STRANGE LOOKS COULD LAND YOU IN A "WV HOLLER' MOVIE

(02/27/2008)

If you have a weird-shaped head, buggy eyes, or other physical deformities, you might get a part in a new movie that takes place in a West Virginia "holler." Governor Joe Manchin is taking offense to an upcoming film that uses negative stereotypes of West Virginians. The $25 million horror thriller "Shelter" is recruiting extras with unusual physical features for a scene that takes place in West Virginia. The scene will be shot in the Pittsburgh area. Manchin said, "Such films stereotype people from the Mountain State." The movie company is casting Gothic characters, including an albino-like girl and deformed people to depict West Virginia mountain characters. "Regular-looking" children need not apply, says the company. A description said "Some of these 'holler' people - because they are insular and clannish, and they don't leave their area - there is literally inbreeding, and the people there often have a different kind of look. That's what we're trying to get." The company further states they're looking for people who are, "Extraordinarily tall or short, unusual body shapes, even physical abnormalities as long as there is normal mobility. Unusual facial features, especially eyes." Pamela Haynes, director of the West Virginia Film Office, said, "It's unfortunate they actually have to name a place, as opposed to being Anywhere, U.S.A."

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