Advice: Auditioning For the Role of Jill Pole

Since the release of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, we at NarniaWeb have received almost daily inquiries about auditioning for the role of Jill Pole in The Silver Chair. After the release of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, these inquiries have risen to almost unbelievable levels. We wanted to take this opportunity to give some information about the film industry and answer the questions that folks may have about how to acquire a role.

Pre-Production and Greenlighting

Before casting begins for a film, there are several steps that take place. A script is written (or at least begun), the story is pitched to the studio, and the studio then “greenlights” the film, which means that the production is formally approved and financed. After the film is greenlit, it then enters pre-production, during which the script is finalized and plans are made for the actual shooting of the film. It is during this pre-production stage that casting is done.

Casting and Auditions

The casting process for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was somewhat unique in that casting director Pippa Hall held many public auditions when searching for the four Pevensie children. These auditions were generally held at schools around the UK, with children from the drama clubs being invited to attend. This is not typical, though, and usually a casting director will work directly with agents and industry contacts to come up with a list of potential actors to fill a specific role. Several actors are given auditions and the director and producers together decide which one will best play the part. This is the way that Will Poulter was cast for the role of Eustace.

Occasionally there will be open auditions for extras at a film location shoot. When that information becomes available we always post it at NarniaWeb.

Silver Chair Status

The future of the Narnia movies depends on the box office results for each film. If The Voyage of the Dawn Treader doesn’t do well enough in theaters, it is likely that there will not be any further Narnia films. If it is successful (and no one is sure exactly what the threshold of success is in the eyes of the studio), then Walden and Fox will likely move forward and attempt to get another Narnia film greenlit.

In interviews the producers have mentioned that they are considering The Silver Chair as well as The Magician’s Nephew for the next film. This could mean that The Silver Chair would be skipped or passed over temporarily, or that both films could be made at the same time. There are any number of possibilities, but the reality is that the future of the franchise and The Silver Chair is very much in limbo right now. It also goes without saying that production for The Silver Chair has not been greenlit and is not currently looking for any actors for the simple reason that there is no production.

Advice

If you are interested in auditioning for the role of Jill Pole or any other character in a Narnia film, the best advice that we can give is to 1) get involved with a local drama group to hone your skills and 2) hire an agent who can acquire an audition for you with the casting director when the time comes. There likely won’t be any public auditions. This is simply the way that Hollywood works.

Another question that we are often asked is about what the producers are looking for. Again, since there are no producers and no production (yet), we have no idea. During the casting process for The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Pippa Hall was quoted as saying that she felt that there were so many brilliant British actors that there was no need to look for someone who could “fake” a British accent. So our expectation is that the producers would probably look to the UK first to fill the role of Jill Pole.

Conclusion

To sum this all up, The Silver Chair has not yet been greenlit so there are no roles yet to be filled. If you are interested in auditioning for a role when one becomes available, we recommend that you hire an agent who can acquire an audition for you when the time comes. Good luck!

1,747 Responses

  1. TheRealEmilee says:

    Hey well I have posted this a few times, just go online and search Talent Agnecys near you. Send in a headshot and a resuma and they will respond if they want to represent you.

  2. TheRealEmilee says:

    Just sent my resuma and headshot to Nina Gold(: So Happy! My mothers friend knows all the "Narnia" actors and actress and people that put the movie together so I am hoping that will help too:) I wish everyone luck!
    GOD BLESS!

  3. daring girl says:

    I'm considering trying out 4 Jill Pole.
    Here r the pros and cons for me:
    PROS:
    1) I can imitate a British accent (Russian accent, boy voice, black voice, and French accent as well) AMAZINGLY WELL!
    2) I can cope well w/ unfriendly people.
    3) I can memorize anything instantly (if you want prof, ask me any line in the first two Narnia movies, I know them word 4 word including sound affects.)
    4) I work very well w/ CG characters. I've practiced and I've stared at a stuffed animal or a wall and said Jill's lines from the book without cracking.
    5) I can cry (with my hands covering my face or showing my face.) FYI: I can't get tears. It just looks like I'm crying.
    Now 4 the CONS:
    1) I haven't taken acting lessons.
    2) I have no agent.
    That's pretty much it!
    Oh! PS to those who want to try out 4 Jill but don't have blond hair, that's fine. In the book, Eustace has black hair and in the movie its golden.

  4. daring girl says:

    I have been to http://www.narnia.com. I doesn't cost to go on. I have a mac so maybe it only works that way? I don't know. It should work. The website is awesome!!!

  5. daring girl says:

    Don't be discouraged! You should google the questions or something. But the key is to have confidence in yourself! It's like quizzing your self for a test. Say to yourself that you can do it and you can try your hardest and be yourself. It also helps to say mentally after every question you answer,"Take that! I'm have selfconfidence! Deal with it!"
    I wish you the best of luck!!! 🙂

  6. daring girl says:

    Just FYI, you're awesome!!!
    Oh and PS do can you recommend any agents to me? I'd appreciate it!

