According to a press release today:

Albany County is working with the production agency Social Interactive to produce a series of three commercials to educate and motivate residents to prepare for emergencies and is looking for local talent to audition.

An open casting call will be held on Monday, February 13th and Tuesday, February 14th from 11am to 7pm at the Hotel Albany (formerly the Crowne Plaza) at the corner of Lodge and State Streets in downtown Albany.

Social Interactive will be casting an:·

African American grandmother, mom and child (girl or boy, age 6-12)·

Latino mom, dad and child (girl or boy, age 6-12); and·

Caucasian mom, dad and child (girl or boy, age 6-12).

The commercials will help increase residents’ awareness of the importance of preparing for emergencies and will encourage residents to develop an emergency plan and make an emergency supply kit.

“Hurricane Irene caught many residents off guard, but taught us that disasters can happen anywhere and at any time and we all have to be prepared for the unexpected,” said County Executive Dan McCoy. “We hope these commercials will motivate residents to learn how to prepare for any emergencies. This casting call is a great opportunity for members of our local community to participate in our campaign and help us get out these critical messages.”

Albany County worked with Siena College Research Institute (SRI) in 2010 to conduct a survey to assess how prepared Albany County residents are in the event of an emergency. The survey found that only 17 percent of residents are highly prepared for an emergency.

Albany County is working with L&P Media and Social Interactive to produce the commercials. The project is being funded through the New York State Homeland Security Grant program.

Those interested in auditioning, should bring three copies of a headshot and resume, if they have one, or a photograph of everyone who is auditioning. Acting experience is preferred. Actors must be available to film on location in Albany on or around March 13, 14, 15, 2012. All actors will be compensated by Social Interactive.

For questions about the casting call, emailalbanyopencall@gmail.com.

To request information about how to prepare for emergencies, contact the Albany County Department of Health atbeready@albanycounty.com or 447-2057.