BEAUFORT DELTA - Production of the Mad Trapper documentary has begun, and filmmakers have announced they will be looking for actors.

Filmmaker Michael Jorgensen's project is not a drama, but will use actors for re-enactments.

Aklavik today displays the Mad Trapper's story on a wooden sign, placed outside the cemetery. Albert Johnson's exploits have become the stuff of local legend. - NNSL file photo

"We're going to be re-creating a lot of the chase, or at least the key moments," he said.

Jorgensen added some scenes would be filmed in Edmonton, and that several actors would likely be playing Albert Johnson, depending on the location.

"We'll probably do a few of the re-creations in and around Edmonton, and then we'll do some up North," he said on June 27.

Jorgensen added aboriginal actors would be cast as Gwich'in guides Lazarus Sittichinli, Joe Bernard and John Moses, who helped the RCMP track Johnson across the wilderness in 1931.

"It's still six or seven months away, right now we're just focusing on the exhumation," he said.

"But once this phase is over, come September, we'll be needing some actors and dog teams, possibly from the area."

Jorgensen recently travelled to Fort McPherson, Inuvik and Aklavik, to interview elders for the film.

He said some elders like Aklavik's Mary Kendie were teenagers at the time of the Mad Trapper chase, and shared what they remember.

"The intention was to get people's memories and stories that were passed down, as well as any first-hand knowledge of how to survive on the land," said fellow producer Carrie Gour.

Aklavik Gwich'in Chief Charlie Furlong said he was impressed with the project.

"They asked a lot of questions about the role aboriginal people played, and I think that's the main area they want to focus on," he said.

He added he was looking forward to seeing the film.

"I think it's good. It's going to expose us to the world and maybe increase the tourism trade," he said.

Gour said the crew will be keeping the date of the Trappers' exhumation a secret, especially from the media.

"Part of being respectful is avoiding a circus," she said.

Jorgensen agreed, saying it was best for the filmmakers to avoid drawing a crowd, so the dig can be discreet.

"We're having national and regional media calling us all the time," he said. "It's a great story, but we're just not advertising the date," he said.

The documentary project is being prepared as a one-hour film, which might be seen by worldwide audiences on the Discovery Channel.

It details the RCMP chase and eventual shooting of Albert Johnson, a mysterious recluse who survived gun battles, howling winds and a long outdoor chase while fleeing police in 1931.

He was eventually shot to death, and has since become a part of local folklore.