June 29, 2006 - New Line Cinema announced filming is set to begin September 4, 2006 on The Golden Compass, the big screen adaptation of the first book in author Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials bestselling trilogy. In a press release announcing the upcoming start of production, New Line's Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne said, "The Golden Compass is the most ambitious film that New Line has undertaken since The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and we have assembled a remarkable creative team, headed by Chris Weitz, to bring it to fruition."
Production will take place in the UK with Chris Weitz onboard to direct.

Newcomer Dakota Blue Richards landed the coveted lead role of Lyra Belacqua following a casting search in which the filmmakers saw more than 10,000 young actresses.

Commenting on the casting, writer/director Weitz said, "Dakota made what should have been an extremely difficult decision quite easy. We wanted a completely new face for Lyra, but I was surprised that any young girl, especially one without training, could light up the screen as Dakota does."

Author Pullman was quoted as saying, "I'm delighted with the casting of Dakota Blue Richards as Lyra. As soon as I saw Dakota's screen test, I realized that the search was over. Dakota has just the combination of qualities that make up the complicated character of this girl, and I very much look forward to seeing the film take shape, with Dakota's Lyra at the heart of it."

The behind the scenes team will include production designer Dennis Gassner, costume designer Ruth Myers, and visual effects supervisor Mike Fink.

The Golden Compass Synopsis
The story revolves around a young girl who travels to the far north to save her best friend.

Along the way, she encounters shape-shifting creatures, witches, and a variety of otherworldly characters in parallel universes.

Source: New Line Cinema