For the month of October 2007
October 31st, 2007
New Potter Dolls
From LeakyCauldron.org:
Every girl is crazy about... a sharp dressed Dark Lord? Well, it may not quite be what we normally think of as a sharp dressed man, but the Tonner Doll company is releasing a new Lord Voldemort Doll, complete with his black designer suit he sported in a scene from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. The doll, based on actor Ralph Fiennes as he portrays the Dark Lord in the Harry Potter films, is limited to 150 in number and is available ($150.00 USD) for pre-order here via FAO Schwarz. The description of the doll says "he wears a black twill suit, complete with black dress shirt, black waistcoat, tie, black knit socks, and molded shoes to and an appropriately sinister expression, captured in evil detail by Robert Tonner. He also holds a wand, which is crafted in resin with hand-painted details. With 13 points of articulation, you can display him in many poses with the included display stand." You can also see a larger photo of the stylin' Dark Lord here in Leaky's galleries.
From LeakyCauldron.org:
There are several very fine companies who produce the special effects seen in the Harry Potter films. One such company, Rising Sun Pictures, has a new feature on their website regarding some of the work they did, including the scene at the end of the film where Voldemort possesses Harry during the battle at the Ministry. The company also has a video highlighting this process online, that details the meticulous work that went into creating this shot for the film. In addition, there is video revealing how they created Hagrid's hut by computer for a shot of the trio running down a hill outside of Hogwarts. You can see this video either by this link (then click on the part where it says "launch vfx breakdowns") or here via Leaky's video galleries
HBP Extras Casting
From Mugglenet.com:
Casting for extras in the 6th Harry Potter film, Half-Blood Prince, took place in Gloucester recently where many young students lined up before the casting team. Marketing manager Sharon Bird said, "The whole experience becomes a huge part of school life and children really enjoy being part of what is probably the biggest movie series in history." Best of luck to those who tried out!
October 30th, 2007
Final Potter Book Released In Chinese
From Wizard News:
The official Chinese version of the latest Harry Potter smash hit went on sale in bookstores yesterday, almost two months after an unofficial version was posted on the internet. One million copies of the book have been printed by the People's Literature Publishing House in Beijing, which owns the copyright of the Chinese language version of the bestselling series for the Chinese mainland.
Top 100 Living Geniuses
From LeakyCauldron.org:
There is another list out and its one that would make Ravenclaw proud: a list of the 100 top "Living Geniuses". Included on the telegraph.co.uk list is our favorite author, J.K. Rowling, who came in at number 83. The number one spot was actually shared by two men, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, who is credited with creating the world wide web, and Albert Hoffmann, the Swiss scientist who created the drug LSD. The Telegraph reports 3rd place went to George Soros, the American financier and philanthropist, Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons and Nelson Mandela, the former South African president. Creators Synectics, a global consultants firm, chose their geniuses by awarding scores out of 10 to each entrant against a number of factors: paradigm shifting; popular acclaim; intellectual power; achievement and cultural importance. Others of note on this list include playwright Harold Pinter (#31), the musician Prince (#32), singer Stevie Wonder tied with former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and actress Meryl Streep (#49), writer Stephen King (#58) tied with iconic rocker Paul McCartney of the Beatles, and legendary composer John Williams who wrote the scores to the first 3 Harry Potter films among many others is ranked at #72.
October 28th, 2007
OotP DVD In Chile
From Mugglenet.com:
The Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix DVD is apparently now available in Chile. You can see some screenshots of the opening menu at HarryMedis.com and a slightly blurry video montage of this menu at via youtube. The Order of the Phoenix DVD will be released next month on November 12th in the UK and a month later on December 11th here in the United States.
Katie Leung Wins Scottish Style Award
From Mugglenet.com:
Katie Leung was named Most Stylish Female in the Scottish Style Awards. The actress who portrays Cho Chang in the Harry Potter films had been nominated for this award and she was named winner at the awards ceremony held at the Old Fruitmarket Gallery in Glasgow, Scotland. The Scotsman reports: Miss Leung, 20, from Glasgow, beat off competitors including Ugly Betty star Ashley Jensen, Laura Fraser, star of The Flying Scotsman and 16 Years of Alcohol, Hannah McGill, director of the Edinburgh International Film Festival, and artist Gay Grossart. Miss Leung has appeared in a music video and is being courted by fashion houses... The organiser, Mary McGowne, said the winners represented "the face of modern Scotland".
