
SEPTEMBER 9, 2004 at 6:57 PM
Posted by GERI
Source: HPANA
I had the great pleasure of meeting Jamie Waylett (Vincent Crabbe) while he was in New York on break from filming Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire this week. It amazes me how someone who has acted in some of the most well-known movies of all time can still be so down-to-earth, polite, friendly and happy. One would have to thank his mother, Theresa, and his agent John Inniss (both wonderful people) for keeping him so well-grounded. Regardless, it would never be a problem, as Jamie has many interests and dreams that don't involve being in the Harry Potter movies:

On your website you said that you auditioned for the role of Dudley Dursley, but they picked you for Crabbe. Are you happy now that you got the role of Crabbe, since the Dudley role seems to have been removed from Goblet of Fire?
I'm happy to be Crabbe because he's in the school, he gets to be part of the wizard school and stuff, but I would have been happy if I had got the role of Dudley as well. When I look back on it, good job I got Crabbe instead.
How has it been to work with Mike Newell and how is he different from Alfonso Cuarón [director of Azkaban] and Chris Columbus [director of Sorcerer's Stone and Chamber of Secrets]?
He's good. I mean, to work with all three of them, it's good as I got three different styles of directing. You can't really say one is better than the other because... they have different styles.
Do you get to ad-lib at all during the filming?
It's great, you say your opinion and if they like it, they like it. At the end of Chamber of Secrets when you see me stand up, that wasn't in the script. I just didn't know what we were supposed to be filming and got up to join the rest of the cast in clapping and Tom [Felton; Draco Malfoy] pulled me down. Chris was like, "Great Jamie, we'll film that tomorrow!"
What did you think of Cuarón adding new Slytherin "cronies" in Prisoner of Azkaban? It seemed to take scene time away from you - was it in the script that way?
It didn't make much of a difference to me. I thought it was good to have a couple more bullies in it.
What has been the most memorable scene that you have acted in thus far?
The upcoming ferret scene in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire -- it should be good... it will be the best, and it's so funny.
Can you tell us anything about the current filming? What's in, what's out?
Current filming – I can't give away too much. The ferret scene, that's one to look out for. The Yule Ball – that scene is in, but I haven't filmed it yet.
Are you doing any filming in Scotland or are you in the studio all the time?
At the moment [I'm] at the studio. I went to Oxford where we did the whole scene with the ferret.
I know it might be a bit soon, but many fans may want to know, have you signed up for Order of the Phoenix?
Not yet.
Is there a joker on the set?
Not so much. It really is like little jokes, we just have a good time, not so much big practical jokes.
What is a typical day on set is like for you?
Filming starts reasonably early, [I] have breakfast, get all ready and stuff. [We] do some shooting if it's a normal day... as much shooting as we can. Have a laugh; it's more like have a laugh everyday. Have our breaks, film again, and then go home. It's a long day, you kinda get used to it, I think it's like 12 hours. They make sure we get breaks though.
Have you done any work with Ralph Fiennes [Voldemort], Brendan Gleeson [Mad-Eye Moody] or Miranda Richardson [Rita Skeeter]?
I've worked with Brendan Gleeson in the ferret scene and in his classroom. I haven't worked with any of the other actors. No, just Brendan Gleeson so far.
Do you know how long filming is going on for?
I'm filming till March.
Which Harry Potter book/movie is your favorite? How long did it take you to read Order of the Phoenix and did you like it?
Number two [Chamber of Secrets]. I read it before I was in the film. My part I thought was good.
You said in a previous interview that you loved playing Ron in Chamber of Secrets. Does that mean you would like to have a bigger role in the movies?
Yeah, if it comes my way I'd love it, but I'm happy at the moment. It was great doing Ron for Chamber. During the summer holidays we had to do lessons with a drama coach, me and Josh [Herdman; Gregory Goyle]. We had to watch the film a few times -- seven times -- and we had to do different exercises, keeping your mouth loose, [me] trying to copy Ron. The coach would give us a scene, any type of random situation, and I had to act like Ron acts. I had to be Rupert at the time. We did that for about six weeks: speak like him, everything like him. I had to lip-sync to Ron's words. It paid off in the film.
How does it feel to work with so many veteran actors and actresses in the Harry Potter movie series? Is there any one in particular that you really enjoyed meeting and working with?
I was really scared of Alan Rickman, not because of who he was playing but because he's Alan Rickman. He's great. When my mom was on the set one day she heard me yell, "Hey Maggie" to Dame Maggie Smith, and she nearly beat me. "You can't talk to her that way," but that's the way [Maggie] wanted it. (Jamie had a very funny story here to tell about Richard Harris, but alas, I can't repeat it.)
