More than 23,000 people applied to be extras in actor George Clooney's latest film, which is heading to Michigan to film its final scenes, officials said.

ADVERTISEMENT

About 1,500 extras were used in shooting in Ohio, including about 700 at Miami University in Oxford, where parts of "The Ides of March" were filmed, The Cincinnati Enquirer reported.

"I just want to thank the entire school," Clooney said at the school Thursday.

The film was shot on as many as 20 locations in several parts of town.

Production moves to Michigan Monday, where about 1,000 extras will be needed for filming in Ann Arbor.

"About 90 percent of the actual story is set in Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Oxford," said Tracey Schaefer, film publicist. "Miami will play itself. Xavier plays itself."

The film is about a press aide in his first presidential campaign. It was adapted from a screenplay written by Beau Willimon, who was Howard Dean's press aide in his 2004 presidential bid.

Clooney plays Gov. Mike Morris as he campaigns in the Ohio primary. It is expected to be in theaters late in 2011 or in early 2012.

"It's been very exciting for Miami. It's an opportunity to show off our beautiful campus," said Claire Wagner, the university's public information director.