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MAY 22, 2007 at 2:48 PM
Posted by CHEESER
Source: HPANA
Making a Harry Potter movie is unlike most other films. Meticulous attention to detail is paramount, even when viewers may not see it all in the final product. This is what ran through my mind as I walked around in awe on the set of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
Being the first movie set I'd ever visited, everything jumped out at me -- the textures, details, even the mood of places I'd become so comfortable seeing in my mind and on the screen; brand new places that would become additions to the fandom's collective imagination when the film was released; and old, dilapidated set pieces and props banished to the dusty corridors of Leavesden Studios, or worse, left outside to die by sun and rain. After an entire day living and breathing in Harry Potter's universe, I came to an odd realization: it is simultaneously vivid and dull, detailed and fuzzy, awesome but normal.
I'll explain.
Imagine reading some thousands of pages of fiction, colorfully imagining its complex cosmos in your head, filling in the gaps with your own creativity. I'm sure many fans can remember what the Harry Potter books looked like in their imagination before the first film turned it into a visual, semi-tangible reality eight years ago. What the characters looked like, how they sounded, what the Hogwarts Express might have felt like riding as it rocketed towards Hogwarts, the Great Hall and the Forbidden Forest.
Now suspend all of that vibrant imagery and realize you have to place trust of the whole of creation in the hands of filmmakers who will essentially make their own visions the de facto standard. After seeing the first movie (and the others that followed), how difficult is it now to picture Harry Potter as anyone else but Daniel Radcliffe? What about Dumbledore and Michael Gambon (or Richard Harris for the puritans)? Hermione Granger, homely and book smart, portrayed by the increasingly beautiful Emma Watson?
Yet, with the help of creator JK Rowling, moviemakers David Heyman and Chris Columbus managed to oversee the creation of something not far from what millions of fans had already dreamed up in their minds. Alfonso Cuarón and Mike Newell took a shot at it, and under watchful eye, also stayed true to the original vision.
Now entrusted to "3D" (the three d's: producers David Heyman and David Barron, and director David Yates), it quickly became clear as I was led through the hallowed halls of the studio that the ship was still sailing smoothly, and that everyone involved truly cared about the sanctity of their responsibility. (That's even more apparent now that we know Yates will be returning to direct Half-Blood Prince. The actors all said they loved working with him.)
Walking around Leavesden was... let's say, trippy. It reminded me of a giant Home Depot store, with its industrial lighting, high unfinished ceilings and... (turning a corner)... Oh my god! It's 12 Grimmauld Place. That's pretty much what happened, time and again. One minute we were walking in a hallway (which has a posted speed limit of 5mph -- no joke!), the next we had stepped through a door and right into the Great Hall, or outside to an incredible replica of Privet Drive complete with pavement, lamp posts and landscaped lawns.
It was, in the parlance of the fandom, "squeefully" exciting. So, what was I on about, dull and normal? As the day wore on, and as we watched the ninth or tenth take of a scene, it occurred to me the whole thing was normal, and at times maybe a bit dull for those involved. People come to work every day to a place many fans can only dream about visiting. Most of them put in long, tedious hours (I was there just one day and was truly "knackered" by the end).
Still, you will no doubt find me elbowing the person next to me every time we watch Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in the theatre or on DVD, a little too excitedly remarking, "I was right there!" or "I watched them film that scene!" Just because I now know how the trick was done doesn't mean it's not magic.
Stay tuned as we approach the film's release on July 13. Coming soon is a more detailed look at the set, and interviews with two of the three D's (Heyman and Barron), production designer Stuart Craig, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Matthew Lewis and James and Oliver Phelps. I also get left behind in the Great Hall and realize how frighteningly large Leavesden is as I find my way back to the group!
UPDATE: You can read DanRadcliffe.co.uk's teaser report
(Page was with me and Matthew from Veritaserum for the day of our visit). The Leaky Cauldron and MuggleNet visited the set later and have also posted a preview of their report (via podcast).
Reader Comments (89)
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Professor
Points: 1104
Ravenclaw Tower Dude says:
I rather enjoyed that little peice of information.
Posted May 22, 2007 at 2:42 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1213
destroyingangel says:
I'm soo exicted!!!!
i just cant wait for more to come out!!! thats sooo cool!!!
yay!!! i atlast managed to see the footages!!!
Posted May 22, 2007 at 2:43 PM EST
Witch
Points: 673
Rupert's Fangirl says:
It's cool that you got to be there.
Posted May 22, 2007 at 2:44 PM EST
Keeper of the Faeries
Points: 5239
juliebug04 says:
That's awesome! I'm pea green! ;o)
I can't wait to see the next installments!
Posted May 22, 2007 at 2:45 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2209
Scarlett Kent says:
What a wonderful experience you have had, Cheeser! While I have avoided all trailers and other promos connected with OOTP, because I want to be as surprised as possible when the film comes out, I would definitely not have missed a chance to see the sets and watch some filming had I had the chance.
I will say that I am one of those "puritans" who intensely dislikes Michael Gambon's portrayal of Dumbledore, and I think that any number of other actors would have done a better job with the role. To my mind there is absolutely nothing about Gambon's performance which resembles the Dumbledore of the books and for me this will always be a blot on the films. But that won't stop me from seeing them, heartbreaking as it is.
