Casting Director Renee Godbout on her inspiring on-set experience with military personnel

In light of Memorial Day, I'd like to tell you about a film I am very proud of. Last summer, a coworker and I were asked to work together on the HBO film Taking Chance, starring Kevin Bacon. As I read the script, I couldn’t help but notice that very little actually happened in the film. But in the end, that’s what made it a good film and something I am proud to say I worked on. In my opinion, the film was really about patriotism and the human soul.

It’s based on the true story of Chance Phelps, a young marine who died in Iraq, and the man with the responsibility of escorting his body. It's not a very wordy film, but instead focuses on who the escort meets along the way and their reactions upon meeting him.

I was moved by the written description of each scene, but I was even more touched when I started working on it. Because the film wanted to cast as many real military personnel as we could find, so I held an open call at an air force base in New Jersey. The men and women we met were so excited to be a part of this film!

I became the designated casting director for all of the "real military" aspects of the film. The military personnel I casted were the kindest and most respectful extras I have ever worked with, despite last-minute scheduling changes. However, they never grew frustrated with the changes and really worked with us to make things happen.

On the first day of shooting, we had 80 military personnel on a real air force base. Half of the scenes were being shot in fake rain, but not only did the soldiers do what was requested of them, they never complained. The entire production crew raved about their positive attitudes and willingness to go with the flow. A few even called me afterwards to thank me for the experience, and asked if they could help out on-set again! I was blown away by their kindness and began to wish I could work with real military every day.

The film will likely air on HBO during the summer months. It tells a truthful heartfelt story of a young man whose death inspired many, including those who never knew him. It has certainly inspired me and I hope everyone will watch!

Renee Godbout - Freelance Casting Director. Renee Godbout recently worked on the first season of The CW's popular teen show Gossip Girl at Grant Wilfey Casting. Some past projects include 2 seasons of Law & Order: Criminal Intent, the pilot for Dirty Sexy Money, and the upcoming Jonathan Demme-directed Dancing with Shiva.