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SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Posted by CHEESER
Source: HPANA
Harry Potter producer David Heyman answered some questions for HPANA at an interview today on his new film, The Boy In The Striped Pajamas.
He revealed that he has read the "first half of the adaptation" of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and that the second half from Steve Kloves would be coming "in the next few weeks."
HPANA: You've said that you want each of the Deathly Hallows films to have their own identities even though it's ultimately one story. How will you apply this thinking?
DAVID HEYMAN: We try to focus on a specific theme within each film and each of these films will have a specific theme running through it. In terms of camera work and lighting there will be slight differences. We are aiming for a slightly different aesthetic.
HPANA: How are the screenplays by Steve Kloves coming along?
DAVID HEYMAN: They will be very faithful to the book. One of the pleasures of having the time to make two films means we will be able to go into more detail than we might otherwise have been able to do. If we had only done one film we were concerned that we might have to remove The Deathly Hallows. We never went that far but that would have been something that might have had to come out, which would have been terrible! The script is coming along well, I have read the first half of the adaptation. I have not read the second half, that should be coming in the next few weeks.
On Half-Blood Prince:
HPANA: The delay of Half-Blood Prince is unprecedented for such a high profile and successful franchise, and Warner Bros. has received a lot of flack from fans. Alan Horn even said the film was ready to premiere in November, yet the recent screening in Chicago produced mixed reviews. From a purely artistic perspective -- which you said was one of the reasons for the delay -- will the extra time be used to work on the film?
DAVID HEYMAN: Oh absolutely! The reason for a screening such as the one in Chicago is to give us information about any areas of confusion or pace or any issues that may arise, and work on them. So over the last couple of weeks, we have been working incredibly hard on the cut of the film and we will make changes to improve it. It is something that we have done with every film in the Harry Potter series.
(Many thanks to John Millar.)
UPDATE: Snitchseeker
, TLC and Harry Potter's Page also spoke with Heyman. Check out his responses at their respective sites.
Talking about his new project:
FROM: JOHN MILLAR
QUESTION: What was the toughest thing about bringing The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas to the screen?
DAVID HEYMAN: It was actually a fairly organic process. I know that is going to be hard to believe but I read the book and loved the book but I was a little cautious about embarking upon it, just because of the challenges involved in bringing it to the screen. Mark Herman [the director] optioned the book and then came to me with the screenplay and it all seemed very clear to me. Mark did such a great job with his adaptation in script form and Brassed Off [which Mark Herman directed] was one of my favourite British films of the last 20 years and so the challenge in The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas was getting it done within the budget that we had because clearly there was only going to be a finite budget to make it. But Miramax were incredibly supportive and did not ask us to change the ending, did not ask us to really alter much. I suppose in terms of actually getting it made it was a fairly straightforward process. I liked the book, Mark Herman liked the book, he did a screenplay, Miramax liked the script and had always been interested in the book and decided to make it. So it was much less challenging than it might appear. I think it is just a sign of what good fortune I have had in my recent life. But I suppose one of the great challenges was looking at this from a child’s point of view and managing some of the more naive aspects of the book, which I love in the book but which when translated to film might be a little difficult and not as involving but off-putting. So trying to capture the spirit of the book, yet acknowledging the different demands of a film was a challenge.
QUESTION: How hard was it to find Asa Butterfield and Jack Scanlon ho play the children Bruno and Shmuel in The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas?
DAVID HEYMAN: It was quite hard. We had the fantastic Pippa Hall whose speciality is child actors and she found the boy who played Billy Elliott. I have known Pippa since I was a child. We had approached Leo Davis to do the casting and Leo brought on Pippa. She scoured and scoured the country. It was a fine balance because you wanted the children to possess the essence of the characters because however their imagination you are very often working with the innate essence of a child. So Pippa showed us hundreds upon hundreds of tapes of children, most of whom had very little experience. When it came down to it, our Bruno had no film experience at all. In a way part of the innocence of Asa Butterfield served us well because he was not particularly knowledgeable about the Holocaust, he wasn’t particularly experienced in film making. He became a little bit more knowledgeable of both through the process of making The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas and I think that the gradual increased awareness of both the Holocaust and the film making experience fed into the journey that the character goes through in the film.
QUESTION: Has the reaction of audiences to The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas both delighted and surprised you? Because during filming you must have worried that audiences might think the movie was too much and not get it?
