their big break into the movies.

Auditions for the TV movie Bermuda Grace filled the Front Street building with budding actors and actresses for over three hours.

The movie concerns a Philadelphia policeman Sam Grace who teams up with a British officer working in Bermuda to solve a serious crime.

People of all shapes, sizes, ages and colours were measured and photographed by the film crew.

One of the crew, Mr. Guy Healey said: "We are not sure how many people we need. We will not tell anyone if they have been successful or not today.

"We are asking them to fill in their details, taking their photographs and we will be contacting them in the future if we need them.'' In a note from Tropical Pictures Ltd., auditioners were told: "We are looking for all types of people to appear on some days between Sunday, April 18 and Tuesday, May 11. If you are chosen we may ask you to be available for more than one day, but we will try and give you advance warning of when this might happen.

"We hope to find people to be passers-by in the street, and at locations such as the Airport, for people to be local dignitaries who appear at a lecture or press conference.'' Some people may be asked to work a full day and others could be asked to attend a costume fitting.

Although the hall and lobby of the building were packed to capacity, the movie hopefuls formed an orderly snaking line and patiently waited their turn.

Friends Sherriea Harvey and Mandana Sharifi were two of the first people to audition yesterday.

Ms Harvey said: "I have always wanted the challenge of getting into films and this is the first time anything has presented itself in Bermuda. I have never done any acting. It is my first experience and I think it is great.'' Ms Sharifi had experience of being interviewed on the radio. She said: "I have always wanted to be in the entertainment business.

"It could intertwine with my hopes of setting up a career in the fashion business. I am presently looking for sponsorship to get a show of my designs in New York.'' Prospect Primary student Keanne Bean, who was still in line at 8.45 p.m., has her sights set on the stars -- and her bank balance.

"I'd like to have a part in this movie because I want to be a famous actress when I grow up,'' said the 10-year-old. "And I want to be a multimillionaire.'' FUTURE STAR -- Young Jessica Mitchell, 7, has her measurements taken at last night's auditions.