At last Ross Garland the producer of Spud the movie has stepped out of the the boardroom/bathroom for some long awaited news on the long awaited Spud movie. So all you future movie stars and buffs out there, pay close attention because we might never hear from the man again.
I hand you over to Ross Garland!!!
I see John has been insulting me on his blog for my procrastination.
So here is an update for your blogging delight.
Spud the movie feels like it has passed its watershed moment in its journey towards being made. We have a real international star on board to play the GUV. I’m hoping to be able to reveal his name in the coming weeks. I see that BBC is doing reruns of his top tv show at the moment.
On the back of this news, the money to make the film is starting to piece itself together. As soon as I get confirmation that all is on track for our target shoot date of December we will be rolling out our casting for all the teenage roles, both at certain schools around the country and online. I wish we could do a full on Idols style process because I have no doubt the talent out there will be overwhelming but with the usual limitations of money we are going to have to be smart to give everyone a chance to have a go at auditioning for the film. So we will also launch a web process where people can go online and try out that way. Just like Spud’s audition for Oliver…the long shot at fame and fortune.
Other news is that the same Hollywood distributor that distributed “Tsotsi” to the world has picked up the film, which certainly confirms our view that the film has international legs.
Meanwhile we slowly put together the behind the scenes team – cinematographer, editor, art director – who will all play their part in the 57 person crew who will ultimately make the film what it is. And we are also starting to look at the more mundane issues of where the crew will all stay in the KZN Midlands whilst we shoot, and whether our star should stop over in Rio or London on his way from LA.
And for me, the producer, it’s the usual thing of trying to hold it altogether in the face of constant questions about whether anything we are doing is right – is the budget too high? Is the budget too low? Is the script too commercial? Is the script commercial enough? I too would love to disappear in Vietnam for two months but alas I am not a famous author.
Your man in Cape Town,
Ross
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May 15th, 2009 at 11:13 am
Yay, finally some solid information. Hmmm, but who is the star? Rowan Atkinsin? I don’t know many other people that have shows on BBC.
Thanks John. Can’t wait for the new book.
June 1st, 2009 at 2:41 pm
really enjoyed the book, extremely funny. wondering when the movie auditions are… post me back!
p.s. really would like to audition as Mermaid…
pp.s your book was fantastic…
ppp.s sorry about all the p.s…ing
June 12th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
I have read all your books 1, 2 and 3 ….3 times each…..and enjoyed them all a lot but by a lot I mean A LOT! I am most probably the biggest fan of Spud but thats not the point….if you have the answer can you please tell me where the auditions are and when?
I would like to be rambo (not realy big enough)
but would most probably make a good Spud lol
Thanks
from Rambo
June 17th, 2009 at 9:30 am
Hi there,
Will you let me know when and where you are holding auditions for your movie. We are based in Johannesburg. The girls who are interested in auditioning are at Crawford Prep School Sandton
Thanks
June 17th, 2009 at 11:27 am
i think they shud make spud a tv series. sumtng kwl happens evryday, hw dey gonna put it al in 1 movie?
June 20th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
When I heard that there was going to be a Spud movie I was literally jumping off walls> I am so excited to see it. I am probably not fit (as I am a stage actor) to audition for the movie, and I don’t think any of the girl parts would suit me… Plus I am a bit old for any of the roles. Seeing as gr8 is target. BUT if coming to BENONI isn’t a problem – don’t forget where Charlize Theron originated =P – I’m sure St Dunstan’s College will be very accommodating (cross thumbs).
June 27th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
hey. I would love to audition too. any of the crazy eight will do
message me details
July 9th, 2009 at 3:22 pm
So far i’ve heard, the Guv will be played by John Cleese. That will be something….
July 9th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Hi. I think the SPUD diaries are the greatest book EVER written! They had me laughing in the middle of classes and bursting out in front of the whole family. Have read all the books twice and wouldn’t mind reading them again.
I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited about the movie, it’s gonna be great fun.
If there’s any roles still open for me, I would love to have some details sent to me, anyone will do, even Vern (Ha HA)
Anyway, Thanks John for being a South African (Ur Awesome!!!)
Let me know soon and thanks a lot for making this possible guys,
Chezre van Rensburg
Roodepoort, South Africa
July 15th, 2009 at 8:44 am
This is great news for the people wanting to audition for spud. I feel the movie is going to be a great success and has way more potential than anyone can believe with its great author,PRoducer,Distributors and all round helping staff.without all of them we wouldnt have auditions, we wouldnt even have a movie!
