'Great Debaters' nears production
Crew builds set at TSR for Denzel Washington movie
BY LELAND ACKER

Progress continues to be made toward the filming of Denzel Washington's upcoming movie "The Great Debaters" at the Texas State Railroad even though the contract has not been finalized.

Mark Price, operations superintendent for the state railroad, said to his knowledge, the contract has not yet been inked.

"They have received their insurance papers, allowing them to be on site and building their set," he said, noting that the contract is likely pending approval by the lawyers.

Mr. Price said the movie company is building a small depot along the Texas State Railroad line close to the Palestine depot.

"They were interested in using the Maydelle depot, but it turned out the lighting was wrong," he said.

The depot set will not likely be preserved as a monument to the presence of Mr. Washington.

"It will probably be torn down (after the movie is completed)," Mr. Price said. "These sets are usually not meant to withstand the weather."

Mr. Price described the structure as a "very simple station," measuring 12 feet wide by 15-20 feet long.

The movie company is preparing for a scene where the Wiley College debate team boards a train for Boston. Arrangements for the sequence have been changing throughout development, said Mr. Price.

"At one time they were thinking of following the train (as it departed) with a helicopter," he said. "At this phase, things tend to change."

Mr. Price expressed how happy he is for the state railroad to be assisting in this film project, saying, "It's nice to go out on a high note."

Mr. Price said the company is looking for extras and has held casting calls during the last two Saturdays in Palestine.

Christopher Gray, extras casting director for "The Great Debaters," said the Palestine casting calls were "awesome."

"The people there were so open, so ready, so into doing this," Mr. Gray said, adding that such is not uncommon for smaller towns. "When you go into smaller towns, people have a chance to see something, to see how this is done."

Mr. Gray is still looking for extras, but these actors will have to be willing to travel to Shreveport, La. He said he is looking for people who can play college students, or relatives, both African American and White.

"Those interested can call our hot line at (318) 682-5679," he said.