The Cochrane area continues to attract a growing number of film productions from smaller television and streaming productions to major studio releases. Disney's casting call being held this Saturday at the old Canadian Tire location has brought to the forefront just how popular this area is for the film industry.  

What it is helping to quietly build is an industry Mayor Jeff Genung believes is a great fit for Cochrane.

"I think there's an underground film industry segment of society here," says Genung. "I think they come back to places they're used to, are friendly to their industry and where they can get help quickly. The Cochrane area just seems to work for them."

"I think the chemistry is just right," noting the favourable currency exchange rate doesn't hurt either.

Genung has been quietly following the progress of the Disney temporary office proposal and is glad to see it was successfully finalized to not only bring the company here but to also see the old home of Canadian Tire be utilized after sitting empty for some time.

The old Canadian Tire building is empty no longer, at least for the time being.

While it's currently a short-term deal, there is a possibility it could be expanded into other projects.

"Economic development said if things go well for them they are looking at extending into a longer term. I don't know what that term would be but that would be great."

"It's a boon for the local economy. It's attracting more people, more activity... it's just a good news story all around."

Economic Development did not respond to requests for interviews.

The casting call on Saturday brings back memories for the Mayor who was an extra on the set of "Rad", a BMX film that was shot in part in Cochrane in 1986. The movie got the thumbs down from critics but was loved by fans and has developed a cult following.

"I was an extra in it. A bunch of my high school buddies and I signed up for the casting, just like they're having Saturday. We ended up in every shot--downtown at the parade, outside of Cochrane High and then in the gym for a dance that was part of the story."

"It was fun. People just seem to rally around that stuff and then they never forget it."

Genung won't be lining up to be an extra in this movie, though.

"I considered it for about two seconds and then I realized I probably don't have time."

Disney has announced an open casting call will be held at Cochrane at the former Canadian Tire location, 320 5th Ave. W., on Saturday, Aug. 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the film "Togo." Working under the code name "Tenfold," it's being developed for its streaming service set to be launched later this year. 

According to ACTRA, the film will be shot in and around Calgary from Sept. 24 to Dec.13 and Jan. 9 to Feb. 14, 2019. 

READ MORE: 

Want to Appear in a Disney Film?