12-year old real-life Florida cowboy cast for leading role in ‘A Land Remembered’ TV series

After more than 2,000 people applied, the statewide search for a young actor to play the role of Zechariah “Zech” MacIvey in the upcoming television series adaptation of “A Land Remembered” is over.

The field was narrowed to 50 finalists, to 25 and then to a final winner, who has yet to be named.

The finalists arrived in Polk City for a full day of rodeo challenges and live screen tests on Nov. 22 at Sunny Acres Lodge, where they blended cowboy tradition with cinematic casting by showing their skills in horseback riding, target practice, roping, whip popping and on-screen performance.

“A Land Remembered” is a multigenerational saga tracing the MacIvey family from the Florida frontier of the 1850s through the rise of modern industry. The television adaptation aims to bring Patrick D. Smith’s novel to life with cinematic ambition, historical accuracy and deep love for Florida’s heritage.

Film leaders are committed to casting Florida talent and filming within the state. The 50 young actors were called back for an intense round of screen work and tests in front of producers and the production’s creative team.

The 50 finalists, including the talented young actor chosen for the role, included professional trained actors and kids who grew up in multigenerational ranch families. Many were stepping into completely new territory — wrangling skills, learning scenes, and adapting to the fast-paced demands of a professional production environment.

While his name has not yet been announced as his final contract is negotiated, the winning finalist is a 12-year-old, sixth-generation Florida rancher and competitive cowboy.

“There’s so much talent out there, but for me, you just can’t fake authenticity. Today, I saw the real deal,” said Todd Wiseman Jr., the filmmaker and Creator/Producer.

A $500,000 state appropriation helped support the casting initiative. Visit Tampa Bay matched the contribution.

The “A Land Remembered” novel was first published in 1984 by Pineapple Press and addresses problems that persist in the Sunshine State today, including navigating damaging hurricanes and coping with pesky mosquitoes.

The final budget for the series, which is also relying on independent and corporate donors to fund, is at about $25 million, WUSF reported earlier this year.