Any guesses to what he means by "prep" starting in July? Is he referring to casting announcements or something like pre-vis?

"Prep" is just shorthand for pre-production. Casting actors, building sets, making costums etc. Basically just getting everything they need in place so filming can begin.

Much of the cinematography is in the prep stage, isn't it? Scouting out sites etc?

"Prep" is just shorthand for pre-production. Casting actors, building sets, making costums etc. Basically just getting everything they need in place so filming can begin.

Oh ok. Just a more advanced stage of pre-production. I guess from now till July they'll be designing and planning out all those departments. Thanks Narnia Fan 7!

I always thought SC was a dark story. It's why I never really cared for it as a child. Though, as someone said earlier, "dreary" is probably a better word. Unless you mean the part underground where it is literally dark. I think the children are the most flawed in this story of the series as well. No need to add in character drama in this one.

I'd rather they review and rewrite the scripts than say "Good enough!" and leave it at that.

Ah, but in this case Mr Gresham has read the script and is very pleased with it. He has much greater control over future films.

I am glad to hear that. He seems to really care for the books and what they stand for. I love his introductions to the radio theatre versions we have on CD.