Westie shoot has warrior's okay but no White Witch

By ALAN PERROTT

With his lanky blond locks, black stovepipe jeans and black zipper jacket, ex-pat director Andrew Adamson was destined to shoot movies in West Auckland.

Yesterday the director of the Shrek films brought about 200 crew from his big-budget The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to Glen Eden to be greeted by a warrior, a mayor and a powhiri.

The Walt Disney-Walden production reportedly boasts a budget of between $150 million and $230 million, making the project the biggest single money earner to hit Auckland since the America's Cup.

The powhiri, held at the Hoani Waititi Marae, received a slice of the huge international contingent behind the film. In keeping with the wintry vibe of the classic CS Lewis tale, it was accompanied by a chilling breeze and intermittent rain.

Despite the chill, Adamson said the warmth of the welcome equalled only that offered by his family at Auckland International Airport.

"And I am so proud and happy to bring some the wonderful, creative people I have met in the United States back with me to New Zealand. It is easy to see that this is a magical land, filled with magical people."

The former Blockhouse Bay resident said New Zealand had become an ideal location for filming, where he could draw on an industry that had spent six years during the The Lord of the Rings series learning how to meet Hollywood expectations.

On the downside, filming in New Zealand meant The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe was competing with Peter Jackson's King Kong remake for crew members.

"A lot of those guys have come through the Battle of Britain with Peter Jackson so obviously they have their own loyalties," said Adamson.

But he estimated his crew would still be up to 90 per cent New Zealanders.

Locations will be scattered around Auckland, Christchurch and Queenstown. Some background scenes have been shot in the Czech Republic.

While filming was scheduled to begin in late June or early July, Adamson said casting was far from completed.

Executive producer Philip Steuer, who most recently worked on The Alamo, said an 18-month global search had been made for the movie's young lead actors "and we are closing in on someone for the White Witch". Early rumours linked the role with Nicole Kidman.

Mr Steuer said New Zealand was known throughout the industry for its exceptional locations and a welcoming attitude, and he expected a steady stream of projects to travel south.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe will be released in December next year.