<P> The original novel was based on events from the childhood of the author's son, screenwriter David Paterson . When he asked his mother if he could write a screenplay of the novel, she agreed in part because of his ability as a playwright . Production began in February 2006, and the film was finished by November . Principal photography was shot in Auckland, New Zealand within sixty days . Film editing took ten weeks, while post-production, music mixing, and visual effects took several months . This was Michael Chapman's last film as cinematographer before his retirement . </P> <P> Bridge to Terabithia was released to positive reviews; critics called it a faithful adaptation of the children's novel, and found dynamic visuals and natural performances further enhanced the imaginative film . Bridge to Terabithia was nominated for seven awards, winning five at the Young Artist Awards . </P> <P> Jesse "Jess" Aarons (Josh Hutcherson) is a 12 - year - old aspiring artist living with his financially struggling family in Lark Creek . He rides the bus to school with his little sister May Belle (Bailee Madison), where he avoids the school bully Janice Avery (Lauren Clinton). In class, Jess is teased by classmates Scott Hoager (Cameron Wakefield) and Gary Fulcher (Elliot Lawless), and meets new student Leslie Burke (AnnaSophia Robb). At recess, Jess enters a running event, for which he had been training at home . Leslie also enters and manages to beat all the boys, much to Jess' irritation . On the way home, Jess and Leslie learn that they are next - door neighbors . </P> <P> Later in the evening Jess becomes frustrated when he finds that May Belle has drawn in his notebook, but his strict yet caring father (Robert Patrick) sides with her . He later watches them gardening together, disappointed that his father does not spend time with him . Moreover, his mother cherishes her daughter more than him . The next day at school, Leslie compliments Jess' drawing ability, and they soon become friends . After school, they venture into the woods and swing across a creek on a rope . Jess and Leslie find an abandoned tree house on the other side, and invent a new world, which they call Terabithia . The fantasy world, which is a reflection on their lives, comes to life through their eyes as they explore the surroundings . For the next few days, Jess and Leslie spend their free time in the tree house getting to know each other . </P>

Girl who plays leslie in bridge to terabithia