Filmonic reviewer/reporter Joe Belcastro covers the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 release event live at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

On the weekend of the home video release (11/11/11) of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, an assortment of the cast and crew from the Harry Potter realm all gathered at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Florida, to yap with the worldwide press and mingle with fans in attendance throughout the three-day event.

Friday was the press conference as everyone from actor Rupert Grint to director David Yates – who helmed the last four Potter flicks – all descended upon the theme park that was inspired by J. K. Rowling’s literary gems in conjunction with the vision of the respective filmmakers, which was brought to life these last eleven years.

Saturday saw a massive red-carpet spectacle that ran through the entire re-created world, with the cast all going up on stage at the base of Hogwarts, while a firework display went off celebrating all they have accomplished.

So without any further ado, yours truly chatted with just about everyone at the presser and the red carpet.  Read some quotes and take a listen to a portion of the press conference below:

On whether the cast is sad that it is all officially wrapping up…

“I don’t whether sad is quite the right word,” says Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick & Griphook).

“I mean, it’s sad the paychecks aren’t coming through anymore,” he says with a grin.  “I suppose the thing that might be sad is not seeing everybody so often.  We are all used to going to work and hanging out; certainly with members of the cast together, and also the fantastic crew we had at the studios.  Going to that place every day felt secure.”

The animated Mark Williams (Mr. Weasley) added, “People ask us that question and we hesitate to reply and I think the reason is that this has never been done before.  And we are kind of struggling to understand what’s being achieved.  But I think celebration is a good word, I’d go with that one.”

Also reflecting on the moment was director David Yates; who in his gentle voice chimed in with this…

“It was always a very family atmosphere when we made these movies.  A real sense of community.  And I think that what we all will carry that forward with us, as well as the pride in the work.  It’s hard to get an angle on it; we’re so close to it.  It was such an extraordinary amount of work that we did together.  It’s hard to really contextualize it at the moment.  I think Rupert used the word surreal; it feels a little surreal at this point because we are that close to it.  But I think we’ll see each other whenever we pass and we’ll always be grateful for the experience and they will be relationships that will continue.”

The family theme came up a lot in all of their response.  Mainly because they all realized that this was going to be special.  As Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy) succinctly put it…

“We all felt like we were privileged to work there.”

Isaacs also had an interesting response when people come up to him and say they are the biggest Harry Potter fans…

“The biggest fans of Harry Potter that I have ever met are at this table and the table before,” (referencing all the cast & crew that took part in the press conference).

A prime example of that is Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood); who admittedly came from the fan world and she is still in awe of being a part of something she loved so much.

Stanislav Ianevski (Viktor Krum), also a fan, gave a deep response to what’s going on in his mind…

“To be honest, it’s very difficult for me to take in the moment that it’s come to an end.  I’d rather believe that it’s never going to come to an end, because Harry Potter and everything that’s done – for over eleven years now – you know, I think is going to live on forever in people’s hearts.  I’d rather think that, we are going to live in their hearts forever.”

That thoughtful answer put Domhnall Gleeson (Bill Weasley) in an interesting spot (for he was next to answer), as in: how do I follow that?

“Yeah, what he said (smiling).  It’s amazing.  So good to see everyone again, he says laughing.”

Focus shifted to David Yates and he revealed what his personal goals were when taking over the franchise…

“I think we had to absolutely get the last film right in its totality; because there was so much pressure riding on that story,” says Yates.  ”People had followed that story for ten years and there was a huge expectation about the finale.  So we carried that pressure with us for some time.  It was tricky of getting that balance of comedy, adventure, action sort of coordinated in the right way.”

And his most memorable directing achievements while working on the films…

“One of the scenes I’m proudest of, which I adore, is the kiss between Ron and Hermione in Hallows Part 2, just because of its charm.”

“I still remember the scene very fondly with Rupert and Emma; it was a delicate scene to get right because Rupert and Emma know each other really, really well.  And it’s quite a challenging thing to snog someone you know really well.”

