Eliza Dushku

WATERLOO --- A major motion picture filming in eastern Iowa is looking for talented baseball players to appear in the movie.

An open casting call for "The Final Season" will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday across from American Eagle at Westdale Mall in Cedar Rapids. The film is set to begin shooting May 30 in Cedar Rapids and Norway.

"The Final Season" is based on the true story of the 1991 Norway High School baseball team. The town is faced with losing its high school and legendary baseball coach, Jim Van Scoyoc, after declining enrollment and increasing state regulations. That means no summer baseball team and no chance for the high school to win its 20th state championship. Kent Stock, played in the film by Sean Astin ("The Lord of the Rings"), decides to coach the team back to greatness.

The film also stars Ottumwa native Tom Arnold ("Soul Plane"), Eliza Dushku ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer") and Powers Boothe ("Sin City"). "The Final Season" will be directed by David M. Evans, who has experience with sports movies --- he directed and wrote "The Sandlot" and "The Sandlot 2".

Filmmakers are looking for men with extensive baseball experience between the ages of 18 and 25 to fill player roles in "The Final Season." Interested players cannot be seeking NCAA eligibility through a college program. Select positions will be paid.

Pre-registration for the open casting call is required at reelsports.net. For more information about player requirements, visit reelsports.net or call the player information hot line at (319) 362-4400, ext. 29. General information about "The Final Season" can be found at finalseason.com.