Producers have completed casting and selection of production crew for the television pilot STARDUST AND THE BANDIT, a situation comedy that will be shot at Old Tucson Studios August 23 through September 3, 2010. The production is a grass roots effort by local production talent to produce an anchor television series here in Tucson.  The 100 or so production personnel, both cast and crew, needed to complete the project were all drawn from Tucson.

STARDUST AND THE BANDIT is the story of an ex-mob accountant, “Guy”, who is sent by witness protection to Old Tucson Studios to hide out.  Instead of working in the back office, Guy is thrust into a stunt show when against all odds the mobster he is supposed to testify against shows up on vacation with his family.  The show has been called a modern cross between Mel Brooks BLAZING SADDLES, F TROOP, and 30 ROCK.

Veteran Old Tucson Studios actor Scott Thomas has been cast as “Guy”, the accountant. Guy’s love interest “Victoria”, a savvy sultry show girl, will be played by talented local actress Shanna Brock. Acclaimed Tucson actor Doug Mitchell will play Old Tucson Studios boss man “Big Jesse” in the contemporary, comedic romp.

 The production crew on the other side of the camera is just as talented and experienced as the cast and will also be drawn from the ranks of Tucson’s award-winning film and television community. Producers tapped local Production Manager Rosie Zwaduk to run day to day management of the show. Ron Anderson, owner of Tucson’s Misty Production Services, will provide Grip-Electric services.  Gaffer Paul Stapleton-Smith will work with Director of Photography Dick Fisher to design the lighting for the production. Tucsonan Bill Garber is the show’s Production Designer.

Pre-production on the pilot began in April. Local interest in the production rose to a fever pitch last month when almost 700 Tucsonans showed up at Old Tucson Studios for an open call audition.  The filming of the pilot will be open to guests who visit Old Tucson Studios which is also providing production and location services for the show.  Lucky Guests just might find themselves appearing in STARDUST as background extras! Guests can get updates on the production at Old Tucson Studios on Facebook^R.