While promoting Año Uña (directed by Jonás Cuarón) the last week of November 2008, Alfonso and Jonás revealed a new film they have been writing together in London: A Boy and His Shoe. It will be a road movie and it will likely begin filming in Britain in April 2009. The plot details on IMDb describe, “A road movie following the journey of young people throughout England, Scotland and France.” It will be produced by Esperanto Films, with help from the UK Film Council. Harry Potter producer David Heyman will also be participating (IESB). Casting begun in December 2008.
Casting calls indicate that the main cast includes two Scottish boys, Paddy and Elijah, of Gypsy/Traveller background, and a French girl they meet when she arrives in the UK. The announcement from News of the World referred to the film as Any Old Shoe. In the same piece, Cuarón said of the lead, “We are looking for a teenage boy who can play the lead role of a shepherd. This boy had a very tortured upbringing and carries a secret which he must pass on to the right person.” The director filmed in Glencoe while working on the Prisoner of Azkaban in 2004. “I’ve always wanted to return here. I love the landscape and the people.”
French film site Cinempire reports (unofficially) that Daniel Auteuil and Charlotte Gainsbourg have been cast. It appears that the character of the French girl will arrive in Scotland on summer holidays with her family from Montpellier. Casting calls have gone out in Montpellier and Avignon in the south of France.
Late summer update: Guillaume Canet and Pam Ferris are now both attached to the project, according to Milenio. However, IMDb still lists the film in pre-production and the film has not begun shooting. Scottish composer Patrick Doyle who worked with Cuarón on A Little Princess and Great Expectations is also attached (I’m delighted about this, by the way).
*IMDb currently projects a 2012 UK release date.
103 responses so far ↓
actress // 12 December 2008 at 302 PM |
this sounds very exciting!
ive applied for an audition for this, for the part of the french girl, i hope i get a chance :)
x x x
jess // 13 December 2008 at 1219 AM |
Best of luck!
actress // 13 December 2008 at 946 PM |
merci beaucoup!
i probably wont hear for a while though because they are concentrating on casting the scottish boy first.
i watched harry potter 3 and a little princess again today, for like the hundreth time.
J’adore ces films
x x x
jess // 13 December 2008 at 948 PM |
if i can ask, where did you find out about the auditions?
also, a little princess is my favourite movie ever!
actress // 15 December 2008 at 559 PM |
have messaged you on ur page jess!
and yeah A Little Princess is AMAZING!!!
lala // 21 December 2008 at 857 PM |
do you know when they’ll tell you if you are chosen??? it seems so exiting!
jess // 21 December 2008 at 1013 PM |
i dreamt a few nights ago that the boy part had been cast but i don’t think it’s the case just yet.
Sabrina // 29 December 2008 at 314 PM |
You can explain me the history of A boy and his shoe? Sorry if my english isn’t good! I’m French^_^ Thanks!
jess // 30 December 2008 at 524 AM |
There’s not much else online (to the public anyways) that I’ve been able to find out. All I know is that un jeune gars écossais fait la connaissance d’une jeune fille française… Allez-vous auditionner pour le rôle de la française? (Sorry if my French isn’t great either.) I shall update this page as more information becomes available.
Chloé // 30 December 2008 at 1008 PM |
Hi. I intended to speak of us casting for a role of the girl. I’ve 16 years ago and I make of the theatre.
I’m much interested about this request.
Call-me please.
Scuse, my english is has revise.
Thank you. Chloé Lorphelin.
jess // 30 December 2008 at 1031 PM |
Je dois préciser que je ne suis pas engagée/impliquée [?] dans la production du film The Boy and His Shoe. Je n’en ai pas d’informations sur les auditions ni je ne suis pas en contact avec Alfonso Cuarón et le société Esperanto Films. Je suis désolée que je n’ai pas plus d’informations utiles. Bonne chance!
Sabrina // 2 January 2009 at 852 PM |
Yes, I have to audition for the role of the French girl… But I don’t think of being taken, I just have to send an email and I had no meeting for a hearing… But I dream to make cinema, if you know other castings don’t hesitate to say them to myself =D! No, your french is very good, not my english^^
Marion // 3 January 2009 at 819 PM |
Is someone know if we have to talkk english or french in the film ?
