Back in April, we reported to you that a hybrid live-action / CGI film is in the works for re-booting the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle franchise (Cowabunga, dude).  I’m really eager to find out how exactly they are going to merge live-action and CGI in a way we’re never seen, but for now, revel in Turtle hype with the TMNT road trip 2009!

As part of their cross-country road trip to commemorate the 25th anniversary of TMNT, they will host a casting call for members of the Foot Clan on July 18^th in L.A.

I think it’s great that they are reaching out to new audiences of kids through martial arts.

Here’s the press release for the details:

-BEGIN PRESS RELEASE-

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, in association with Mirage Studios, 4Kids Entertainment and TMNT Productions will host an open casting call for martial arts experts to audition for the upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, hitting theatres in 2011.  We will select the best from the auditions to be a part of the stealth TMNT nemesis, the Foot Clan.

The casting call is part of the 25^th Anniversary Shell-ebration of the “Heroes on a Half Shell” in 2009, and a great way to bring together all schools of martial arts to become part of the new generation of TMNT.

We’re reaching out to ask for your participation in spreading the word to your associates, friends and family within the martial arts community. Details of the event are below, and final rules/regulations will be posted shortly.

When: Saturday, July 18, 2009    10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Where: Hollywood & Highland

6801 Hollywood Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90028

*At Grand Staircase

Who: Judges to include actor and martial arts expert Ernie Reyes, Jr., Jason Morgan from the American Taekwondo Association, and 2011 TMNT movie producers Scott Mednick and Galen Walker.

Audition: 30-Second Martial Arts Demo (Single Person Only)

No metal, sharp or bladed weapons of any kind allowed

Photo and updated resume with contact information

Fourteen years or older (under 18 must have adult permission for audition)

-END PRESS RELEASE-

The TMNT Party Bus will also hit Comic Con big time on the 23^rd with a TMNT museum inside the bus, Ubisoft video game tournament, a chance to win tickets to the San Diego Galabunga at the On Broadway Event Center (invite-only event), and a TMNT panel on Friday, July 24 from 4:15-5:15, in Room 6DE.  Check here for more info.

[Source] TMNT25