Word on the street - Harbour Street in particular - is Ōamaru has been lined up as a location for a major filming production early next year.

Although exact details are vague and lips are sealed, some Harbour Street business owners have been asked to sign contracts to allow their business premises to either be used, or to close while filming takes place.

Whitestone Civic Trust property manager Jacob Barwick says at this stage details are scarce - all he knows is that it is a large production, with a cast and crew of about 200. Filming is set for early January, next year.

The names Florence Pugh and Netflix have been bandied about in conversations, but those in the know can neither confirm nor deny the rumours that either party is involved.

The Waitaki District Council is unable to comment with any details, but a spokesperson said they will share what they can, when they can - as it is definitely a “good news” story.

Tracy Cameron, director of Ican Models and Talent, also has her lips zipped, but she confirms emails have been sent to her Ōamaru “talent”.

“I can only say so much, as these productions always have a degree of confidentiality,” she says.

In one of the emails provided to the Waitaki App by a person on Ican's books - the agency is looking for background extras in Ōamaru, Dunedin and Central Otago. Experienced actors are also being sought, and some background extras may be upgraded on the day to a “featured extra” role.

The email states the series is set in 1800s America, and European, African American and Hispanic-looking ethnicities are welcome.

Tracy says those interested in being part of the production, and being added to the Ican agency’s books, can contact her through [email protected].