I’ve never seen “A little princess” but i probably show it next days …
sorry for my bad english (i’m’ french^^’)
lala // 6 January 2009 at 1259 PM |
I went to an audition a few weeks ago for the film, to play the french girl… and the film will be in french AND english because they ask if I speak english…
keep you fingers crossed for me!
Marine // 11 January 2009 at 140 PM |
Hello.
Some days ago, I heard about a role to attribute to a young girl.
I inquired I am enough interested.
If you could join(contact) me for more explanations.
Thank you very much.
Bye xxx
lala // 11 January 2009 at 742 PM |
well… the audition is over now… A. Cuaron has to choose but he’s more focused on the boy cast…
Sorry…
Bye xoxo
Roni // 14 January 2009 at 312 PM |
Hi,
Just to let you know that auditions have begun for the ‘boy’ cast. My Son had an audition today at his school in Dunfermline, Fife.
Good Luck to you all!
céline // 18 January 2009 at 507 PM |
I am interested in the role of the French girl!
Did you know if there are still auditions!
Thank you
(sorry but I am French)
lala // 18 January 2009 at 727 PM |
non malheureusement les auditions sont terminées depuis le 31 décembre…
désolé…
Dee // 18 January 2009 at 1111 PM |
I’m interested in playing the part of the boy. I saw it advertise in The News of the World. I think I’m going to apply. There’s auditioons fife right? What parts of fife? If anyone knows it will be a great help! Good luck to everyone who has already applied.
céline // 19 January 2009 at 410 PM |
Merci lala ! se n’et pas grave ! je croise les doight pour toi !
lala // 19 January 2009 at 550 PM |
de rien Céline! merci!
Dee, did you see the article in the front page? called “western isles” or something… I think you should send an email…
Good luck to you too! :D
Dee // 19 January 2009 at 614 PM |
lala, thanks. I never saw that. I’m going to send an E-mail or perhaps phone them later.
lala // 19 January 2009 at 736 PM |
your welcome!!!! good luuuuuuck!!!!!!!
PS: You must send them an email or call them quick because I think the auditions started a few days ago… so… don’t be late, it’ll be so sad…
lala // 24 January 2009 at 204 PM |
To those that are interested in the French Girl Part:
I saw today that Cuaron is still searching for the girl, there are new audition just type: “cuaron Montpellier” and you’ll see where!
bye
jess // 24 January 2009 at 437 PM |
lala, cannot thank you enough for your tips! i’ve updated the post on gainsbourg.
lala // 24 January 2009 at 1023 PM |
you’re welcome! yeah I saw! ;)
If you have more news, let us know… :D
James // 26 January 2009 at 140 PM |
i’m from scotland
the casting director is coming to my school on wednesday, I’ve applied.
jess // 26 January 2009 at 152 PM |
good luck james!
lala // 26 January 2009 at 414 PM |
yeah! good luck james!
Us girls, we are waiting because they’re still casting for the boys, and they want the boys BEFORE to choose a girl… so… it’s STRESSING me out…!!! but anyway, good luck to you all! And: Long Life to our dear Alfonso!
James // 28 January 2009 at 1218 PM |
I had the casting call today, I was so nervous but he said my nerves and shyness were what they were looking for.
I went for Paddy.
He also told me the french girl role was already confirmed as either someone named Camille or the character is called Camille.
The actor who gets to play as Paddy gets to Kiss “Camille” at the end of the film.
James // 28 January 2009 at 1220 PM |
Good luck everyone else who applies.
I have my fingers crossed.
James // 28 January 2009 at 1238 PM |
Another message just to say.
The Casting director told me that the basic storyline is as follows.
WARNING SPOILER BELOW
READ AT YOUR OWN RISK
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It appears to be 2 stories which combine together after a certain point.
The french girl has been chatting to an American boy who is living with his uncle in Scotland, she and her parents are moving to scotland from Montpellier.
She plans to lose her virginity with the American, however during the move to Scotland she encounters problems in Calais and has arguments with her parents about sex etc.
When she arrives in Scotland it turns out that the American boy is nothing but a paedophile who tricked her into meeting her obviously to engage in sex with her.
Paddy, who lives with his grandfather who is an alcoholic since his parents died in a car crash when he was younger.
