Production is now underway on the upcoming Epix crime-drama television series Godfather of Harlem. A casting call has gone out seeking various talent to work on the series which is inspired by the true story of infamous crime boss Bumpy Johnson, who in the early 1960s returned from ten years in prison to find the neighborhood he once ruled in shambles. With the streets controlled by the Italian mob, Bumpy must take on the Genovese crime family to regain control. During the brutal battle, he forms an alliance with radical preacher Malcolm X – catching Malcolm’s political rise in the crosshairs of social upheaval and a mob war that threatens to tear the city apart. Set to star are Academy Award-winner Forest Whitaker (Bumpy Johnson), Vincent D’Onofrio, Rafi Gavron, Giancarlo Esposito, Lucy Fry and IIfenesha Hadera. The series is written and executive produced by Brancato and Eckstein, along with Forest Whitaker and Nina Yang Bongiovi via Whitaker’s Significant Productions, along with Eckstein, James Acheson and Markuann Smith. Brancato will serve as showrunner. Shooting is taking place in and around NYC.
The casting director is currently seeing the following to work on the series and paid background talent, photo doubles, stand-ins and possible featured talent:
- BASKETBALL PLAYERS – Seeking SAG-AFTRA or NON UNION AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN, 18+ to portray 1960s basketball players. Works 11/30.
- JAZZ CLUB TYPES – Seeking NON UNION African American Men & Women age range 18-40s portray 1960s JAZZ CLUB TYPES. Works 11/19.
- HAIR & MAKEUP ARTISTS – Seeking Caucasian to portray 1960s real hair and make up stylists. Men must be okay getting a 1960s haircut and being clean shaven on the day. Must be okay working around atmospheric smoke. Works 11/26. Please put “FACEBOOK HMU” in the email subject line.
If you fit any of the above descriptions and are interested please email name, union status (SAG-AFTRA or NONUNION) phone number, height, weight, clothing sizes, any experience you may have and at least 2 or 3 current pictures or candid snapshots (no filters, no hats or sunglasses) to goh@gwcncy.com. Write the role for which you are submitting in the subject line of your email. All photos must be clear and well lit.
Source: Grant Wilfley Casting