Casting call: Filming for ‘Billy and Blaze’ comes to Warrenton Horse Show grounds

A beloved children’s classic book, C.W. Anderson’s timeless “Billy and Blaze,” is being made into a feature-length motion picture, and the pivotal scenes are being filmed in Warrenton.

Producers have put out a casting call for extras – some paid, some volunteer -- to be part of the “horse show” being filmed at the Warrenton Horse Show grounds on Shirley Avenue.

Exact shooting dates have not been determined, but it will be over three consecutive days in late October or early November.

“Billy and Blaze” was published in 1936, first of a series of 11 about a little boy, Billy, and his pony, Blaze. The adventures of Billy and Blaze begin in the first book which culminates in the duo winning top prize, against the odds, at the county horse show.

Anderson wrote and illustrated more than 35 books.

Screenwriter Cynthia Erkel explains producers are seeking many different “characters” and props for filming. Preliminary plans call for a carriage rally and classic car rally along with general spectators for scene-setting shots at the showgrounds on a Saturday – likely Nov. 4 or 11, Erkel says.

Camera operators will collect background scenes such as carts and carriages “arriving at” the showgrounds, period cars – with period-attired spectators parked by the arena, and perhaps a fine harness “class” to be held in the show arena. Extras are invited to bring leashed dogs, children of any age – including in period-looking strollers, parasols and other 1930s props.

Especially sought, Erkel says, are a 1930s horse trailer and towing vehicle.

The “horse show background” filming would take place on the Sunday and Monday, Erkel adds, with riders with, and without, horses, invited to the showgrounds, along with spectators on-hand again to provide the critical atmosphere for the show scene.

“We’re looking for horses, ponies, riders, spectators. The works,” Erkel says.

Erkel notes that the time period – late 1930s, and the storyline – a country family with small-town values at a small-town horse show, meant that attire would have run the gamut from fine to period-casual. Not all riders would have shown in “full livery,” for instance, Erkel says, with horsemen dressed in anything from coat and tie and billowing breeches to the short pants Anderson sketched on Billy.

A wardrobe department will be on site with hats, coats and other accoutrements to flesh out costuming.

There are two tiers of involvement – ticketed “visitors” who commit to period attire but not any time commitment during filming, and paid extras who commit to attire and acting in sometimes repeated, choreographed actions in background scenes.

“Those bringing horses won’t always ‘be riding’,” Erkel stresses, noting that cameras will be capturing horses being groomed, bathed, walked, grazed, etc., along with mounted riders “watching classes” in the main arena as well as practicing in the warmup.

Those interested are asked to snap a photo – cell phone selfies are fine – of themselves and their horses in their best try at period attire and tack. Photos are to be sent to the show scene director for approval and tweaking; tickets will be held at the gate.

Everyone on the grounds will sign a waiver, and all horses on the grounds must produce proof of negative Coggins. Horsemen are asked to bring their own water and hay, and modern horse trailers will be parked “out of sight,” probably at the south end of the showgrounds.

Erkel hopes to arrange the horse show caterer to provide food and drink on the grounds.

Photos may be sent to betsyburkeparker@gmail.com.