DAVID HEYMAN: You are absolutely right. While I am a pretty positive type, I am burdened by a tremendous apprehension about anything that I am involved with and people’s response to it. So I was most certainly tredipatious, concerned in part that people might find it an odd blend of tone – the naivety within this rather dark world; that they might not engage with it in the way that I did. There are always those fears – that, as you suggest, the subject matter might be too tough for the sort of point of view that we take. But I think that what I am so happy about is that people seem to be responding to the film for the very reasons that we made it, because of that point of view. Some people had also suggested that viewers might be concerned that we were telling the story from the point of view of the son of the commandant of a concentration camp. But that is the thing that distinguishes this film from so many others – taking that point of view. For me, that is what – in spite of there being some dark elements about the story, and the context being a difficult and challenging one, there is no question of that – is the thing that I find very optimistic about The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas…that an eight year-old boy, whose parents and environment encourage him to be racist, be prejudiced against Jews, makes his own choice and through contact with a boy on the other side of the fence, someone who is different to himself, is able to engage and overcome any prejudice that might have been inculcated into him and forges his own path. To me that is a wonderfully optimistic, generous spirited and wonderful message to put out into the world and I think it is both true and necessary. I think it is important thing for people to consider and to embrace.
More on The Boy In The Striped Pajamas can be found in our previous coverage. [Ed: This editor found the book to be fantastic, so the movie ought to be just as powerful.]
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Student
Points: 230
Twilight/HarryPotter-<3 says:
I just read the rest of the interview, and what the heck in the world were they smoking when they decided it was gonna be two movies or cut the deathly hallows, OUT OF THE DEATHLY HALLOWS?!?! What would it even be called? That would sink to an alltime low even for them. Respect J.K's fabulous writing you money pigs!
Posted Sep 20, 2008 at 7:58 AM EST
Auror
(Moderator)
Points: 2484
Since the Start says:
Finally some semi-good news, but HBP had better be amazing considering how much time they've given themselves to rework it. As for DH, it's a good thing they didn't cut the DH out, because I for one wouldn't have gone to see the second part and I'm sure they'd have lost a lot of cash.
Posted Sep 20, 2008 at 10:00 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1823
zues says:
It better be good if we have to wait so long to see it. I just can't wait until we have all 8 movies on DVD, I'm even happier that I get to watch them on my new 47in. T.V.
Posted Sep 20, 2008 at 11:17 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 3rd Class
Points: 1582
ALLI8 says:
See when Hayman says the fact that they're using the extra time for the 6th movie to make it better, it makes me think of it as not so bad. It better be one good movie though. However, is anyone else a little nervous about the two 7th movie's scripts being written by two diff people? Like it is one book written by one person, so I’m little nervous they both will be very different, and not cohesive as one story, which it is.
Alli8
Posted Sep 20, 2008 at 4:59 PM EST
Delusional Army Soldier
Points: 4400
ILoveHP! says:
I really do hope I would not be even more disappointed when I finally watch the movie. I hope they make some actors come back and re-film the scenes....
Posted Sep 20, 2008 at 8:57 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2852
H/HrShipper4Ever says:
Thats intersting. I wish I oould have gone to the Chicago screening. The boy in the stripped pajamas sounds like a realy great movie. I would love to watch it.
Posted Sep 20, 2008 at 9:11 PM EST
Witch
Points: 819
accio_kim says:
His comments that if the 7th book was one movie, they may have taken out the Deathly Hallows is so symptomatic of the dumb franchise. What would they have called this movie then?
I know he's just saying this to make everyone feel relieved that they are splitting this book up, and that it will supposedly be very faithful to the book (yeah right). I still don't like the idea of such a split, the last HP film I liked was GoF, and I feel predisposed to look less favourably on HBP due to the delay, and also the misplaced quidditch footage (just a homage to their faithfulness to the text). Hmph.
Posted Sep 21, 2008 at 12:12 AM EST
Lady of Godric's Hollow
Points: 5294
GodricsGirl says:
This film THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PAJAMAS sounds amazing. I bet Thewlis will really shine. I've always thought him to be an amazing actor even before the Potter series.
Posted Sep 21, 2008 at 1:00 AM EST
Prof. Alfred W. Mandoore
Points: 2492
JAYSTARR says:
This will be an interesting film the "The boy in the Striped Pajamas." But, it does matter, who produces it or Directs it. In order to allow the viewers to understand the movie.
Posted Sep 21, 2008 at 11:16 AM EST
Squib
Points: 112
nr2solace says:
I'm hoping all turns out amazingly with the HP movies. I'm still VERY peeved by the delay of Half-Blood Prince. >_<
Posted Sep 21, 2008 at 6:57 PM EST
Witch
Points: 531
mrsharrypotter4500 says:
HOW DARE THEY EVEN THINK ABOUT TAKING THE DEATHLY HALLOWS OUT OF THE DEATHLY HALLOWS!!!!! what would they make up??? something redicoulus i suppose!
And about hpb even if they do make changes i doubt there gona have the actors come in and redue scenes. I still think its gona be as big as a dissapointment as it is already now. They better take out the death eater attack at the burrow!!! y add something that serious that wasnt even in the book in the frist place! This is just gona be like ootp the trailor is gona be frekin awsome and true to the book but when the time comes to see the actual movie were all gona be dissapointed with all the added and cut out scenes!
Is it to late for jkr to but back her rights and sell them to someone like Disney? They always do the books justice. (accept for The Chronicals of Narnia Prince Caspian. I was really dissapointed with that.)