His mother was a Gypsy but his father wasn’t so this makes him an outcast to the Gypsies.
When Paddy goes to a Fortune Teller to get his palm read to find out about his mother, he is chased out of the caravan site because of his mother marrying an outsider.
He then meets Elijah who is a bit of a rogue.
Elijah tricks Paddy into going to a dodgy fortune teller when they make up fake stories so to rob him of his cash.
soon after Paddy and Elijah form a strong relationship and become good friends.
Later on they rescue the french girl from the paedophile.
At the end, Paddy and “French Girl” share a kiss.
I was also told that there is the involvement of strange powers (French Girl can use telekinesis, Paddy levitates of the ground when he is looking at the stars. Although in my opinion this would ruin the film possibly)
WARNING SPOILER ABOVE
READ AT YOUR OWN RISK
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READ AT YOUR OWN RISK
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jess // 28 January 2009 at 230 PM |
Dear James, are the filmmakers okay with you posting the plot online?
Also, hope your audition went well- good luck!
lala // 28 January 2009 at 321 PM |
omg, that’s… weird!!! Camille is the name of the french girl, yeah!
I don’t know how I could play all these stuffs… if I’m choosen… :/
James // 29 January 2009 at 1220 AM |
Thanks Jess, hmmm I wasn’t told I wasn’t allowed to say anything.
That is not the full plot though, thats the basic storyline.
Lala i’m sure you’ll do fine if you get the part.
The funny thing is, is that although I would love the role. Even to go to a call back would make me feel more confident, because Ive never acted before so it would prove i have atleast a small piece of talent.
So // 29 January 2009 at 215 PM |
Are you sure that they’re looking for a shy girl?
and the girl has to looks like Charlotte Gainsbourg?
lala // 29 January 2009 at 342 PM |
I think the girl mustn’t be shy… she’s mean to her parents…
Yes she has to look like Charlotte Gainsbourg !
Thnx James, I’ve never acted before too… I was nervous but confident…
Fingers crossed!!!! Good luck!
Maybe see you in a few weeks! lol
James // 29 January 2009 at 415 PM |
Lala, haha lol I hope so, the casting call person also told me that there were people chosen for callback. but A. Cuaron hadnt seen his perfect “Paddy and Elijah” so theres still some hope. I was nervous bt confident
lala // 29 January 2009 at 427 PM |
did they told you if the girl was chosen? ’cause they’re doing new auditions in france… So, maybe nobody was feeting the role, the first time…
(I don’t know if you understand this sentence… :/)
Keep hopping! That’s what I’m doing for weeks! lol
So // 29 January 2009 at 450 PM |
If you’re not sure that your sentence is correct you must be french lala ? Parce que moi oui :)
And I know that they are looking for the girl because there’ll be 3 castings in the south of France , in February.
hope, hope and hope again :)
lala // 29 January 2009 at 516 PM |
eh oui! tu as bien deviné! ;) lol
au moins tu comprends la syntaxe “françisée”…lol
Did you go to an audition for the role?
(Je parle anglais pr que les autres comprennent… ;) )
I want to do the audition again! ‘Cause everything happend so fast! I send my photos, a day later the man called me, and three days later I had to take the audition….
I wanna show them my talent!…
So // 29 January 2009 at 530 PM |
ah tu as envoyé des photos de toi et quelqu’un t’a répondu ? ils t’ont dis quoi? et t’a passé une audition?
Désolé si je pose trop de questions =p
(oups j’avais envie de parler français là ^^)
I’ll go to the audition of Avignon in February , the 11th
Dee // 29 January 2009 at 542 PM |
James, where was the open casting call in Scotland?
lala // 29 January 2009 at 654 PM |
yes, I sent my photos, they called me back immediatly and I went to an audition with a text I had to act!!! they asked me some questions: do you speak english? and stuffs like taht…
jess // 29 January 2009 at 657 PM |
Dee, if you check the front page of this site, there are excerpts from/links to articles about open auditions in Perth and Glasgow this weekend.
So // 29 January 2009 at 834 PM |
and what they said ? they’ll call you or you don’t have the profile for the role?
James // 29 January 2009 at 1051 PM |
Lala, I was told the french girl was chosen but that may have been just some people chosen for call backs.