  7. lis narnia says:

    hm…
    I don't know but daring girl said it doesn't cost sth. to go on so, I belive it.

  8. lis narnia says:

    Tahnks to daring girl!

  9. lis narnia says:

    Yes I can understand you:)
    If you like riding I hope that you could go riding in your later life.
    ( I hopr you can understand me…)

  10. lis narnia says:

    I mea when SC is greenlit than they're looking for a Jill and I've read that they'll try to find an english girl for the role…
    So then some dreams flys away….( the dreams of all who aren't Jill…:()

  11. lis narnia says:

    If you are right it would be very good!!!:D
    Yes.. I hope that they will open an audition, too.
    But I think that my parents wouldn't give me money to travel to uk… I must have an agent, then I have a better chance to get the role…

  12. narniafan16 says:

    Ditto narnian wannabe
    I think they might do it in Hollywood
    But does anyone know where exactly r the auditions?? I need to get an agent quick

  13. narniafan16 says:

    What state do u live

  14. narniafan16 says:

    They r thinking of putting Abigail Breslin, Ariel winter or a new actress who has never acted before.

  15. narniafan16 says:

    It's OK archerygirlxx!!!
    After all, u should never give up

  16. narniafan16 says:

    My good qualities 4 Jill pole
    1. I look A LOT like her, have same length of hair, same eyes same type of hair, and same age! Except I have dark brown hair but that doesnt matter
    2. I am super good at acting, and can cry but I'm working on it
    3. I can put on a pretty good Brittish accent
    4. My aunt lives in London
    5. I'm going to London in the spring…where And when the audition might be
    6. I'm looking 4 an agent

  17. narniafan16 says:

    Eeeeeeeee I'm so xcited
    I will sign up for my school creative drama club soon
    Which means I might get to get an agent!!!!!!!!!
    If u join a drama club it's supposed 2make ur acting skills better:)

  18. narniafan16 says:

    I was thinking to join horseback riding lessons just in case
    So that will add to ur chances of becoming Jill pole yay I'm excited 🙂

  19. narniafan16 says:

    Okay guys as soon as u join a drama club, get an agent, ask the agent for an audition, and get tot he audition u r in competition…woohooo!!! 🙂 I think it might be in the spring or summer or fall.
    Good luck to everyone!!!!!!!! 🙂

  20. archerygirlxx says:

    ooh i am on my way too getting an agent as well!!!! i already do archery and horseriding so that isn't a problem. i just somehow have to get an agent…do u live in the UK???

  21. archerygirlxx says:

    aww thankyou..yeah i was trying to be as confiedent as possible but he wasn't getting it but to be honest it wasn't the best casting agency in the world and i can always join more and it's not even as if i failed- they did let me join after all 😀

  22. archerygirlxx says:

    thankyou that is so kind you have made me happier now xx 🙂

  23. archerygirlxx says:

    wow that is so cool you are just like me!!!!
    for me –
    PRO'S
    1. i already have a british accent
    2. i can immitate american, australian, irish, cockney,russian,french,southern american.
    3. i can fake cry, sadly with no real tears but oh well
    4. i have had acting training
    5. i am good in front of a camera
    6. i am generally a lovely person 🙂 hehe
    CON'S
    1. I DON'T HAVE AN AGENT 🙁

  24. narniafan16 says:

    you're welcome 🙂
    I think you have better luck than me because you live in the UK!

  25. narniafan16 says:

    7.I am perfectly fine in front of a camera or audience

  26. Lucia says:

    oh,ur working so hard,narniafan16!
    i wish i could do it as well as u…but …

  27. Lucia says:

    @lis,
    ooooh…u & i r in same boat,u know.
    Me 2!I mean,my parents never help me in that way 2…
    I am working at a restaurant to save money(as go to school),but it is Really tiny amount of money…
    Aaaaa…..

  28. Lucia says:

    Alright!
    I believe it*

  29. Lucia says:

    Go,archerygirl!!
    Every sadness or somethings r 4 Narnia & ASLAN!!!!
    u don't have to mind that.
    I wish u luck!

    Luv & pray,
    Lucia*

  30. Lucia says:

    I sent 2,but the headshot was taken by my sister(she is 12.)cuz I don't have any money to visit a photographar…
    I think it doesn't work & it makes the situation worse. we can't change our skin-color,u know.

  31. Lucia says:

    Don't worry,i understand u*
    thank u!I hope so!!

  32. Lucia says:

    Oh,now i perfectly understand u,lis!
    Sorry,it takes my long time to understand english!

    Ummm…well,lis,i think your looks and english r perfect 4 jill.u have many chances than i d!!

  33. Lucia says:

    ahh…
    they never write back.
    mayb i should send my headshot(i didn't d that cuz i was afraid but it is one of the problems,i guess).
    What d u think??