Posted Sep 21, 2008 at 10:12 PM EST
Prefect
Points: 335
x_loony_lovegood_x says:
I hate it when they mess around so much with the books. Obviously they have to make a few changes, but hello - Deathly Hallows without the Deathly Hallows!?
Posted Sep 22, 2008 at 5:53 AM EST
Antipodean Snow Goddess
Points: 3071
Tikihaha says:
The Boy In Striped Pajamas would be such a heart-wrenching movie to watch - although I am keen to see it, it's not going to be easy.
I loved the interview re: Deathly Hallows, but I hope that they don't cut too much from Half-Blood Prince. It sounds like it was fine in Chicago from what I have already read, but it seems that they're now going to over-edit the movie.
Posted Sep 22, 2008 at 8:23 AM EST
Order of Merlin, 1st Class
Points: 1864
Bright Eyes says:
Some powerful images in Heyman's new film.
Posted Sep 22, 2008 at 8:24 PM EST
Queen of the Fae
Points: 4616
marauderette says:
I am really looking forward to all of these movies. It is disappointing HBP was pushed back, but the shorter time between it and the first DH I think makes up for it. And I am really glad they decided to split the move into 2! I can't believe they would take out the hallows. I can understand it for time constraints but it is such a huge part of the book!
And Boy in Striped Pajamas looks so interesting, I can't wait for it to come out here in the US.
Posted Sep 23, 2008 at 4:59 PM EST
Witch
Points: 621
GarryDotter89 says:
I hope the two films does the book justice. It sounds like a great deal of progress is coming along on the 7th movie, but I'm still distraught that the 6th movie is not to be released until July. They are being so stubborn about it, too.
Posted Sep 23, 2008 at 7:14 PM EST
Muggle
Points: 5
Clinik says:
Hopefully it'll be worth the wait, and his new film looks interesting as well. Leaving out the Deathly Hallows themselves would mean losing most of the Dumbledore/Grindelwald back story, and that's one of my favourite parts of DH. Silly suits.
Posted Sep 24, 2008 at 9:58 AM EST
Student
Points: 297
Meche says:
Heyman was going to remove the Deathly Hallows?
How were you supposed to explain the second half of the movie, where Voldemort is on the hunt? What's he supposed to be hunting...chocolate frogs?
No wonder these movies deviate so badly. Have you even flipped the pages, Heyman?
Posted Sep 25, 2008 at 12:25 AM EST
Witch
Points: 844
darlingnikki says:
How on Earth do you could they possibly even consider taking the Deathly Hallows out of "The Deathly Hallows"? Sometimes these movie people really don't make any sense! Like them pushing back the release date. I'd rather have to buy 4 tickets that see any of it removed!
Posted Sep 26, 2008 at 1:32 PM EST
Auror
Points: 2218
Feelin' Felix Felicis says:
That's good news that the Deathly Hallows script is half done. All I want is, since it will be two movies, that it will stay as true to the book as possible. As for HBP, I still wish it was in November.
Posted Sep 26, 2008 at 3:21 PM EST
Muggle
Points: 69
Meganc93 says:
Woah, almost an entire year of editing.
This better be a fantastic movie.
and I dont remember this happening with the others...
Posted Sep 27, 2008 at 10:05 AM EST
Lunarly challenged
Points: 2501
Grayback'sVictim says:
On difference between DH one and DH two:
Well I guess the film one will focus more on the search and the hollows and the film two on the final battle so it will probably have a "faster tempo"…
On Half-Blood Prince:
Well I guessed something like this had to happen if the release was put off… I just hope they put a lot of Tom related memories in it. They are very interesting in the book and I bet they would be thrilling to watch on screen.
Well I will not comment on the The Boy In The Striped Pajamas since it does not appear to be the kind of a flim I like but I might just go watch it when it comes out...
Posted Sep 27, 2008 at 5:11 PM EST
Auror
Points: 3659
Anastasia Popovick says:
All very interesting. I do hope we have a better movie for the delays and sounds as though DH will be on schedule. I am very intereted in the new movie The Boy inthe Striped Pajamas as well.
Posted Sep 30, 2008 at 7:50 AM EST
Rickmaniac to the Core
Points: 2564
snaily says:
Good to hear that they're modifying the movie to make it better. This reason (excuse, really!) seems so much better than the abominable "we'd-like-to-reach-out-to-a-bigger-audience" rubbish.
If we had only done one film we were concerned that we might have to remove The Deathly Hallows.
I don't think I would've watched the movie in that case.
Posted Oct 5, 2008 at 2:01 AM EST
Squib
Points: 131
DonnaK says:
All I can say is Half-Blood Prince the movie better be spectacular to make us wait after promising us the movie in November.
Posted Oct 19, 2008 at 2:13 AM EST
Auror
Points: 2576
Mystique says:
They has better well be making improvements to Half blood prince, and it had better be the best film so far. After the long delay, we definitely deserve at least that!
Posted Oct 22, 2008 at 11:11 PM EST
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