I remember seeing you at the New York premiere of Prisoner of Azkaban. What did you think of the reception from the fans? How was the premiere in London?
Big, amazing. When I went to my first premiere I didn't think it could get any bigger, then I come here and I realized it could. The London premiere was good, not as big, but still a lot though. At the New York premiere we had gone out for a meal first and our driver was going to pick us up and we couldn't find him. When we did, he dropped us off at the wrong entrance and we told him, "The red carpet!" But he said, "Just walk through the crowd." When I got there everyone started going nuts. I wasn't scared, but my heart was going a bit fast. I felt like freezing. People were asking for my signature, so I had to greet the fans and stuff. At one point a police officer was with me and the barrier started to give. The girls where just pushing it, and he said, "Sorry kid if I grab you by the collar, but they're going to get a bit rough." The police office was yelling, "Ladies, you have to get back now, I'm taking him away." You could see that the barrier was on its hinges. Now that I think about it, it was good fun. I actually got to meet LL Cool J. He was saying, "Great job!" He was actually saying that to me.
How do you feel staring in such a famous movie, media-wise?
I didn't realize how big it was. I never really saw how big. Maybe when I'm older I'll see. It's amazing, really. At the first premiere we rolled up in the car and I thought no one was going to know me because I'd never acted. I was unknown. There was nothing about me in the papers or anything and as I got out of the car the girls were screaming my name. That was the first time it hit me. Now the more times I [experience] it, I realize how big it is.
You said in a recent interview that you go to college one day a week. Do you still go? What are you studying and what do you hope to do when you're finished?
This year it's back to painting. In first year you do entry-level courses like painting, wallpapering, the basics. For six weeks in mechanics, we had a car that we had to work on, change the battery, change the tires, check tire pressure, all the odd jobs on it. We've done bricklaying. I didn't get to do much of that as I was filming. When I go back this time it will be [level two] painting, then mechanics.
Have you laid any bricks in any famous places?
I laid 16 bricks at Wembley Stadium in the conference room. When I do bricklaying the college has their own building near it. For a couple of weeks we went over [to the stadium]. We built the roof (just the structure and walls). I laid bricks and signed my name but it got covered over.
What are you going to do when you graduate?
I'm going to go to college full-time. I'm going to see if I have the fifth film, and if I have, I won't go until I'm finished filming. I want to carry on with filming, yes; [but] I like to have a trade if I ever need to do anything like that. I can fix my own house, I don't have to go to the mechanic or garage when my car breaks down. I can save a lot of money.
What kind of movies do you see yourself in?
One type of film I'd like to be in is one of Guy Ritchie's, like Snatch; those types of films. I'd like to try different roles, but I'd really like to be a baddie.
Did you always want to act or was it something that just happened?
It wasn't a plan of mine. I hadn't done drama school or anything. I'd only done a couple of school plays, that's about it.
What made you decide to start your own web site?
So the fans can get to hear more. As far as plans, I just want to make it bigger. We get e-mails from all around the world; it's amazing. From places like Bolivia and Iraq.
What do you like to do on your time off?
See all my friends. I have quite a bit of interest in music, making music, like rapping and stuff like that. Trying to make my own little album... see what I can do with my own skills.
What kind of music do you listen to?
I listen to a lot of music - hip hop, rock, dance, not pop.
Do you get noticed on the streets?
Not so much here [in New York City], but at home, all the time, especially around my area. [As soon as] one person knows, everyone knows. Wherever I am, I always see a couple of heads turn and [I] know they know. In New York while eating dinner, this waitress came out of nowhere and started saying that she knew that it must be terrible to recognized, hoped that she wasn't interrupting, giving all the reasons why people shouldn't do this but wanted to have a signature. I always sign everything -- especially for the little kids -- because if it wasn't for the fans, I wouldn't be here.
Have you visited any countries other than the US?
I've been to Spain, France and Ireland.
What's your favorite site in New York?
I haven't been all over New York; I might do that one day. So far I'd have to say Macy's and the Empire State Building. The view is breathtaking.
What did you do for your birthday?
We just went out for dinner, as I was filming that day. I got a little surprise on the set - it was actually in Mad-Eye Moody's classroom. We were doing wildtracks (where we just record voices) and out came two cakes – one for the extras and one for the cast. From production I got a mini fridge and it has a heater as well.
Do you share your trailer with anyone?
Well actually at the studios I have a room. I bring my Playstation, telly, my fridge. But when we're on location there are three rooms in the trailers - 3 different rooms.
