A feature film set to shoot on Northern Vancouver Island early next year is inviting local residents to get involved, bringing both community participation and an international story to the region.
The production, titled Exchange, will be filmed in Sayward, Campbell River and nearby locations from February 4 to 14, 2026. Casting is now underway for local background performers to appear in non-speaking roles such as students, townspeople and police officers. Applicants from their teens through middle age are welcome, and no previous acting experience is required.
Producers note that background performers are essential in creating authentic community environments throughout the movie. Although the roles do not involve dialogue, participants will be on set with professional cast and crew, gaining a close-up look at how a feature film is made. Scheduling will depend on the needs of each scene, with some individuals called for specific shoot days.
Exchange is described as a character-focused drama with strong thriller elements. The story follows an 18‑year‑old Thai exchange student who vanishes while studying in Canada. Her mother travels overseas to search for her, confronting cultural challenges, isolation and unsettling clues as she navigates an unfamiliar country. During her search, she forms a connection with a Thai teenager living in Canada, and together they work to uncover what happened. As the investigation deepens, tensions surrounding the exchange program and the student’s host family begin to surface.
Written and directed by Chatchai Hongsirikun, the film is being produced as a non‑union feature. Alongside background roles, the team has also been casting several speaking parts—such as police officers and local youth—with a focus on hiring Vancouver Island talent whenever possible.
The production is expected to bring economic benefits to Northern Vancouver Island, including increased demand for accommodations, local services and short-term employment. Community participation is also a key priority, helping highlight the region’s landscapes and small-town character on screen.
Residents interested in appearing as background performers are asked to send their name, age, a recent photo, availability during the filming window and contact details to sublunarcasting@gmail.com.
The production team encourages anyone curious about the filmmaking process to apply, emphasizing that enthusiasm and local involvement are just as valuable as experience.
