When an ad that appeared in area classifieds two years ago read:
Want a hit record / be a star? GWS Recording holding open auditions. Charlotte, Early June. Need original songs /artists. Experience unnecessary, just good songs.
Many people showed up. Little did they know, they were being filmed for a movie entitled Great World of Sound. The movie, now being shown at the Ballantyne Village Theatre, looks at the "dirty underbelly of the American Idol phenomenon" as it follows two guys who get caught up in a talent-scouting scheme.
One of the locals in the movie, Alexis Bingham, responded to the ad and was unaware of the filming until the audition was over (her parents, however, were told.) Her mother, Pam, said she has since met with Warner Bros. Records and hopes big things are in her future, including a professional recording in the spring.
Chances are you may recognize some other names or places in the movie, as well, so catch it while it's in theaters. (You can see a review in the Flicks section of the Oct. 17-23 paper or online at creativeloafing.com)