TV Talk: Obama-produced ‘Rustin’ will film in Pittsburgh

The latest Netflix project to come to Pittsburgh marks a return to town for the film’s director and the first Pittsburgh production from the production company created by former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama.

“Rustin,” directed by George C. Wolfe, who directed “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” in Pittsburgh for Netflix, tells the story of Bayard Rustin, a gay civil rights activist who organized the 1963 March on Washington that culminated in Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

Higher Ground, the production company formed by the Obamas, is producing the film for Netflix. No casting for the lead roles has been announced.

But Pittsburgh’s Mosser Casting will hold an open call for casting extras ages 8 to adult (all ethnicities but especially African-Americans) 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Kaufmann Center, 1825 Centre Ave, Pittsburgh. Masks are required and those attending are asked to bring a pen.

To be considered performers will be required to prove they have received the covid-19 vaccine. Due to the period setting, hairstyles are important: no braids, dreadlocks, cornrows, weaves or extensions, natural hair colors only. If selected, pay is $168 for a 12-hour work day. The production is seeking extras who do not have face or neck tattoos. If you can’t make it to the open call, visit MosserCasting.com and click on Talent Registration to create a free profile. [link to: www.mossercasting.com]

“Rustin” will film in Western Pennsylvania from the end of September to early December.

The Obamas founded Higher Ground in 2018. Its documentaries have included 2019’s Oscar-winning “American Factory” and 2020’s Oscar-nominated “Crip Camp.” Higher ground also makes the Netflix children’s series “Waffles + Mochi.”

Higher Ground’s feature film “Worth,” starring Pittsburgh native Michael Keaton, is a bio-pic debuting on Netflix Sept. 3 about a lawyer charged with putting a dollar value on the lives lost on 9/11.