Narnian Hopefuls Audition in Auckland

Hopefuls audition for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

03.05.2004

Braving rain, 300 tall and short people turned out to the Auckland casting call for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

And the film’s officials had a message for those who stayed away: “If you can’t handle the rain you can’t handle a film set,” said extras casting co-ordinator Victoria Cole.

Carole Rumage was one who turned up in Grey Lynn on Saturday.

“I am here because I am big enough to be here,” said the Glen Eden woman, who is 142cm tall.

Film hopefuls had to be 192cm (6ft 4in) or over, 153cm (5ft) or under, and aged 16 or older.

They had to be available for work in the South Island from September to November.

Each applicant was measured before being photographed.

“It is fascinating to be here with all these really tall people, ” said Ms Rumage.

Like the other hopefuls, she will have to wait about two weeks before finding out if she has a role in the film being directed by expatriate New Zealander Andrew Adamson, with a budget reputedly between $150 million and $230 million.