‘The Hunger Games’ update from Asheville: Extras get the nod; movie-makers take a tree; and more

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Here’s your Asheville update on The Hunger Games for today. If you’ve not been paying attention, The Hunger Games is the $75 million Hollywood motion picture being filmed around North Carolina this spring. Locations will reportedly include areas around Asheville. The movie is based on the hugely popular young adult novel of the same name. 

-Extras get the nod: Extras who attended casting calls in Concord and Shelby and were picked for the movie received confirmation this week that they’re wanted. The extras chosen are supposed to report for fittings and such soon. Extras were told their filming will occur somewhere around the end of the month.

-Tree taken: I’ve gotten word of an unusual Warren Wilson College/The Hunger Games connection. The story goes that filmmakers scouted out a giant tree that they wanted to use, one that was apparently already dead or dying. It’s unclear if the tree was located on campus or adjacent to campus. But the filmmakers cut a deal to cut the massive tree and take it. 

-Photo shoot: Word on the street is that some type of The Hunger Games photo shoot went down around Asheville this week. That’s all I’ve got right now. 

More as it comes. Meantime, here’s a tidbit from USA Today, which has a story today about the ravenous fan and media attention the movie is garnering:

Like their Twilight predecessors, The Hunger Games‘ filmmakers walk a fine line between encouraging the devotion and not falling prisoner to it.

“Every decision is being so closely watched,” says producer Nina Jacobson. “I understand the fierce and intense feeling the fans have for this movie.”

Given The Hunger Games’ plot about a futuristic society whose youth must battle in a state-enforced tradition, it’s fitting that the preparation be viewed through the lens of a survival guide:

•Form key alliances. Collins’ active involvement in every step of the film sends a clear message to the faithful: The book will not stray.

•Find the chosen one. Finding a star for the book’s central character, Katniss Everdeen, was the casting competition of 2011. (20-year-old Jennifer Lawrence was cast in the lead.)