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Hundreds line up to be extras in Spike Lee's 'Chiraq'

CHICAGO - Several hundred people lined up in Chicago over the weekend for a chance to be cast as extras in Spike Lee's film about violence in the city.

Hopefuls began lining up as early as 4 a.m. Saturday in the city's Auburn Gresham neighborhood for the casting call which began six hours later.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and some city council members have expressed concerns about the film's working title, "Chiraq."

Alderman Will Burns has asked the city council to approve a measure that would push the state to deny Lee's company a multimillion dollar tax break for shooting the film if it keeps the title.

Supporters say the film will bring jobs and money to the Englewood neighborhood as well as highlight the problem of violence for a bigger audience.

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