So Im looking for to auditions,im 13yr old girl who live in durban and feel i may have a chance to play the part of christine.if not, then one of the backroung girls.Im Going to try and be part of a Up-coming Hit movie that going to be Big world wide just like the Amazing books that were engrossing and full of adventure, there was never a dull moment in that book,And also What John had written about the girls and stuff i could understand well.
TO THE PRODUCER AND JOHN IF YOU ARE READING THIS I ATTENDED THE BOOK SIGNING YOU DID AT EXCLUSIVE BOOKS IN PAVILION.A LARGE CROWD SHOWED UP AND WE WILL SUPPORT ALL OF YOU ALL THE WAY!
CANT WAIT FOR THE AUDITIONS AND TO SEE EVERYONE.!
Geat job John!Thank you Ross! and thank you to the Staff!
from Serita
ps Thanks for having a book signing at the Pavilion John
July 21st, 2009 at 10:11 pm
awsome! cant wait for te movie, haha i bet its gonna be REAL FUNNY. I’ve enjoyed all your books and i have read them many times. i was wondering if there is going to be a fourth book? because dont you have to go through matric as your last year?
well, i absolutley cant wait until the movie comes out. i have burst out laughing while reading your books and i hope to see a fourth one
xx hope you have a great time making the movie.
p.s. when you find the right guy to play spud, make sure he hasnt got any spudness xD
July 24th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Do they already have an entire cast or will you be auditioning actresses for the film?
July 25th, 2009 at 8:30 pm
I’ve read all three books twice and absolutely loved them. There have been many cases of my family and friends giving me weird looks as I laughed hysterically with one of the books in my hands. Brilliant! Believe it or not, I even cried a little bit at the end of the first book. It takes a LOT to make me cry. I will always remember the day I met you, John, at the Cpt. book fair and felt like a complete moron who couldn’t think of anything cool or clever to say. lol
Anyway, mail me back and please tell me where auditions will be held. I’m not sure if I’m much good, but I’ve always liked acting a lot and take part in drama classes. I would love to get the chance to be in the movie!
July 30th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
I no of a guy at michelhouse hu luks exactly lyk da spud on da bk cover, maybe u shod check him out john?
Luv ur bks…soooooooooooo awesum!!!! =)
August 2nd, 2009 at 3:44 pm
The books are my favourite by far. I wish I could be half as creative oneday…(I want to write.) Hope I don’t miss the auditions for the movie. I’d make a great Amanda..(My hair being red and all.) And I’m sure you can make me look a year younger..haha. But the movie realy has to be a five-star to be up to level with the books. Beeeeeezoo.
August 2nd, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Oh btw you have to come to Potch Gymnasium. It’s a big school with laods of little actors. Or what about video auditions? (Or whatever you call it.) Thats how Rupert became Ron in Harry Potter…
August 3rd, 2009 at 8:19 pm
Heya I just want to say that your books ROCK and that my father took the books away because i was reading it right through the night with out any sleep. Well cant wait till the auditions, well what role can i play except spud(shorty) but my friends says i will get it and i dream of it every day so thanks for your books and cant wait
ps….. i have nothing
cherio
August 4th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
Hi i’m sooooooo amped for spud the movie,when I first read the book i knew there would be a movie and always pictured myself being in it…I’d love too be Christine,tension is building up waiting to find out if i will even get the chance to audition,I hope I will because acting is my passion thanx a mil please tell me when auditions will be held and how you will know if you didint or did get in if you filled in an online form….its all i can think about i hope they dont not let me audition bcoz im short,because i believe i have poyential
August 10th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
The Guv’s role can only be portrayed accurately by John Cleese, he won’t even need to act, it all comes naturally to him. LONG LIVE FAWLTY TOWERS!!!!!
August 17th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
What age groups are they looking at for auditions?Will they let us know where and when auditions will be held?I’d love to be able to audition for a part. I’m excited that the book is finally being turned into a movie.
August 18th, 2009 at 11:13 am
Dear Kathleen
For further information on the Spud The Movie auditions please go on to http://www.spudthemovie.com.
Regards,
September 3rd, 2009 at 5:05 pm
I lke spud a lot and I have a crush on the mermaid I confess. I am going to audition for spud and Im 12 years old
September 3rd, 2009 at 5:06 pm
I likie spud the book I like Rambo the most and yes I confess I have a crush on the mermaid
September 10th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
hi there… wow… spud books are my favourite books of all time… wow… i would really like to audition, even if i dont make it through, just a chance to say i’ve tried my best. i think my online audition form was a little late, but unfortunately i was still in school and only heard about it today… i’ ve been really sick and haven’t come to school in a while