Bonnie Wright Voices The Replacements
From Mugglenet.com:
BonnieWrightOnline.com knows that Bonnie Wight is lending her voice to an episode of the Disney Channel program The Replacements. Bonnie, who plays Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter films, guest stars on an episode entitled "London Calling", which is airing now. In the episode, Bonnie gives the voice to the character of 'Vanessa'. You can view this entire episode of The Replacements in two parts at the Dailymotion.com courtesy of BWO. View Part 1 and Part 2. An additional 32 screen caps from the episode are also available here.
HBP Filming
From Mugglenet.com:
The Wiltshire Times has a nice report from the first day of on-location filming for Half-Blood Prince, which is set to be released on November 21st, 2008. The scene involving Harry and Dumbledore going to visit Slughorn is the scene the crews are working on and Dan Radcliffe is scheduled to be on set. From the report: They painted a number of houses and put up brown tape on some properties to imitate wooden beams. Residents in Church Street have been asked to black out their windows with blinds during the nighttime filming. A giant light was set up behind Cantax House to flood the street in artificial moonlight and crowds gathered to watch what was going on. A member of the film crew said: "The light will look like moonlight and it is made up of lots of smaller lights inside to give that strong effect.
Tom Felton Interview
From Mugglenet.com:
A video of Tom Felton at Saturday's UK Kids' Choice Awards has been posted online. It shows the Draco Malfoy actor responding to the news that Dumbledore is gay. Check it out here.
Christie's Auction
From Mugglenet.com:
Christie's Auction House in London, England, recently put up a rare signed, first edition copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone for auction, which today sold for a staggering £19,700 ($40,420). The BBC reports, experts had estimated the value of this edition between £8,000-£12,000. A proof copy of the first book was also included in the auction which, despite a misspelling of author J. K. Rowling's name on the cover, sold for £2,250.
The article also notes a second auction which featured a signed paperback edition of Philosopher's Stone along side a signed first edition hardcover copy of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This set was sold for £1,250 ($2,500).
J.K. Continues US Book Tour
From Mugglenet.com:
At her final tour stop in Ontario, Canada, J.K. Rowling received questions from the press concerning her revelation that Dumbledore was a homosexual: "The plot is what it is," said Rowling. "(Dumbledore) did have, as I say, this rather tragic infatuation, but that was a key part of the ending of the story, so there it is. Why would I put the key part of my ending of my story in Book 1?" Rowling said she found it "freeing" to out Dumbledore, adding that the passages about him will mean different things to different readers. "I think a child will see a friendship and I think a sensitive adult may well understand that it was an infatuation," she said.
Scream Awards
From Mugglenet.com:
The Harry Potter series picked up two prizes at the 2007 Scream Awards hosted by Spike TV. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix won in the catergory of "Best Sequel" while actor Ralph Fiennes was named "Most Vile Villian" for his role as Lord Voldemort. The awards were handed out on October 19th at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, California.
More on J.K.'s US Book Tour
From Mugglenet.com:
J.K. Rowling continued her U.S. Open Book Tour today at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, reading an excerpt from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows to just over 1,500 eager listeners. She then took 12 pre-selected questions from the audience before signing copies for all in attendance.
The Times-Picayune reported that Jo answered questions ranging from the "personal to the political," stating that she felt it necessary to demonstrate the realities of war. She also touched on the fates of certain characters and the popular good always overcoming evil debate: "That depends on what you mean by 'overcomes.' But as long as people are prepared to keep fighting ... it's amazing how small acts of kindness can add up, just living in a moral way, treating other people kindly."
Additionally, in an effort to contribute to the rebuilding efforts post-Hurricane Katrina, Scholastic donated 10,000 copies of the first Potter novel to Orleans Parish public school students, as well as a complete set of the series to each public school and public library in New Orleans. The U.S. portion of the tour concludes with readings at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Chris Rankin Interview
From Mugglenet.com:
Chris Rankin, the actor who plays Percy Weasley in the Harry Potter films, recently gave an interview to New Zealand's TV3. Chris talked about, in particular, what it is like to be a part of the Potter franchise and also mentioned that it is "unlikely" that his character will be in the upcoming Half-Blood Prince movie, although he is still hopeful that he will return for the final installment of the series.
