Double Oscar winner Tom Hanks owns the company making the film

The Forrest Gump star is making City of Ember - a film version of Jeanne DuPrau's children's science fiction adventure.

The US$50m film is being made by PlayTone, which is owned by Tom Hanks.

The producers are seeking a "serious cyclist", a female jockey, a very athletic or agile child, or a man with an artificial limb.

A former paint hall at Belfast shipyard Harland and Wolff is to be transformed into a post-apocalypse city for the science fiction film.

People who are speedy sorts, with a slim build and unusual or quirky faces could find themselves on the silver screen.

However, aspiring actors are being advised to avoid the tanning salon if going for auditions, as the citizens of Ember have never seen sunlight.

You do not have to have had any experience, only the right look or skills and it would be a chance to see how a big movie is made and be involved Ciara Barry Assistant extras co-ordinator

Casting directors are on the lookout for pale and slim people aged 14 to 84, people from minority ethnic groups, athletic teenagers and children aged nine to 11 who can play wind or brass instruments.

DuPrau's novel centres around an underground city, the one known surviving settlement.

Paid work

The city is the "only light in the dark world" which is slowly dying as supplies run low and the electrical system starts to fail.

The main characters are Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow, two 12-year-olds who watch as the light of Ember flickers and race to discover a way out.

Filming is to take place in the summer and last for 16 weeks.

Former paint hall at Harland and Wolff is to be transformed for the film

The movie will be directed by Oscar-winner Gil Kenan and has been scripted by Caroline Thompson, who wrote Edward Scissorhands.

City Of Ember assistant extras co-ordinator Ciara Barry told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Filming will take place in Belfast from July to August.

"It is paid work and no-one would be required for the entire duration, but they must be available to work on weekdays.

"You do not have to have had any experience, only the right look or skills and it would be a chance to see how a big movie is made and be involved."

Casting is set to take place at Maysfield Leisure Centre on 31 May from 1400-1800 BST.