The open audition for TV presenter and actor Uyaina Arshad's debut feature film as a producer, 'Ragging — Melawan Bungkam', recently drew around 400 hopefuls.
Uyaina, 34, admits she was taken aback by the overwhelming response, with applicants travelling from other states and beyond.
"I never expected to see such a large crowd. Some came from as far as Brunei, Penang and Melaka," she said at a recent launch event in Kuala Lumpur.
"Our audition was scheduled to open at 9am, but people were already queuing outside the gates as early as 6.30am.
"We were deeply moved by the overwhelming interest from candidates wanting to be part of this project."
The production team extended audition hours into the night to accommodate everyone.
"We felt for those who travelled from afar, including outside the Klang Valley, and waited faithfully for hours.
"To ensure a smoother flow on the second day, we set up a preliminary screening area before candidates entered the main audition room."
Uyaina said alongside the open sessions, established actors were invited for private auditions.
"We invited experienced talent and several big names came to fulfil the invitation.
"With such a large pool of applicants, the selection process for key roles in our debut production is ongoing.
"We will make an official announcement in due course, expected before year end ahead of principal photography."
On her new role behind the scenes, Uyaina said the project is a joint venture between four production companies.
"All my co-producers have extensive experience across various fields, whereas this is my first time taking on a producer role.
"People might perceive me as being at the forefront because I am widely recognised, but each producer is contributing equally and performing their duties exceptionally well.
"Realising 'Ragging — Melawan Bungkam' is certainly full of challenges, but I am learning a great deal throughout the process."
Budgeted at RM3 million, filming begins in December.
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