Still More On J.K.'s Book Tour
From Mugglenet.com:
2,000 lucky fans had the opportunity to interact with JK Rowling at Carnegie Hall. The reading was rather eventful, as Jo revealed a lot of new information previously unknown about the series. The most notable news of the night was the revelation of Dumbledore's sexuality. Jo says Dumbledore was gay and in love with Gellert Grindelwald. JK, in response to the audience's reaction, said "If I had known this would have made you so happy, I would have told you years ago." Not quite as head-turning, but equally significant, Jo announced Neville Longbottom's marriage with Hannah Abbott. Hannah became the new landlady of the Leaky Cauldron. While other heart-warming news was revealed about Petunia Dursley. The night Harry left Privet Drive, Petunia wanted to tell Harry, "I know what you're up against and I hope it turns out okay."
Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards UK
From Mugglenet.com:
The UK Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards took place in London and, once again, the Harry Potter franchise came out triumphant. Emma Watson was "so thrilled" to take home the award for Best Actress, being voted ahead of fellow nominees Keira Knightley, Dakota Fanning and Cameron Diaz. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows also won the top spot in the Best Book category.
BAFTA Awards
From Mugglenet.com:
It has been announced that Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix has received a number of nominations for this year's Children's BAFTA Awards, including in the newly-added Children's Video Game category. The film itself is also up for a chance of winning the Kids' Vote and Feature Film awards, which Goblet of Fire won last year. Voting will commence on November 2nd and the awards ceremony will air on the BBC in late November.
October 7th, 2007
David Thewlis' The Late Hector Kipling
David Thewlis now may add author to his list of credits having penned his first novel The Late Hector Kipling. This 200 page hardcover book is a warm and witty novel about the not so warm and witty world of art and death. It tells the story of Hector Kipling, an artist, who has his health, loving parents, a beautiful girlfriend, good mates, and talent in abundance. So what more could he ask for? But once Hector's life begins to coming undone, it doesn't take long for it to fall completely and irreparably apart and Hector discovers just how amazingly quick a life can disintegtrate.
David's new book is available at Amazon.com.
And The Legend Lives On
The final book of the Harry Potter series may have hit book shelves months ago, but Harry is still fresh in the mind of his eager fans. According to Burlington County Times, at least one college professor is already including J.K.'s work into his children's literature classes. A crowd gathered at the Barnes and Noble in Evesham to hear Rutgers University professor J.T. Barbarese lecture about the series' protagonist and how J.K. Rowling's stories relate to classic children's literature. The event was part of the Rutgers Cappuccino Academy, a series of lectures and discussions that are open to the public. During his lecture, Professor Barbarese emphasized that he is "not an expert on Harry Potter, but a teacher of children's literature" and he drew comparisons between elements of the Potter novels and other well-known literary works, such as the classic battle of good versus evil. He also discussed the literary influences behind Rowling's work, such as classic mythology and politics, which he said is of particular interest to him.
Zdravstvujte! Harry
From Russia-iC, the Russian publishing house Rosman, which publishes Harry Potter books in Russian, will be releasing the Russian version of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows on October 13th. Russian booksellers are planning big events for the release and most big bookshops will open at midnight on October 12. Rosman believes that all of 1.8 million books of the first printing will be sold out within a week.
Portuguese Potter Gets Release Date!
Potter lovers in Portugal will soon find Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows within their reach. The seventh and final book of the Potter series will be released by Portugese Publisher Editorial Presenca on November 16th, 2007. This edition will contain 609 pages and a title that's a bit of a spoiler, Harry Potter e os Talismas da Morte. In conjunction with the release of the book, a new contest has been launched on their official website. Fans will have a chance to win a free copy of the book or an opportunity to attend the Deathly Hallows book release in Lisbon, Portugal. Take the quiz on the website to enter - however, it helps if you can read Portugese!
David Heyman Looks Ahead
According to Variety online, Harry Potter producer David Heyman is expecting to finish the series of Harry Potter films by 2010 and is keeping an eye on the budding talent populating the franchise. He says the Potter series is not about minting new talent, "If they become that, it's because of their commitment and curiosity to develop their craft. We've given them the platform, but they're here because they're good." David goes on to say, "They're learning by doing and also by watching. Dan, for instance, has talked about what he's learned from Gary Oldman. The older actors are quite generous." Another thing that makes the Potter cast so special, "The smallest part is treated with the same attention and care as the lead roles, not just in the casting, but also the directing."
