sorry if there's already another thread about this. i didn't see one.

BLOCKBUSTER film studio Disney is to shoot a multi-million pound new version of Alice in Wonderland in Plymouth.

Internationally acclaimed director Tim Burton will put his own unique stamp on the classic tale – and it is being heavily rumoured that Hollywood heart-throb Johnny Depp will star as the Mad Hatter.

And hundreds of Plymothians will have the chance to get themselves seen by an audience of millions on the silver screen by starring as extras in the film.

People are being invited to a casting event in Plymouth next week, where 250 extras will be chosen.

Shooting will take place in the city in September for two weeks, and the hunt is now on for extras to take part in scenes set in Victorian times.

The name of the Disney/Burton film has not been publicly confirmed. However, an industry source has told The Herald that it will be a major new adaptation of the timeless Lewis Carroll favourite.

The filming locations in the city also remain a closely guarded industry secret, but impressive historic properties like Saltram House, Mount Edgcumbe and the Royal William Yard are strong contenders.

The film, which is due for release in 2010, will be shown in 3-D, and has all the hallmarks of a massive box office hit.

Its director Tim Burton has already made his name on hit films, including Batman, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Edward Scissorhands, which also starred A-listed Johnny Depp.

The pair have teamed up on numerous other major films, like the recent smash-hit Sweeney Todd. Australian newcomer Mia Wasikowska, will play the part of Alice.

The film's casting agents are coming to the New Continental Hotel, Plymouth, on Wednesday August 6 and Thursday August 7, between 10am and 6pm, auditioning for paid extras. There is a minimum age limit of 16.

Ilenka Jelowicki, who has cast for James Bond movie Casino Royale and is company director for Mad Dog, said: “We are looking for people above the age of 16 who have naturally coloured hair.

“We would prefer girls with long hair and men with natural styles. Extras will get to dress up in Victorian period costume, corsets and wigs and will have their make-up done.

“We would also like people whose work allows the flexibility of two weeks' worth of filming.

“Being an extra is not just about being a blur in the background, it can lead to fantastic opportunities. One of my extras has now gone on to produce his own film, and another went on to star in Hollyoaks for three years.

“There will be at least 100 crew on-set and it'll be a wonderful experience to be a part of a big movie. It'll be well-paid and hopefully a hugely enjoyable experience.

“It is definitely something to show your grandchildren.”

It will not be the first time Plymouth has been chosen to host A-listers and big-budget film crews.

Big movies filmed in the city include Sense and Sensibility, starring Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant and Kate Winslet, filmed at Saltram House in 1995, and Churchill, the Hollywood Years, starring Christian Slater and Neve Campbell, shot at the Royal William Yard in 2003.

David Shepheard, Head of Locations at South West Screen, confirmed that his team had been working with the Disney crew to scout possible locations across the West, although he refused to give details.

He said: “The locations chosen in Plymouth had just the right feel for the needs of the film.

“Our primary role is to attract productions to come to film in this region and we're absolutely delighted to attract such a big production to the South West.”

The Herald's historian, Barbican-based Chris Robinson, pointed to some possible prime spots for a Victorian-era film set.

He said: “The Barbican has the highest concentration of cobbled streets in the country and Mount Edgcumbe has one of the finest landscaped gardens in the country, so these are possibilities.

“In fact the Italian garden there would be perfect for a Mad Hatter's tea-party, and there is also a fine orangery.

He added: “Funnily enough I was at the Royal William last night, thinking what a fantastic location it would make for filming too, as it is so untouched and secluded.”

He also pointed towards the long colonnade at Devonport High for Boys, perfect for scenes with the Queen of Hearts, Fore Street in Plympton St Maurice and New Street, where part of Hornblower was filmed.

Malcolm Bell, Chief Executive for South West Tourism highlighted the benefits an event of this kind could bring to the area.

He said: “Any filming in a town brings three levels of benefits. First there's the economic benefit of the actors and crew spending money in local businesses. Then there's the PR that is brought to a place from extra news coverage, and finally the boost to the profile and perception of a place when they expose the beauty of a location.

“This will give a great opportunity for a new perception of Plymouth.”

Plymouth in Wonderland

lol. plymouth.

also you should read the comments people have made about this story, fucking hysterical.

so by "his own unique stamp," they must mean Helena Bonham Carter with stringy hair?

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That's when I reach for my revolver
That's when it all gets blown away
That's when I reach for my revolver
The spirit fights to find its way

thunderously lol worthy.

why does it feel like half the directors out there are on massive ego trips? Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino seem hell bent on doing stupid films aswell.

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Would you like a cigarette? They're quite exellent.

don't mind rodriguez, but i would bet my grandmother that depp is cast as the mad hatter. the whole thing is as predictable as farting while you pee

edit: so i actually bothered to read the article, and guess who it says is playing the mad hatter?

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they made soup out of my research turtles.

let me just repost this:

I'll bet Amy Lee has something to do with this..

i don't really give a shit about any of this bullshit.

i would just like to say. that johnny depp needs to get back to tending fat moms and retarded brothers.

and stop prancing around like a jackass in makeup and mustachios.

it's really creeping me out.

thanx.

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YOU'LL BE DOING HAIR, AND MAKEUP, AND ANSWERING THE PHONE.

it wouldn't be so bad if Burton got a few new cast members...Johnny is great but doesn't need to be in every gd movie he makes

I think this may be interesting to see, but I'll have to wait until it actually happens to decide.

I agree with Burton needing new cast members though

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and juliette lewis needs to get back to sucking old men's fingers. or something. and not mine

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they made soup out of my research turtles.

Just what the world needs, another second rate Burton hack job with depp prancing around like a retarded fag with adhd.

word.
and 3-D, really?

i just imagine a theater full of 15 year old hot-topic shoppers with dinky 3-D glasses on getting wet for Johnny Depp.

i'm gonna pass on this one.

BWAHAHAHAA.
the first thing that pops into my mind whenever anyone mentions tim burton is either helena bonham carter or johnny depp. this shit is getting old, he needs to change it up a bit.

This should be interesting. Can't wait!

yeah, really. i know burton is trying to be a typical auteur and johnny depp is good but it's getting really goddamn repetitive.

i do wonder what kind of 3d they will use?

digital 3d, imax 3d, real-d?

hopefully IMAX 3D. real-d is vomit-inducing and digital 3d is just lame as shit. and impossible for anyone with an astigmatism

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dithyrambic does not:
have a husband
have a child
fight over ice cream
care that you dont know who she is.

i'm super excited. alice in wonderland is one of my fave movies, books and games ever!

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you pretend you're high
pretend you're bored
pretend you're anything
just to be adored

burton is way too safe nowadays. im getting sick of hearing about burton and depp doing films together. break out of the fucking box.

At least do something original, Timmy. Stop rehashing shit that smells better than yours.

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Time is the distance that you can't return by miles.

I escaped somehow. Let's go

actualy [sic] I have quite a blessed life if I'm honest. I have many people to love, hate few and have few money problem's [sic].... What more does a person need? Oh yeah and I have some kind of humbleness unlike you of course ^_^ ~ CarefulCarpenter