Bridge to Terabithia

The challenge with BTT was that the book is very close to the hearts of most Americans. This meant that the Production design, costume, locations, characters, all had to be totally believable as a time and place in the USA.

Synopsis:

Based on the popular Newbery Award-winning novel, BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA is a fantasy/adventure story of friendship, family and the power of imagination. Jess Aarons is an outsider at school and even in his own family. Jess has trained all summer to become the fastest kid in his middle school class but his goal is unexpectedly thwarted by the new girl in school, Leslie Burke who competes in the "boys only" race and wins. Despite their awkward introduction, the two outsiders quickly become best friends. Leslie opens a new world of imagination for Jess. Together they create the secret kingdom of Terabithia, a magical place only accessible by swinging on an old rope over a stream in the woods near their homes. There, the friends rule the kingdom, fight the Dark Master and his creatures and plot against the school bullies.

Who:

Studios	Walt Disney Pictures, Walden Media
Producers	Hal Lieberman, Lauren Levine, David Paterson
Director	Gabor Csupo
Actors	Josh Hutcherson, Annasophia Robb, Robert Patrick, Zooey Deschanel

How:

The NZ design team under Rob Gillies as Production Designer used very subtle and effective methods to convey this. The locations were well referenced and looked every bit as if it was the States (even though much of the forest was native to NZ). Costume designed by Barbara Darragh was right on the nail and not only depicted typical USA kids - it gave the characters their personality.

The NZ actors were very good and made a big effort with their accents. The children especially caught on to the nuances of behavior and speech that tilted the scales into believability.

Michael Chapman as DP came with an enormous track record and the camera crew working for this formidable man never missed a beat. Chappie was very impressed with the high level of skill shown by the camera and grip teams. Bridge to Terabithia benefited from the huge buy-in from the NZ crews.

The enthusiasm and dedication to the film shone through and a genuine ‘kiwi' team approach has been integral to the films high standard and overall success.

Tim Coddington, Co-Producer Bridge to Terabithia

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