Dee, I’m not sure about Perth on Saturday however I know there is the open casting in glasgow, UK theatre school, West Regent Street.
Stephen // 30 January 2009 at 1202 AM |
Hi everyone, just to let you know I am also going for the audition on Sunday however don’t know what they are looking for me to do on the day does anyone know whether I have to prepare a monologue etc ?
Thanks Stephen.
lala // 30 January 2009 at 1200 PM |
actually, they called me to say that I’ll may have another audition… they are doing castings in france so I don’t think the girl’s chosen yet….
James // 30 January 2009 at 119 PM |
Stephen,
At my school when I auuditioned they merely ask you to fill out a form, take a photograph of you, and record you saying a small scene from the script.
Gary // 30 January 2009 at 1111 PM |
Hi guys.
I’m going to the open auditions in Glasgow on Sunday for Elijah. I am so excited ! I know there is probably next to no chance of me getting anywhere near the part … but I just hope I do myself proud. Thanks guys for all the information you’ve told (James) and I wish you all very well. Hopefully I’ll see you on set :P
James // 30 January 2009 at 1118 PM |
Thanks Gary, how ironic, theres a boy at my school called Gary who is/has applied for Ellijah.
Gary // 30 January 2009 at 1136 PM |
Ahh … that is quite funny !! I was a little nervous before reading this blog, but if all I’m doing is getting a photo and filling a form (and reading a bit from the script) then I don’t have too many worries. I think a lot is depending on the way you look too. So better get to the hairdressers in the morning Haha. All the best :-)
James // 31 January 2009 at 1229 AM |
Just remember its a rural/gypsy look there after. and Ellijah and quite agressive well not agressive bt straight forward and has a agitated tone in his voice.
Hope that helps.
I couldnt change my look for the casting.
I was in school uniform.
Gary // 31 January 2009 at 1240 AM |
Thanks so much for the advice. I’ll remember to try and put a bit of agitatedness (is that a word – I’m guessing not lol) in my voice at the audition.
That’s a shame you had to audition during school – but if you were missing out on a really boring subject – then it’s not all bad.
lala // 31 January 2009 at 750 AM |
guys… You are lucky because they told you more about the role before you had the audition…
When I went to the audition, I didn’t know who I was suposed to be… Like: shy? talkative…? So I was myself but I hope it’ll feet well!
have a nice day!
Mhairi // 31 January 2009 at 132 PM |
Do u think there will be any auditions for Scottish girls? Just for a small part, you know, like a andom villager or something? I WOULD LOVE TO BE ANYTHING!
Does anyone know who I should send an e-mail to or something?
Thanks :)
Mhairi xxx
Gary // 31 January 2009 at 229 PM |
Sorry Mhairi, I haven’t heard anything about Scottish girl auditions….but it is defo worth the e-mail. What harm could it do ?? Even a wee small part in a big movie like this would be amazing !!!
And Lala – I agree … but you just don’t know exactly what the casting are looking for. I still think 85% of it is on the way you look .. and if you look right for the part ! You could be the best actor in the world – but if you don’t look like the character they are wanting … you won’t get in. And I guess there is nothing anyone can do about their DNA ! Lol :) Good luck to everyone anyways.
Gary // 31 January 2009 at 232 PM |
Oh and James … just reading the plot you got told/wrote above. I agree – wtf is with the levitating ??? Lmao !
lala // 31 January 2009 at 353 PM |
lol Gary! actually, the “caster” (is that a word?) told me I was “sooooooooo pretty”… and he wanted a gorgeous girl, he told me that if he was cuaron he would have picked me… but I think Alfonso has a straight idea of the girl he wants…
PS: I may sound a bit boasting, but the man really told me that… I don’t have much selfconfidence so I was kinda flatered….
So, Good luck…to our DNA! :P lol
Gary // 31 January 2009 at 816 PM |
Hahahaha …. Lala it totally sounds like that caster (I have no idea if that’s a word either lmao – but we’ll just use it for now ;-)…) was chatting you up.
But hey, that’s an amazing sign that he said if he was Curaon he would pick you. Things are looking great for ya !!
Keep the fingers crossed…. lol – Mon’ the DNA !
