-be titled movie in DeKalb the weekend of Feb. 25.

Schaever wrote a script in 2001 about a comedian down on his luck who gets caught up in a bank robbery that takes a hostage – a pretty actress who is a diva in disguise.

“I liked the idea of a guy getting out of prison and getting back in all over again,” Schaever said.

Schaever searched for others to help turn his script into a reality. Last fall, he found his crew through www.indieclub.com, a Web site that hooks up aspiring film-makers and directors.

“They read the script and they loved it,” said the 27-year-old Schaever.

The next step was to cast actors and actresses. Schaever was already cast as the movie’s lead character.

The three filmmakers posted fliers at local colleges such as Columbia College and on various casting Web sites.

The most successful casting came from a post on www.craigslist.com, a free classified posting Web site. There, they found their lead actress and key movie characters, many of whom are from nearby.

“The girl who plays an ex-girlfriend in the movie is from Mt. Prospect,” Schaever said. “She’s a real sweetheart.”

The movie’s villain will be played by NIU alumnus Chris Margetis.

“I believe he was a graduate sometime in the early ’90s,” Schaever said.

Perly said the film will be shot until May and no other dates for shooting in DeKalb are planned. Otto’s Niteclub, 118 E. Lincoln Highway, and other undisclosed locations are possible locations for shooting.

“Until we have permission to shoot in local locations, we can’t divulge information on them,” Perly said.

Perly said they still need extras.

“We definitely could use a few people for minor roles,” Perly said.

Schaever is humble about his part in his film and his script.

“I’m just a guy who wrote a script and people like it,” he said.

For information about possible casting in the movie, contact Perly at [email protected].