The overall tone of the press conference was celebratory and that stemmed from the questions being asked.  They all talked about the little souvenirs they “took” from the set while filming.  Producer David Barron gave a funny story how passionate (or rabid) the fans are, when one approached him for an autograph.  Rupert Grint briefly told one that happened at one of the premieres…

“Yeah, I had kind of an encounter with an interesting character,” says Grint.  ”It was actually at one of the premieres, the fourth film maybe, in New York, and we were just about to be put away in the limo, and this man in a wheelchair grabbed onto the back bumper.  And we towed him along for a few yards.”

Grint also elaborated on how he and his now infamous “Ron” persona coexist…

“I kind of feel we merged into the same person in a weird way.  I always could relate to Ron, and not just cause we’re both ginger.”

With the home video release (DVD, Blu-ray, Download & Ultra Violet Digital Copy) producers David Barron and David Heyman said those expecting extended or a bunch of deleted scenes will be surprised that there are not that many on the disc.  Just about all the the footage that they shot was used in the film (Good!)

The inevitable chance of another movie had to be asked.  Artistically, there is no need to ever try to add on to this amazing achievement in filmmaking.  Well, unless J.K. Rowlings decides to conjure up another phonebook sized novel.  But with the business of Hollywood and how nothing is sacred, David Yates and David Barron answered with this…

“You could only do something additional to the eight films we have if it originated from Jo herself (Rowlings),” says Barron.  ”We would have to have the integrity she would give it.  And I can’t see what it would be, because she told a singular story over seven volumes that we took eight films to tell that same story.  And we reached the end of that story.  I can’t really imagine what it would be.  We know what happens to Harry – he got married, he had kids, he rebuilt the school, it’s no big mystery.  I think she did that on purpose really, so it was not left open”

“And there’s a sort of a time and a place for a story such as this,” added Yates.  And it seems wonderful to leave it where it is somehow.  I think that will gain value in time.  And I think it would be a real shame to continue.”

“But we’d like a part,” says the quick-witted Mark Williams.  And David Barron appropriately followed that up with, “And we would like to work on it, too.”

Finally, we come to the A-Ha moments.  The moment when they all personally realized that this Harry Potter phenomenon was bigger than they thought.  And they were a part of it.  A few of them – including Rupert Grint, James and Oliver Phelps (Weasley Twins), producer David Heyman, Jason Isaacs, Evanna Lynch, George Harris (Kingsley Shacklebolt), Nick Moran (Scabior), David Bradley (Argus Filch) and Devon Murray (Seamus Finnigan) – specifically recalled what they were doing and/or where they were when it more-or-less “hit” them that they played a role in the biggest movie franchise of all-time…

Below are a few audio interviews containing their ‘A-Ha’ moments:

In order: Nick Moran (Scabior), David Bradley (Filch), David Heyman (producer), George Harris (Kingsley), Phelps Twins (Weasley Twins), Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy) and Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood)

Rupert Grint

Devon Murray

Read similar posts to Harry Potter cast and crew come together for Deathly Hallows: Part 2 DVD release on Filmonic

The British Academy Film Awards (UK equivalent of the Oscars) will be awarding the entire Harry Potter series with the Award for British Contribution to Cinema this weekend, and J.K Rowling herself will be appearing on stage to receive it. Producer David Heyman will also be attending, and during press he gave his thoughts on seeing an early cut of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.

From Empire:

“I’ve seen a very, very early cut. It’s very exciting. No visual effects, no music, no sound effects, and it’s really exciting. But it’s early days and the film continues to take shape and will continue to take shape over the next many months. I think it will be a great ending to the series.”

Heyman was also asked about the epilogue sequence, and the key flashback scenes that pop up during the final battle:

Spoilers

“In terms of the King’s Cross scene, I think it does work and it’s very moving. We actually did it once, and then re-did it a little bit because we needed to refine something, and I’m pretty glad we did. It’s a very quiet, moving scene, but I think it leaves the series on the right note. The only flashback really that one thinks about is the Snape flashback, when Harry goes into the Pensieve to see Snape’s story, and that’ll be defined, but it’ll be very moving. In a way this was an easier structure than Part One because it’s quite defined.”

