It wasn’t your prototypical Hollywood casting call, but passion for the silver screen was exuding from the 25 to 30 prospective actors who turned out at a Rome restaurant Sunday, July 29, to audition for Jay Ward’s movie “Lonely/Desperate.”

After years of off-and-on scripting, Ward and co-writer Rich McGarity are ready to turn their script into cinema.

On Sunday the pair, assisted by members of their production team, conducted auditions in the second floor bar area of 333 on Broad, where Ward serves as executive chef for a regular paycheck.

Ward said the movie is about three guys in a band trying to get into the only place in town that provides live music.

“They’re a pretty good band, but they haven’t gotten to play yet,” Ward said. “They were supposed to be in a battle of the bands, but unfortunately it didn’t work out because one of the characters is kind of a screw-up.”

As all three members of the band are based on real people, Ward admitted the movie does have a bit of an autobiographical nature.

McGarity said he and Ward have been friends for nearly 20 years.

“We sat down and started talking about writing a script, and he started it,” McGarity said. “We kind of collaborated on some of the scenes, and then we both wrote some of it individually.”

Sherry Childs, a longtime local theater supporter, was on hand to assist with the casting.

“Rome has such a tremendous pool of talent, and it’s great to see some of these folks come out for something like this that is going to be done locally,” Childs said.

One of those who tried out for a role was Ricky Clay of Rome, who has acted in a Rome Little Theatre production of “Cat On a Hot Tin Roof.”

“I’ve always had a passion for performing,” he said.

Ward hopes to start filming in mid-September. Much of the movie will be shot in the bar area of 333 on Broad and one other location locally.

“We just got our cameras lined up, and we’ve got our audio and signed up a hair and make-up lady,” Ward said. “We’re trying to keep most of our actors local.”