Auditions for Disney film close after too many entrants arrive
HUNDREDS of people who queued up for hours to audition for a
Disney film have been left disappointed after casting agents
-
crowd
have said 'no more today'.
People young and old who queued up for the chance to be a
star will now have to wait untill casting resumes tomorrow
morning at 10am.
Around 300 people have already been accepted into the
auditions and a further 300 people have been turned away.
Just before casting closed for the day the team were handing
out notes saying either 'yes' or 'no'. Those who were given
notes saying 'yes' have been asked to come back tomorrow.
The casting agents of the new Tim Burton movie, Alice in
Wonderland, saw the best that Plymouth had to offer in terms of
extras.
Some in suits, some in jeans and T-shirt, some in dresses,
the cool, the geeky, the glamorous and the not so glamorous
queued from the front doors of the New Continental Hotel where
auditions are taking place.
People were still joining the queue late this morning which
saw the back of the queue reach Jesters in Union Street.
The turn-out this morning was so strong
that the casting team had started to whittle down the queues
even before they got into the hotel, picking out only those
they thought stood a chance of getting picked.
A casting team source told The Herald: "We are totally
overwhelmed with the response."
The huddled masses and wannabe extras braved the Plymouth's
uncanny and glorious summer weather from the very early
hours.
Some travelled for hundreds of miles to be here.
First in the queue was 25-year-old songwriter Andy Lessiter,
from Plymouth, who began his vigil at 2am.
He hopes to be among around 250 people who will be used as
extras in the Disney film.
“I am auditioning because I would like to be a film actor,”
he said, adding: “I have been on stage in plays at school and
in college.
“I have been on my feet since 2am getting psyched up for it,”
he said.
“I have been chatting and enjoying the crowd.
“I am looking forward to trying out for this,” said Mr
Lessiter, who was accompanied by his wife, Sara, who was not
trying out for the film.
Keith Feltham, aged 67, from Woolwell, was with his wife
Janet, also aged 67.
He said: “I think it's a fun thing to do to be an extra. Tim
Burton's films are always very creative.”
The former vicar admitted he only did drama in his youth,
but added: “I am used to standing up in front of people.”
Dominique Cutts, aged 22, from Bere Ferrers, said: “I love
Tim Burton's work, also Alice in Wonderland has always been a
favourite story of mine, so I thought why not?
“I'd be really happy if I got picked. It's a unique thing to
do.”
Daniel Drury, aged 19, from Plympton, studied drama at A
Level, said a friend had phoned up after reading the story in
The Herald.
He said: “It's in my local town so I thought go for it. It's
not every day a film gets made here, especially in
Plymouth.”
Shooting for the multi-million pound film, rumoured that
Hollywood heart-throb Johnny Depp will star as the Mad Hatter,
will take place in the city in September for two weeks.
The auditions will last until 6pm today and resume at 10am
tomorrow, until 5pm.
37 Comments
View all
by stephen, plymouth
Saturday, August 09 2008, 9:46PM
“I decided to stand in the cue last Wendsday for the audition for the new Alice in wounderland film.
I arrived at 10am and had to stand in the cue for 6 hours. It was so interesting, because its amazing when having to stand in a cue for this about of time, because you can talk to people who you never know about. I was just about going to give up because of the very long cue. I waited there all day until the cue arrived at the hotel, but by this time the heavens decided to open up, and we all became drench, so wet right to the bones. But it was worth it when we all finily reach inside the hotel. All people had their photos taken, I was very lucky to be chossen to go to the side room. I was measured up for a costume for the film and there was aprofessional photographer there taking many photos of me and other people. I ahve been given instructions to grow a beard by the 1st of next month, and told the I will be informed the place of the location of the film, and to be arrived at a time.
It was worth the wait and looking forward to be in this film as a front line film extra.”
by Stephen S, plymouth
Saturday, August 09 2008, 9:38PM
“I arrived at the audtion for alice in wounderland. Arrived at 10.15am and had to cue for most of the day. Had a seat with me. It took almost all day waiting until 6pm. When arrived at the hotel in the cue, the heavens opened up. we all became drench, the heavens open up. But it was worth the wet and becoming very wet down to the bone. We all managed to get in and photos had be taken of all and had to fill in forms. I was one of the lucky ones to be diverted to the small room at the side, this was the place the professional photos are taken and instructions which had been given and mesurments taken for the custums for the film to be worn. I was told to grow a beard for a front line film extra. So very happy and waiting to be contacted within the next weeks, the time I should turn up on the film location.
Worth the wait in the rain.”
by Marika, Brixham
Friday, August 08 2008, 1:20PM
“Hey everyone. I arrived about 9:45 and th back of the queue was by the pub opposite Toys R Us. Waited for about 2.5 hours. The lady hesistated with me - I'm very fair and 'English Rose,' looking. However my hair was deemed 'slightly too short but if I hadn't had my hair cut for an audition back in January I would have been in. Oh well! Still glad I went for it because otherwise I would have been wondering 'what if?' On the press release it seemed a little vague they specified long hair ... then start talking about wigs etc .... it confused me an awful lot!
Congratulations to anyone who got through, if anyone can't take rejection then you will not survive in the industry.”
by Undecided person, Plymouth
Thursday, August 07 2008, 12:06PM
“i want to go i feel its too late now, i havee a longg sidee fringee withh naturallly blonde shoulder length hair. would i get in ? or is it a waste of time going ? pleasee tell mee....need to decide weathre to show up or not !!!”
by Rachel Lovell, Plymouth
Thursday, August 07 2008, 11:40AM
“i auditioned yesterday in memory of my dear daughter Beki who died from Cysic Fibrosis recently. Beki was a talented actress singer and performer with Italia Conti theatre arts school and won many awards. R.I.P Beki I was there yesterday for you babyx”