  34. louisesmall says:

    I need peoples opinion on if I would be good for the role

    Pro's
    1) I have browny blonde hair and brown eyes(if that even is a pro)
    2)I am about the same height as Will Poulter
    3)I can do a proper english accent, as my natural accent is a geordie one
    4)I am quite adventurous and can talk to floating ping pong balls

    the only bad things are:
    1)I dont have acting traning or an agent
    and well, thats really it
    I need peoples opinion, help me guys!!

  35. archerygirlxx says:

    wow i may sound like a sad loser to you but i do actually come onto this website at least twice everyday and i always hope that someone will have posted something new and interesting so keep posting guys oh and if you post and audition video on youtube i would love to see it!!!

  36. Lucia says:

    Oh,archerygirl,I visit here as many time as possible,too!
    yes,let's keep posting!!!

    I sent e-mails to another agents.But they haven't written back yet.How long does it take?
    I waited 4 a month last time,u know…

  37. actress in the making says:

    ok does any one know how much an agent cost cause my family is tight on money right noe too oh i do hope that people in the us can adition too cause i soo would love to be jill pole please help!!

  38. Lucia says:

    Hi*
    Emilee(our friend) told us it doesn't cost until they book u.
    I don't know details,but I hope this will help u!
    I am looking 4 an agent,2.If u have any good information or something,PLEASE tell us!

    So sorry about my terrible English grammer(I am Japanese.)I hope u'll understand it!!

    Luv,Lucia*

  39. Lucia says:

    Hey,I think u r good 4 Jill!
    Go 4 it*

  40. archerygirlxx says:

    hmm it never usually taqkes a month that is quite a long time seeing as the agency i contacted took less than a week oh well keep trying!!! and post on youtube!!

  41. louise small says:

    Me and my friend were going to do an audition video, but i havent emailed her the script yet. I did have concerns about youtube, but I think I need peoples opinions, and wheres a better place than youtube! 🙂 Also, my only other concern is my age.I am 12, so they may think I'm not mature enough to handle it all

  42. archerygirlxx says:

    i say go for it!!! i will be poting a video soon!! but sadly no-one will do it with me so i will only say jill's lines 🙁 but i love watching new audition vids so post one!!

  43. actress in the making says:

    thank you for the good information im sorry i do not have any to give u at this point but if i learn something i will tell u goodluck to everyone with their big dreams!!

  44. Lucia says:

    Yeah,i think it's too slowly,2.
    thank u,& u should keep trying,2,archerygirl!

  45. Lucia says:

    ur welcome & donnot mind about that!
    Yes,good luck to u & everybody here**

  46. Lucia says:

    I know this is so stupid questions,but what "audition video"??
    &,how can i use youtube?I watch trailers of Narnia many times,but i don't know the systems or something.
    Could you tell me…?

  47. Lucia says:

    Yeeeeyae!
    I recieved an autographed picture from…GEORGIE HENLEY!!!
    It really cheered me up.Yes,I will do my best 4 my dream**

  48. louisesmall says:

    i'm not actually auditioning…yet. Its just so people can see you're potential for the role. To put it on youtube, you'll have to create an account for yourself. I'll send the video to this acting company i'm applying for, then youtube.

  49. TheRealEmilee says:

    Cool how dd you get one??:)

  50. TheRealEmilee says:

    Hey(: Yea you are suppose to have a profesional to take your pictures and also not a "glam" photo more of a natural.

  51. Lucia says:

    oh,really.
    if u send it to youtube,please tell me*
    I'd like to watch it!
    thank u 4 telling!!

  52. Lucia says:

    i sent to Georgie a fanletter,actually**
    so it is instead of her writeback,i guess.

  53. louisesmall says:

    always welcome xx

  54. Narnian Wannabee says:

    My dad is startingvto take my headshots and bodyshots:) I am going to email an agency soon!!!!!! Yay!:) I have a question for everybody:
    If you weren't an actress what would you be?

  55. lis narnia says:

    @ Lucia
    But you get a little money…
    I am 14 so I can bring people the newspaper…

  56. lis narnia says:

    Yeah!:)

  57. lis narnia says:

    Thank you.
    But I do not think so..
    I have blond hair and I am 163cm, I am thin, have blue-grey eyes… And I think my english.. oh..no comment:)
    I think you have a big chance, too. Everyone have, so Why do you think you haven't? I think so!

  58. archerygirlxx says:

    dead..:D jokes i would be a cardio-tharasic surgeon

  59. Narnian Wannabee says:

    That's cool! I would be a singer! But for any one who wants to know I live in South Carolina. I have everything going for me except not having an agent(YET) and not living in England. So dies anyone know if SC is greenlite yet?

  60. Narnian Wannabee says:

    That's cool! I would be a singer! I am happy! I am starting riding up again for the spring and acting classes! Whoohoo!!