Working Title Films acquired the film rights of the novel in 1997 before it became a best-seller.[7]
Casting
Actresses who were considered for the role of Bridget Jones were Helena Bonham Carter,[8] Cate Blanchett,[8] Emily Watson,[9] Rachel Weisz (who was considered too beautiful for the role),[10] and Cameron Diaz.[11] Toni Collette declined the role because she was on Broadway starring in The Wild Party at the time.[12] Kate Winslet[8] was also considered, but, at 24, the producers decided she was too young.
Zellweger's casting in late May 2000 concluded a two-year search. Producer Eric Fellner explained that she "brings enormous character and conviction to the part".[13] Maguire said of Zellweger, "I saw in Renee a gift few people have, that she was able to straddle comedy and emotion."[8] Zellweger worked on her accent with Barbara Berkery, who had helped Gwyneth Paltrow for Shakespeare in Love.[8] She also gained 20 pounds (9 kg) for the part.[14] To prepare for the role, Zellweger worked at the producers' request at London book publishers Picador as a trainee in the publicity department.[7] Before the film was released, a considerable amount of controversy surrounded the casting of the American Zellweger as what some saw as a quintessentially British heroine.[15][16] However, her performance, including her south-eastern English accent, is widely considered to be of a high standard.[17][18][19]
In July 2000, Colin Firth and Hugh Grant were cast as the male leads.[20] The director of the film, Sharon Maguire, is one of Fielding's friends, on whom the film's character "Shazzer" (English slang for Sharon)[21] was reportedly based. In the film, Shazzer is played by Sally Phillips.
Filming
Principal photography began on 1 August 2000 and concluded on 5 November 2000. The crew spent six weeks shooting in and around London.[7] Locations used included Shad Thames where Bridget and Daniel have their first date, the Royal Courts of Justice, St Pancras railway station and Tower Bridge.[7] Scenes were filmed at Stoke Park in Buckinghamshire where Bridget and Daniel ventured to for their mini-break.[22] Wrotham Park in Hertfordshire served as the Darcys' home.[7] Stansted Airport doubled as JFK Airport in New York, while Syon House in Brentford featured as the venue for the anniversary party. The crew filmed for four days at Snowshill in Gloucestershire which featured as the home of Bridget Jones's family.[7][23] After six weeks of shooting on location, the crew moved to Shepperton Studios in Surrey.[7]
