The stage has been set for the World Premiere of Walt Disney Pictures/Walden Media’s “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe,” one of the most eagerly anticipated films of the year. On December 7, in the presence of TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, this extraordinary event film will transform Royal Albert Hall and Kensington Garden in to Narnia’s 100 year winter. Chosen as the prestigious 2005 Royal Film Performance, the premiere is a fundraising event in aid of the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund, it was announced today jointly by the Walt Disney Studios, Walden Media, the CTBF and Clarence House.
The magic of Disney will transform the evening into a glittering Winter Wonderland reflective of C. S. Lewis’ vision of Narnia’s 100 Year Winter. Royal Albert Hall will be turned in to a spectacular film palace with a glamorous white carpet replacing the traditional premiere red carpet. The 100 Year Winter theme will continue at the exclusive party in Kensington Garden following the screening where guests from around the world will be transported into a magnificent land with giant trees, frosted and sparkling, and adorned with ice carvings. Towering over the guests will be a giant iced chandelier as the centerpiece to the party. And, no matter what the weather may be outside, it is a guarantee that snow will be falling inside as guests enjoy a feast including Turkish delights and skating on an ice rink created exclusively for their enjoyment.
Unique to this event, a select group of seats will also be made available to the public for purchase. Grandstand seating will also be offered to the public so they may view up close and personal all the action and celebrity arrivals. Huge screens will broadcast the star-studded arrivals.
Commenting on the announcement, Dick Cook, chairman of the Walt Disney Studios, said, “We are proud and thrilled that ‘The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’ has been selected as this year’s Royal Film Performance, in aid of the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund. It is truly a great honor to be chosen for this most prestigious event on the British film calendar, and we think this event is the perfect place to introduce the film to audiences around the world. It is particularly gratifying and appropriate that this event take place in C.S. Lewis’ beloved homeland. The cherished and timeless classic that he created over 50 years ago is rooted in Britain, and remains one of the best loved books of all time. The big screen version of ‘Narnia’ is a fantastic and faithful adaptation of Lewis’ stories and we know that audiences everywhere are going to be enthralled with this unique and entertaining motion picture experience.”
David Weil, CEO of Anschutz Film Group, parent company of Walden Media, said: “We feel privileged that ‘The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ will make its world premiere as the 2005 Royal Film Performance in aid of The Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund. This film, and particularly the premiere at Royal Albert Hall, is the culmination of a long and fulfilling journey for Walden Media. From our first meetings with the C.S. Lewis Company over four years ago, to our hiring of director Andrew Adamson, to our partnership with our friends at The Walt Disney Company, we have worked tirelessly to produce a film worthy of one of the most popular and beloved books of all time. The enchantment of the magical world Andrew has created is truly a tribute to C.S. Lewis and his millions of fans in Great Britain and around the world. It is with tremendous pride that we share this film with moviegoers and literary fans everywhere.”
Commenting on the selection of “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” as the 2005 Royal Film Performance Peter Hore, Chief Executive of the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund says: “The Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund, the cinema industry’s unique trade charity, is delighted that Buena Vista International (UK) have offered the ‘Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’ for the 59th Royal Film Performance, a unique and very special occasion for the film industry and all concerned, in front of the cameras and behind the scenes.”
Based on C.S. Lewis’ timeless adventure “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe,” the movie follows the exploits of the four Pevensie siblings — Lucy (Georgie Henley), Edmund (Skandar Keynes), Susan (Anna Popplewell) and Peter (William Moseley) — in World War II England who enter the world of Narnia through a magical wardrobe while playing a game of ‘hide-and-seek’ in the rural country home of an elderly professor (Jim Broadbent). Once there, the children discover an incredible new world inhabited by talking beasts, dwarves, fauns, centaurs and giants that has become cursed to eternal winter by the evil White Witch (Tilda Swinton). Under the guidance of a noble and mystical ruler, the lion Aslan (voiced by Liam Neeson), the children fight to overcome the White Witch’s powerful hold over Narnia in a spectacular, climactic battle that will free Narnia from her icy spell forever.
The film marks the first live-action directorial effort for New Zealander Andrew Adamson (the Oscar(R)-winning “Shrek,” “Shrek 2”), who also co-wrote the screenplay adaptation with Emmy Award-winner Ann Peacock (HBO’s “A Lesson Before Dying”) and scribes Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely (all writing credits not final). The film is produced by Academy Award(R)-winning filmmaker Mark Johnson and Philip Steuer.
To bring his dazzling vision to the screen, Adamson has secured the talents of Oscar(R)-nominated cinematographer Donald M. McAlpine, ASC, ACS, Oscar(R)-nominated production designer Roger Ford, seasoned costume designer Isis Mussenden, film editors Sim Evan-Jones and Jim May and composer Harry Gregson-Williams.
Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media’s “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe,” is released in the UK by Buena Vista International (UK) Ltd and opens in cinemas everywhere in December 2005. Directed by Andrew Adamson (“Shrek,” “Shrek 2”) and produced by Mark Johnson (“The Rookie,” “Rain Man”) and Philip Steuer, screenplay by Ann Peacock and Andrew Adamson and Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely (writing credits not final), the film stars Tilda Swinton, James McAvoy, Rupert Everett and Jim Broadbent with Ray Winstone, Dawn French, Liam Neeson, Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, William Moseley and Anna Popplewell, with Liam Neeson as the voice of Aslan.