Gary // 31 January 2009 at 1140 PM |
Ahhhhh !!! Can’t believe the audition is tomorrow !!!! Sooo scary !!!
jess // 1 February 2009 at 1206 AM |
re: levitation, i think it might be in the vein of the hints of magical realism we saw in a little princess, and i can imagine that it could turn out well with cuaron’s touch. anyways, good luck to all those seeking auditions this weekend!
James // 1 February 2009 at 230 AM |
Good Luck everyone auditioning tomorrow!
The french girl can use telekinesis lol
An Update, Paddys brother is a police in the small town and tries to stop Paddy from stealing a horse (cant remember why he stole it) especially since he has just recently gnt over the stigma of being half gypsy and getting called names like “Gypo”. His brother is 19
lala // 1 February 2009 at 1030 AM |
lol Gary! It was a bit weird when the “caster” told me that… a bit embarassing…I think it’s good but I have no news since….
Wow James! did they told you all that when you went to the audition? god! In frnace they were mute! :(
James // 1 February 2009 at 430 PM |
Lala, I asked what the film was about lol.
lala // 1 February 2009 at 525 PM |
hahahaha! lol, ok so I am the silly girl in the story! lol I really feel stupid! if course you asked, I should have done the same! sh***…!
Could anyone ask a little bit about the french girl please??? those that are going to an audition soon… (hum hum Gary! ;-)…)
James // 1 February 2009 at 910 PM |
Lala, the auditions were yesterday and 2day from 10am til 4pm so its a bit too late
lala // 2 February 2009 at 855 AM |
oh Sh**! it doesn’t matter…. thanks! :D
michael gillen // 3 February 2009 at 920 AM |
when will thay anounce who has the part of the boys
lala // 3 February 2009 at 1236 PM |
boys! how was the audition???
the last auditions in France are on the 8th I think! so…. In Two weeks we’ll propably know more about it!
michael gillen // 3 February 2009 at 754 PM |
Hi Lala the auditions went well waiting for the call back
Gary // 4 February 2009 at 759 PM |
Hey guys
So the dude that did my audition basically told me I was too good looking for Elijah, and too tall and skinny for Paddy … but they will be in touch about other parts in the film that they still need to cast.
Oh well … I’ll still keep my fingers crossed.
Good luck to you all x
lala // 4 February 2009 at 822 PM |
too tall and skinny for Paddy? so the french girl is gonna be kissing a big dawrf? oh no….
Hope you’ll get another part!!! :D
Still crossing my fingers!
Aurélie // 4 February 2009 at 836 PM |
J’aimerai Vraiment participé A ce casting Mais G que 14 bientot 15 ans . Si on doit fair 14-15 ans je vois pas le mal a passer le casting .
Je ne sais Pas donner moi votre avie !!
lili // 4 February 2009 at 902 PM |
Lala, do you live in montpellier or in the south of france? I live in Paris and i am also interest.
James // 4 February 2009 at 1106 PM |
Gary, yeah it sucks. Im too short to play Ellijah and Too muscly to play paddy. So fussy! lol I got told they would b in touch too.
Michael // 5 February 2009 at 851 AM |
Does anyone knowthe date of the call back and where will it be scotland or england
lala // 5 February 2009 at 331 PM |
Oh no…. guys…..
Lili, I live in Paris but I went to an audition in december in Paris. The audition is now over, it’s now in Montpellier…. Maybe they’re doing an audition in Montpellier because they didn’t find the right girl in Paris… :/
Aurélie: je pense qu’ils vont avoir un max de personne a caster et que voir une personne de 14 ans va peut etre les enerver…. ils sont très occupés déja avec des personnes de 16 ans….
Cependant, qui ne tente rien n’a rien, mais je te préviens que tu ne sera peut etre pas très bien reçue….
joshy // 5 February 2009 at 726 PM |
gary if ya dont mind me asking, how tall are you? i was thinkin of askin and im 6ft 3 ?? i think thats a bit too tall???
lili // 5 February 2009 at 939 PM |
ok. Mais enfaite moi j’ai passé aucune audition. T’en sais peut etre rien mais tu pense que je peux envoyer les photos meme si les auditions actuelles sont a montpellier? Desolé.
lala // 5 February 2009 at 953 PM |
bah oui pourquoi pas! si tu est prete a faire le déplacement… :/
good luck!
lili // 7 February 2009 at 359 PM |
je te remercie.
