Breendonk (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The upcoming historical fiction series Breendonk is urgently seeking extras, with a preference for slim candidates to fit the WWII-era setting.
Kevin Janssens and Filip Lenaerts are currently seeking extras for their new historical fiction series, Breendonk.
“We are looking for a lot of young men who are thin and willing to shave their hair short,”
Says production employee Matthias De Witte.
A brand-new six-part Flemish, Belgium, television series on Fort Breendonk is called Breendonk. In the series, a young couple’s love is shattered midway through World War II due to a botched resistance action.
Within the strange setting of combat, it is a tale of cooperation, love, and death.
“The series highlights the history of Fort Breendonk, where people from the resistance and Jews were locked up during World War II,”
De Witte explains.
“Some of these prisoners were later deported to concentration camps.”
Therefore, it’s critical that the extras match this profile.
Although filming began in early March, extras are still needed for the upcoming weeks.
“We are looking for 60 extras to play prisoners in the fort of Liezele before June 17,”
Says De Witte.
“It’s very difficult to find extras, as we’re in the exam period and not everyone is willing to shave their hair short,”
Says De Witte.
The production is seeking slender males with white or light skin who are between the ages of 16 and 95.
“We are specifically looking for athletic people who are fit, but not bodybuilder muscular. The thinner, the better,”
De Witte continues.
“The extras sign up for a unique experience,”
De Witte emphasizes.
“They get the chance to experience the history of Fort Breendonk as a prisoner themselves, and that won’t happen again anytime soon.”
Anyone who wants to can register via the XtraZ website.
What historical details are most important for extras to portray young men accurately?
As a reflection of the appearance of young soldiers or detainees during the World War II era, which the series most likely depicts, young men are expected to be slender and willing to shave their hair short.
In order to preserve uniformity and hygiene, short haircuts were typical in jail or military environments.
It is crucial that uniforms and apparel be authentic. Historical performances frequently focus on clothing wear, fabric, and style to capture the hard realities of the era.
For instance, in shows like The Silver Tassie, uniforms may be tattered, faded, or filthy to depict the harsh conditions of young soldiers or convicts.