Posted May 22, 2007 at 2:56 PM EST
Keeper of Harry's Fate
Points: 8934
TheOneWhoMustBeNamed says:
Absolutely great article. I can hardly wait for more. I love all the behond the scenes material. It really brings the movie to light.
Posted May 22, 2007 at 3:09 PM EST
Points: 17
heinrichcornelius says:
An amazing experience, it must have been, for sure. Although I hope this is a warning to anyone who might want to see the movie with you! Just kidding!
Thanks for that report.
Although I think you term of those fans who can't separate Richard Harris from Dumbledore as "puritans" would be better if we were described as "nostalgists".
:)
Posted May 22, 2007 at 3:14 PM EST
Witch
Points: 614
Harry_Hermoine_Fanz says:
I can't wait!! It sounds so intresting, but I know it's GOING to be intresting!
Posted May 22, 2007 at 3:20 PM EST
Student
Points: 289
Yokata says:
Thanks for sharing these reports.
I'm totally envious of you, completely jealous that you were offered this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the set. I can't wait for the upcoming segments.
Posted May 22, 2007 at 3:23 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1899
Incognito says:
You're so lucky to have been there, must have felt so weird standing in the great hall thinking to yourself "I read about this place last night.."
Can't wait for the next post!
Posted May 22, 2007 at 3:26 PM EST
Witch
Points: 640
Melian Potter says:
Very accurate descriptions. I love these reports.
It´s the closest I´ll ever be of the HP sets, sad...
Posted May 22, 2007 at 3:56 PM EST
Witch
Points: 861
star chaser says:
That is so amazing, I wish I could have visited the set.
Posted May 22, 2007 at 3:56 PM EST
Head Girl
Points: 495
ayashe says:
I certainly do not picture Daniel Radcliffe (or God forbid Michael Gambon, that arrogant fool) or any of the others as the Harry Potter characters in the books. The books and movies are separate. I still have enough imagination that I have kept my thoughts of them since before I saw the movie.
Posted May 22, 2007 at 4:00 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1255
TheSeventhHorcrux says:
Aaahhh, that would be soooooo cool to be there!!! I'm looking forward to hearing more about it. I love the "5 MPH" sign in the hallway - it's something I'd get a kick out of!!! I'm definitely jealous!!!
Posted May 22, 2007 at 4:02 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 371
*)Blueyedwitch(* says:
I agree even though you got to visit the where they filmed it it has to be still soo very magical. The books especially, my imagination developed even more so just because of JK Rowlings great details and wonderful story lines. Then to go onto a set and to FEEL rather then imagine or see must be a like adding that third sense to your reading and movie experiences.
Posted May 22, 2007 at 4:18 PM EST
Charms Mistress
(Moderator)
Points: 5162
Weesa says:
Great report can't wait to see the next installment. :)
Posted May 22, 2007 at 4:26 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2363
Nataly says:
Great article! Great job gyus! Can't wait till the movie release?
Posted May 22, 2007 at 4:37 PM EST
Hogwarts Social Worker
Points: 3599
SnoopyLover says:
I've often heard that being on set can be quite tedious and dull, and while this was mentioned in this article, I think it is great for an HP fan. What is everyday to the actors and staff is really quite nifty for a visitor. What a great opportunity.
Posted May 22, 2007 at 4:45 PM EST
Eternal Meatball Head
Points: 6171
BellaCullen says:
That is so cool! I love that they took pictures and the reports sounded pretty accurate to me anyways. The set looks pretty wonderful too.
Posted May 22, 2007 at 5:03 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2852
H/HrShipper4Ever says:
Thats so cool..The set seems sooo interesting.I wish that I could go there one day before they've finished all 7 films. I would really like to see all the behind the scenes stuff and jsut walk throught the halls so many great people walked through.
Posted May 22, 2007 at 5:12 PM EST
Witch
Points: 699
Toph Rox!!! says:
The report was enchanting. I almost felt as if I were there. And it sort of saddens me to realise that this is the closest I will ever be to the set.
Posted May 22, 2007 at 5:40 PM EST
Order of Merlin, 4th Class
Points: 1384
Mrs.Oddment-Tweak says:
Wow, that sounds totally amazing. I wish I was there.
Speed limit of 5mph in a hallway..teehee.
Posted May 22, 2007 at 6:01 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2108
phoenix_feathers says:
That sounds like an amazing experience.
Posted May 22, 2007 at 6:09 PM EST
Professor
Points: 1161
sno-chik says:
WoW! You're (who ever it was) so lucky! I would dream of being on the set like Harry Potter. I'v ebeen on a few sets before, but I would love to see the sets without the mood, and just plain. That's always the best.
Posted May 22, 2007 at 6:13 PM EST
Antipodean Snow Goddess
Points: 3070
Tikihaha says:
Thanks so much for that wonderful report Cheeser - and I wait with baited breath for your next installment.. the pictures are also fantastic. I cannot wait to see what 12 Grimmauld Place looks like on the Big Screen!
Posted May 22, 2007 at 6:14 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2076
Feelin' Felix Felicis says:
You are so lucky! I would give anything to visit Leavesden Studios! That was an excellent report and I look forward to your future installments! Don't you wish you could steal some of those props left outside to waste away in the weather?
Posted May 22, 2007 at 6:36 PM EST
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