There is a lot i’m looking forward to in Deathly Hallows: Part 2, and Snape’s memories is one of main scenes fans are hoping they get right (i’m sure they will). Alan Rickman only appeared briefly in Part 1, but Part 2 should definitely make up for that.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 will be released July 15th, and Part 1 will be released on DVD and Blu-ray in April.

Read similar posts to Producer David Heyman on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 on Filmonic

ABC Family are having a Harry Potter weekend which involves showing the first 5 Potter films from Thursday through till Sunday. Throughout the weekend new exclusive footage and interviews from the set of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be shown, the first which debuted during the showing of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and focuses on the story.

In the video Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, David Heyman and director David Yates talk about the final film, with new footage and behind the scenes clips shown in-between.

Watch below:

Read similar posts to Behind the scenes of Deathly Hallows – The Story on Filmonic

Since it was decided that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows would be split into two films fans have been curious as to where the split will take place. In interviews over the past few months producer David Haymen has said no final decision had been made, however this week he confirmed that they have decided where Part I will end, and it will be “incredibly dramatic” and “very moving”.

From MuggleNet:

The script [for Part 1] was written with an end in mind. The first draft was written with one ending and as we developed it, it went to another ending. And then we reverted in part to the original ending because we felt it allowed us a more emotional conclusion and felt like it was more complete, as it were. But we’ve added this other scene which I think is really amazing – and I can’t tell you where the break is, I’m sorry – but I do feel it will be incredibly dramatic, very moving and make people want to watch the next film.

[Spoilers below]

Back in August Joshua Herdman, who plays Draco Malfoy’s tag-along Goyle, let slip that the break will occur right after Harry, Ron and Hermione are captured by the Snatchers. We have seen glimpses of this scene in the footage that has been released (the trio running through a wood). The trio getting caught will probably be high in suspense and action, not “moving”, so I’m betting this was the ending they changed to but eventually decided against.

I think that the new ending will be after Dobby’s death. In the MTV clip that was released last week (see below) we saw a shot of them on the beach. Ron was holding Hermione up (most likely because she’d just been tortured by Bellatrix in Malfoy Manor) and Harry had a look of despair on his face. If they end here it will be both “‘incredibly dramatic” and “very moving” and will set a sad yet hopeful atmosphere for Part II.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6NgUhl96CQ

Where do you think they should split Deathly Hallows?

Read similar posts to Deathly Hallows split has been decided, will be ‘incredibly dramatic, very moving’ on Filmonic

Warner Bros. seem to have embraced 3D more than any other studio following the success of Avatar. In January they announced that both Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows films and Clash of the Titans would be released in 3D, with the latter undergoing a ‘quickie’ conversion in order to meet its April release. James Cameron, who is responsible for all this 3D mania, has made his feelings known about post-production 3D conversions, saying studios will “be putting out an inferior product”.

Luckily for Harry Potter fans Deathly Hallows won’t be getting the same rushed treatment, as producer David Heyman recently told MTV.

“Frankly, we are still in the process of discussing methodology,” he said. “We have quite a lot of time to work and hone and hopefully perfect each and every sequence. We are not on a compressed schedule. This is something that was built in very early on, and we think we will achieve the very best quality we can.”

Heyman expects to begin getting to the conversion “very soon,” but there are still details left to be worked out. “I am obviously looking forward to some of the battle sequences in the second part. I am also looking forward to seeing the dragon flying up.” It ultimately comes back to the “Avatar” aesthetic for Heyman. “I think there’s a lot that will be great in 3-D, but to me, where it’s really most exciting is just making that world seem much deeper, richer and what that extra dimension gives you.”

