A young girl’s passion for Jacqueline Wilson’s books has led to her starring in the eagerly-awaited film adaption of Four Kids and It. Amelia Woodward, a Year 10 student at Richmond School and Sixth Form College, is an avid reader and a regular visitor to bookshops in Richmond. A recent purchase included a competition by Puffin Books to win a part in the new Jacqueline Wilson film and Amelia was delighted to be the lucky winner!
Amelia, with Mum Wendy, headed to London, on an all-expenses two night stay, to shoot the film’s final scene, where Amelia had a small speaking role interacting with the main cast. She worked alongside the four children, who are the leading characters in the film, in the role as a passenger in a tube station, with the children running past her heading for an escalator. The film has an all-star cast, including Michael Caine, Russell Brand and Michael Goode, as well as a cameo from Jacqueline Wilson.
The film is adapted from Jacqueline Wilson’s popular book, which in turn was inspired by E.Nesbit’s 1902 novel “Five Children and It.” The family adventure story follows four children who learn that their summer holiday is actually a bonding trip where they will meet their future step-siblings. They discover a Psammeda, a grumpy and magical creature with the powers to grant wishes. They also meet Tristan, a local resident and villain, who wants to capture the Psammead. This leads to the children working together and results in them coming to terms with their parents’ happiness.
Wendy, Amelia’s mum, commented: “Amelia was treated like royalty throughout the visit. She had her make-up and hair done and we stayed in the same hotel as the cast and production team. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Amelia and it has done wonders for her confidence.”
Due for release in the Autumn, the film is anticipated to be a huge hit. Dame Jacqueline Wilson’s books have sold over 40 million copies worldwide and Four Kids and It is the first feature-film adaption of one of her novels
After shooting her own scene, Amelia was invited to stay on set to watch a number of other scenes being filmed. She really enjoyed spending time with the actors and crew and was made to feel very much part of the cast. She has some incredible memories that will and was also over the moon to be given Jacqueline Wilson’s autograph.
(Amelia is pictured centre in the photograph)