When Jennifer Hodges sees an opportunity, she goes for it. So when she heard there would be an open audition in St. Louis for extras in George Clooney's new movie, Up In the Air, she knew she had to give it a shot.

"I usually audition for big productions that come to town," said Hodges. "And I've liked other productions by this director, so I was excited to try out." Elizabeth Schreckenberg

The movie's casting crew planned to hire about 2,100 adults from the St. Louis audition, and requested people in the travel industry such as those who work at airports, hotels, and in other service areas. As a banquet manager at the Four Seasons Hotel, Hodges met the criteria. She wore her hotel uniform to the casting call in Crestwood Court, and was notified a few weeks later that she had a part in the movie.

"So much time had passed, and there were thousands of other candidates. I didn't think I'd made it," said Hodges. "It was a nice surprise."

Filming for the movie took place at Lambert Airport. The romantic comedy, which is an adaptation of Walter Kirn's novel with the same name, depicts Clooney as a Human Resources executive whose only joy in life comes from the prospect of notching his millionth frequent flyer mile. As the rest of his life falls apart because he is constantly on the road, he meets and begins a relationship with a woman played by Vera Farmiga (The Departed), who travels as frequently as he does. Other actors in the movie include Jason Bateman, and Twilight's Anna Kendrick.

Although Hodges is sworn to secrecy as to which scene she's in, she did say that Clooney is in the same scene with her.

"I worked pretty close to him for about two hours," said Hodges. "He and the production crew were very nice."

Hodges, a 2000 Belleville West graduate, attended SIU Carbondale where she majored in Radio Broadcast and minored in Cinematography. Her passion for media led her to a career as a radio personality with Clearchannel, and then as a host for Harrah's Lucky Break. She obviously enjoys being on-screen, as past auditions have landed her spots in two R. Kelly music videos, and in VH1's Flavor of Love.

But even when Hodges doesn't make the cut, she keeps her head held high. "I went to a casting call for All My Children," said Hodges. "I did get a call-back, but not a final part. It was cool, though, to see what it would be like on a soap opera."

No official release date for Up In the Air has been announced, but filming was set to be complete at the end of April.