Some expected Warner Bros. to release a teaser trailer for Deathly Hallows: Part I with Clash of the Titans in 3D, but seeing as though they don’t have any footage in 3D yet there isn’t really a need too. We should be getting a trailer soon though, possibly with Inception in June, if not earlier.

Read similar posts to Producer David Heyman talks Deathly Hallows 3D conversion on Filmonic

One of the reasons Wanted made nearly $350 million worldwide in 2008 was due to the presence of Angelina Jolie, so Universal were keen to have her in the sequel (even though she shot herself in the head at the end of the film). Director Timur Bekmambetov said last August that he had written her character into the sequel and recent reports hinted that Jolie would be returning (Mark Miller mentioned the script was re-written to make a few people happy) however according to The Vulture Jolie has decided not to return, which has caused Universal to pull the plug on the sequel.

As for Jolie, we hear she is now intent on starring in Warner Bros.’ Gravity, a space thriller to be directed by Children of Men’s Alfonso Cuarón from a script he wrote with his 28-year-old son, Jonás.

Like Wanted 2, Gravity had previously been set up at Universal, with Jolie set to star. But a few weeks ago, the studio put Gravity into turnaround, possibly because it’s such an artistically challenging project: Jolie would be alone on-screen for much of the movie, playing the sole surviving human member of a space mission, desperately trying to return home to Earth and her daughter. (In that way it’s reminiscent of the brilliant, little-seen Moon with Sam Rockwell. Seriously, why won’t you see it?) Now Warners has snapped it up, and it will be produced by Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows producer David Heyman and Legendary Pictures.

I think Universal could have still moved forward with Wanted 2, but I suppose their big star dropping out wasn’t ideal. It’s a shame for James McAvoy. This could have been his action franchise.

As for Gravity, i’m a big fan of Alfonso Cuarón after loving both Children of Men and Harry Potter and the Prizoner of Azkaban, and i’ve been waiting to see what his next big project would be. I suppose having Jolie on-screen for most of the film can’t be a bad thing, although I hope it’s not too similar to Moon.

Read similar posts to Angelina Jolie kills Wanted 2, flees into space on Filmonic

Not only did composer John Williams produce the legendary music for Jurassic Park, Star Wars and Indiana Jones, he is also the mastermind behind the well known Harry Potter theme tune. You know the one. It’s all twinkly and makes you feel special. John Williams scored the first three Potter films, and his music gave the franchise a magical feeling that I think has been lost in more recent scores. After Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Williams opted to score Memoirs of a Geisha and has since worked on a few Steven Spielberg films such as War of the Worlds and Munich, however there is a chance he could return to score Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II.

From The Leaky Cauldron:

Richard Alexander: In a recent interview John Williams said that he would love to come back and bring his musical storytelling “full circle”. Will he come back for Deathly Hallows?

David Heyman: The question is will John Williams come back? I’m a huge fan of John Williams he did three of the scores and I think he is amazing. He came up with some of the themes that have carried on. We have talked to John Williams and a lot of it will depend on his schedule for [Harry Potter] seven part two. If we can make it work, and that’s a big if, for his schedule and ours then yes.

I would love John Williams to return and score the final film. It would round the franchise off nicely. In case you forget what his music sounds like, here it is below:

Read similar posts to Will John Williams return to score Deathly Hallows? on Filmonic

Empire magazine recently spoke to Daniel Radcliffe and Potter franchise producer David Heyman about the split that will occur during Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. As expected they don’t give anything away, although they do say that it will be “very exciting” and “a very tense cliffhanger”.

“We’ve played around with a couple of places,” said Heyman, “and ultimately settled on a place that we think is very exciting, and I think quite bold, in that it’s not necessarily where one might expect. You want to give a sense of completion, on one hand, but a sense that there’s another piece, more to come. We tried one and then Steve (Kloves, screenwriter) came up with the idea to try it another way and when we tried that, it felt just right.”

Daniel Radcliffe added that the split is “at a very tense cliffhanger.”

Read similar posts to Producer and Radcliffe talk Deathly Hallows split on Filmonic