Oamaru will be seen on Japanese television screens in September as the backdrop for several scenes in a movie about the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
NZ Network 2011 Ltd is seeking approval from the Waitaki District Council to film scenes that would require Harbour St in Oamaru's Victorian Precinct to be closed on July 23 and 24.
New Zealand production manager Cameron Bennett said the closure was required for filming of Japanese television movie Tokyo Olympics `64.
Oamaru had been chosen to represent scenes in countries such as Peru, Venezuela and Mexico for the movie about how the 1964 Summer Olympics came to be held in Tokyo, Mr Bennett said.
In the build up to the 2020 Olympics, to be held in Japan's capital city, filmmakers hope it will generate more national excitement.
Winter Utah scenes will be filmed further south, while Cromwell and the Maniototo area, as well as Ferrymead Heritage Park in Christchurch, will also be part of the movie.
Oamaru was chosen as it was perfectly situated in the centre of other filming locations, with a ''fantastic'' Victorian Precinct.
''It's the most important location for the whole shoot,'' he said.
The crew will spend four days in Oamaru, closing Harbour St to traffic from July 23 to 24. Other scenes will be filmed on Tyne and Wansbeck Sts.
Some actors will travel from Dunedin, while up to 20 local extras will be required each day.
Ican Models and Talent are still seeking ''multi-ethnic'' male and female extras for the movie.
Extras co-ordinator Maddy Maxwell said they were particularly interested in those with South American, Mexican and Cuban looks.
Extras would mostly feature in the background of scenes, while some could be pulled for small feature roles.
''It's going to be an interesting one to be involved with,'' she said.
''People will quite enjoy getting to be part of it.''
• For more details, interested people could contact angela@icanmodels.com.