How was it meeting the president of the United States?
Exciting. It was really exciting. I would have just been happy to stand outside the White House gates. When they told me I was going to the West Wing I was like, "Wow!" They took me to watch the president land and he came up to shake my hand and said "Nice to meet you." Then all the people who had wanted to meet the president came up to see me and ignored him! They started asking me questions. I'm like, "that's the president!" but there they were asking me questions [instead]. I was invited back the next day to see the East Wing and have a tour. I saw the conference rooms with names on all the chairs like Colin Powell, all the flags. The security guards looked like the Men in Black with the ear pieces, the glasses, the gun holsters. I was told that on the White House lawn there are two cement dots for the wheels of the helicopter, and if the pilots missed those dots they were put in prison. I said, "I'd hate to be the pilot." There are actually four helicopters and they all switch around so you don't know which one the president is in, then one lands on the spots on the lawn.
Can you tell us anything about what deleted scenes may be on the DVD?
They cut so much from all the movies. At the last launch party they showed a blooper reel put to music. I had to eat trifle for three days and I hate trifle. I was sitting with Tom and Josh and I just turned and threw up into the bowl. Tom and Josh jumped out of their seats. A very funny scene which should be on the DVD (but may not be) - there is a scene with Devon [Murray; Seamus Finnigan] in Lupin's class where Dracula (his boggart) takes off his cape and it's a woman in a bikini. She starts dancing because Lupin is playing music, and we all start dancing and Malfoy just hits me like I'm a dog or something. The conga line was funny, that was cut out too.
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Hogwarts Matron
Points: 6285
potterpotty says:
Oh, I want to know the funny story about Richard Harris!
wHEN DID HE get to meet to president then??
aND THE dRACULA SCENE sounds good!
Posted Sep 10, 2004 at 12:55 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 317
jmafflack says:
Wow that was a very long interview. The film sounds better and better every day. I can't wait to see the ferret and the yule ball scene.
Posted Sep 10, 2004 at 1:07 PM EST
Witch
Points: 599
wanabee weasley says:
That interview was really cool. It gives away lots of things about Jamie and the Harry Potter movies. He sounds like a really cool guy. I can't wait to see GoF. It sounds like it is going to be good.
Posted Sep 10, 2004 at 1:26 PM EST
Legilimens
Points: 3013
Extendable Ears says:
He seems like a pretty cool kid! It's so fun to hear about his on-set experiences and it's good to hear that filming is going well. I can't believe that just a minor character is filming until March - I wonder how long the principles will have to be on set.
Great interview, Ger*i!
Posted Sep 10, 2004 at 2:00 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 401
munnii says:
Ahh! He is so down-to-earth! Bless him...no, I'm glad he didn't get chosen as Dudely, he's such a great Crabbe :) Go Jamie!!
Posted Sep 10, 2004 at 2:01 PM EST
Witch
Points: 578
Neville'sBestFriend says:
Very interesting, and very good interview.
I can't wait to see the deleted scenes in Prisoner of Azkaban DVD! I guess Goblet of fire is going to be great!
What a nice boy this Jamie... very sweet.
Posted Sep 10, 2004 at 2:23 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1392
SiriusFan says:
Cool. Great info! It looks like we'll get the Yule Ball filmed at least. I just hope if they cut the scene it'll show up on the DVD version of GoF. Also, it appears we may get a good rendition of Moody's classroom with practicing the curses. I don't know. It sounds like it's going to be the best one yet :-)
Posted Sep 10, 2004 at 2:31 PM EST
Auror
Points: 4040
Dan's no.1 fan 4ever says:
Oh I hope thar Dancing Dracula thing is in!!! That would be really funny!!!
Jamie is really great! I think it is great the way he has kept so level headed!
Posted Sep 10, 2004 at 2:32 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1059
DarkMagic13 says:
He's a cool kid. I can't wait untill the DVD because someone i know is in part of it. I want to see the interviews because the kids in the movies are amazing.
Posted Sep 10, 2004 at 2:54 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2218
annealicious says:
I can't wait to see the deleted scenes from PoA... they sound great! And I'm so glad they're putting in the Yule Ball and the ferret scene.
It's so weird to hear the cast members talking about going to college and stuff - I always think of them being the same age as the character that they're playing.
Posted Sep 10, 2004 at 3:13 PM EST
Student
Points: 247
Brothers says:
I can't wait untill i see the ferret scene, bouncy bouncy ferret!
Posted Sep 10, 2004 at 3:16 PM EST
Pixie Liaison
Points: 11797
carina says:
Wow.. that was a long interview!! Well I'm glad we learned more stuff about GoF.. and I really hope they show that boggart scene in the deleted scenes... it sounds really funny!!