Sophie L. // 8 February 2009 at 1049 PM |
hello I’m very excited by this new project.
I’m very amazed because maybe I can fit the role (i’m a montpellieraine aged of 20 looking like a teen of 16, not kidding!!)
see you soon!
sophie
ps: I’ve got good notions in spanish.
Mhairi // 9 February 2009 at 1018 AM |
does anybody know if they need any Scottish girls as extras or small parts?
Good luck to al you guys who are waiting for any news:)
xxx
James // 9 February 2009 at 1242 PM |
Michael, the auditions have already taken place, last week, however you may still have time if you email ur full details (name, age, height weight, etc) to scottishfilm@yahoo.com
Michael // 10 February 2009 at 547 PM |
new audition in derry today for 2 scottish boys voice coach will be offered to help them
Donal // 10 February 2009 at 840 PM |
I saw that the auditions had moved to Derry and are coming to Belfast on Thursday. I was thinking of going to the open auditions in Belfast, anyone know if open auditions require you to e-mail them first, or can you just show up?
joshy // 10 February 2009 at 1033 PM |
im heading to the auditions in belfast on thursday. i think ya can just turn up, if its open i doubt they would turn you away! im just goin to turn up so you wont be the only one just turning up
joshy // 10 February 2009 at 1034 PM |
by the way good luck to ya
joshy // 10 February 2009 at 1042 PM |
btw do you know if we have to do a speech or what we are going to do at this audition? are we going to be asked to put on an accent?
James // 10 February 2009 at 1143 PM |
Joshy, They ask you to fill out a form with your details, name age, address etc, then they take a photo shot of you and a close up and full length,Then you speak a scene from the film which is recorded, home this helps
cécé // 11 February 2009 at 828 AM |
est ce que vous auriez des informations sur la fille ? physique… ? s’il vous plais. je sais que je mis prend un peu tard mais j’aimerai bien passer l’auditions ! est ce que vous avez les dates et les lieux ? s’il vous plais ! voilà merci d’avance !
ryan brown // 11 February 2009 at 523 PM |
hi iv boxed from i was a young boy im now 18 n would like to get a part in this movie wat date is the auditions in belfast
jess // 11 February 2009 at 625 PM |
celine: je crois que les auditions ouverts pour le role de la fille ont deja finis (le weekend de 7-8 fevrier). toutefois, tu peut envoyer a castingcuaron@orange.fr ou telephoner a 01 40 59 08 03.
ryan: the belfast auditions take place tomorrow (thursday, 12th february) at the europa hotel. check the link to the derry journal on the front page of this site for more details.
Donal // 11 February 2009 at 754 PM |
Thanks joshy, good luck to you too!
I don’t know about an putting on an accent or anything, it says that if you’re right for the part you would get an accent coach thing, so I imagine it’s not completely necessary to be able to sustain an accent at this point. I’m only guessing though, I don’t actually know much about the auditions!
Michael // 12 February 2009 at 435 PM |
does anyone know if they have found the two scottish boys yet!
if not when will they be announced. as filming is to start in march
James C // 13 February 2009 at 433 PM |
I don’t think they have, and I don’t know when they will announce.
I have applied for the role of Elijah and I look a lot like the description they gave for him, so hopefully – as a lot of people have said – it will be based mostly on looks :D
I am a bit disappointed to hear that Paddy gets all the action though… I will just have too woo the lovely ladies off-screen (provided I get the part) ;P
Lee // 13 February 2009 at 647 PM |
Does anybody know if anyone has been picked for Elijah yet?
I went for the Auditions in Perth but as of yet…nothing :(
:P
Michael // 12 March 2009 at 612 PM |
Has anyone heard if they picked anyone for paddy yet!
Mhairi // 12 March 2009 at 647 PM |
They are cutting it kinda short are thry not to tell you all?!
Anyways…nobodys answering my emails…does anyone have another e-mail address???
Good luck to you all anyways…:)
xxx
Cindy // 13 March 2009 at 755 PM |
hello !
does anyone know what is the name of the girl that has been chosen to play Camille ?
Thank you
Cindy