Posted Sep 10, 2004 at 3:24 PM EST
Animagus
Points: 19544
Sirius-Ella says:
HAHAHA oh my gosh.. how cheesy would that be to have a conga line *cracks up* OH well, I'm willing to watch it anyway hehehehe
Posted Sep 10, 2004 at 3:41 PM EST
Lady of the Rings
Points: 4116
Padfoot4387 says:
Heehee that sounds so cool. I am SO glad that the ferret scene is going to be in GoF. I just love reading that scene in the book. And it's also gratifying to hear that the Yule Ball will be in the movie too.
Overall that interview with Jamie Waylett was a pretty interesting read. And that deleted scene thing sounds hilarious! Man, I could just go on and on.
Posted Sep 10, 2004 at 4:25 PM EST
Witch
Points: 728
Hermione Double says:
Whoa.
What a long interview!
Nice to know everything he told us.
I'm glad that the ferrat seen is difinately going to be in.
I know that it was very, very doubtful that it would have been cut, but at least I know for sure that is hasn't.
And the Yule Ball will be interesting as well.
And he met the president.
Good for him.
Posted Sep 10, 2004 at 4:31 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1987
tigerlili_08 says:
I think its really cool of Jamie to be giving interviews and comments about the HP sets all the time! He sounds like a very nice guy. I love learning about the new scenes and other stuff.
Posted Sep 10, 2004 at 4:34 PM EST
Ron's Love Advisor
Points: 5895
~Sarah~ says:
Wow great interview. I can't wait to see it. I really want to hear more about the filming of the Yule Ball scence. I can't wait to see the ferret, i think it's going to be hilarious.
Posted Sep 10, 2004 at 4:40 PM EST
Witch
Points: 935
fizzingwhizbees says:
All this talk about the forth movie and it isnt coming out ill over a year, hurry up already!
Posted Sep 10, 2004 at 4:43 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 335
Jamie loves Cedric says:
Wow he has a lot say at cool the deleated scenes seem cool and i the premere sounded great i hope he's in the fifth movie.
Posted Sep 10, 2004 at 4:53 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 399
Crazie4Dan says:
Thats cool. I hope there will be another interview on here from dan. I can not wait for the DVD im getting a little aggitated waitting too. lets do the DVD dance maybe it will come sooner. *dances*
Posted Sep 10, 2004 at 5:34 PM EST
Muggle
Points: 3
Hermione Jane Otter says:
How old is this kid!? Anyways...I'm hoping that the blooper reel will be on the DVD extras (I always like a good laugh, burns the calories). I would also like to see the congo line. Most importantly though, I'm glad that they are doing the Yule Ball. The Yule Ball (since it has so much drama) is made for the movies. When I first read that chapter in the fourth book, it just played out in my mind as if it was a movie (it is also one of my favorite chapters in the fourth book). What is a little disappointing is that Hermione's whole "Cinderella-like transformation" is not going to have effect as it does in the book. Oh well, it will still be fun to see.
Posted Sep 10, 2004 at 5:38 PM EST
Vampire
Points: 2939
Dansgirl34 says:
Wow that was long and intersting. I didnt know that much about jamie. Like him going to collage thats cool. I cant wait for the dvd the bloopers should be funny. I glad they left the Yule Ball in.
Posted Sep 10, 2004 at 5:57 PM EST
Witch
Points: 562
nearly-headless-spring says:
wow, that was a really cool interview, I liked!! I hope they don't cut too much out of the Yule Ball, but I'm glad to hear that it's in there at all. Jamie sounds like a really cool guy. It's good that he has a lot of other interests besides acting, though I hope to see him again in something.
Posted Sep 10, 2004 at 6:04 PM EST
Witch
Points: 704
Muggleborn22 says:
Well that's awesome! I didn't know that he had tried out for the part of dudley! But he makes a much better Crabbe and the Dursleys got cut... It was fate
MB22
Posted Sep 10, 2004 at 6:20 PM EST
Squib
Points: 175
hermione~granger says:
That was a great interview. I can't wait for PoA to come out on DVD; I want the special features! I can see why they cut the conga-line scene. :)
Posted Sep 10, 2004 at 6:33 PM EST
Harry's Mental Advisor
Points: 19432
Smileyradcliffe says:
I they should have that on the dvd. it would be cool to see them do the congo line. i wish they would also put like the mess-ups on there too. it would make it way funnier.
Posted Sep 10, 2004 at 6:39 PM EST
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