Provided for you by Jonah Pritchett, Reporter
Phoenix Rises To Second Place
According to statistics from Box Office Mojo, after 83 days in theatres, OotP became the second top grossing Potter film ever! Goblet of Fire is now in third place. Order of the Phoenix has made $290,189,393 while Goblet of Fire stands at $290,013,036. However, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone still leads the pack with a total of over $317 million. Internationally, Order of the Phoenix has brought in an astonishing $643,700,000 contributing to the total worldwide box office receipts of over $933 million.
October 1st, 2007
New BoM, FoM
Another beginning of another month, which brings an all new Official PA Band of the Month and Friend of the Month announcement. This month's Band of the Month is Potter Noyz. Harry and his crew provide rockin' music, as well as a brilliantly wicked podcast. Be sure to check them out on their MySpace page, which can be found in our top friends.
Also in our top friends list, this month's Friend of the Month Tammy. Tammy is a wonderful friend, as well as an awesome mom, so be sure to also check out her page, say hello, and add her to your friends list.
New WoM
Another new month also brings the announcement of J.K.'s Wizard of the Month. The honoured wizard of the month is... none other than Harry Potter himself. "(1980- ) The Boy Who Lived, the only know survivor of the Avada Kedavra curse and conqueror of Lord Voldemort, also known as Tom Riddle. Harry Potter joined the reshuffled Auror Department under Kingsley Shacklebolt at age 17, rising to become Head of said department in 2007."
Terminus Announces Wrock Chicago
The planning team for Terminus, the 5 day Harry Potter conference to be held August 7-11, 2008, has announced a special pre-conference wizard rock concert to be held on Wednesday, August 6th, 2008. The event, called Wrock Chicago, will take place all day at the Hilton Chicago Hotel and include 25 wizard rock bands performing music inspired by Harry Potter. Brian Ross of Draco and the Malfoys, who is providing organizational support for the event, says, "It's a tribute to what these stories mean to our lives that so many people are expressing their love for Harry Potter creatively through music. For all of us to have a venue like Terminus to showcase that for some of the biggest Harry Potter fans in the world is very exciting!" Special event tickets for Wrock Chicago, which are $20 for the entire day and provide access to all stages, are currently on sale to Terminus attendees only. Unsold tickets will be made available to the public next spring and at the door, if any remain at that time. Twenty-four bands are presently confirmed, with the final band being chosen through a contest to be held in February of 2008. Performers include: The Switchblade Kittens, Harry and the Potters, Draco and the Malfoys, The Whomping Willows, The Remus Lupins, The Butterbeer Experience, Catchlove, Celestial Warmbottom, The Chocolate Frogs, The Cruciatus Curse, Danny Dementor, Justin Finch-Fletchley & the Sugar Quills, Ginny and the Heartbreakers, Gred and Forge, The Gringotts Girls, The Hermione Crookshanks Experience, The Hinky Punks, Lord Voldi and the Dark Marks, The Moaning Myrtles, The Mudbloods, The Parselmouths, The Quaffle Kids, Snidget, and Thomas & Finnigan.
Dan Talks Half-Blood
As reported by MTV Movies Blog, Dan recently spoke with MTV about filming for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Dan says, "I'm really looking forward to filming the cave and all the stuff in there with the lake and the Inferi. Me and Michael Gambon in a row boat for a few days. It's gonna be amazing." As to whether or not the entire cave scene will be digital, such as with the underwater GoF scenes, Dan says no. "I thought it was all gonna be largely visual effects, but they have built the cave," he revealed, confirming that the shoot will be all practical. "So it's gonna be very interesting to film." So, what scene is he most looking forward to filming? Dan says it's the one in which Harry's heroism manifests itself in the simple act of telling a friend it's all going to be ok.
DJ For A Day Dan
An unnamed insider revealed to the Mirror that Daniel Radcliffe has signed on to be a guest DJ on Heat Radio. The show owners want him to do more, however, he has only agreed to just one show. That show is scheduled to be launched next month on digital services in the UK and on the internet.
Emma's Has New Shoes To Fill
Annanova reports that Emma Watson is scheduled to star in what will be her first role away from the Harry Potter series, a BBC version of Ballet Shoes. It has been rumoured that her 3 year-old twin sisters, Nina and Lucy, will be joining her in the venture, playing the part of the younger version of her character.
Which Is Jason Isaacs Favourite?
In a recent interview with Variety, Jason Isaacs, who plays Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, answered the question of what books mean the most to him with, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling. Brilliant storytelling that, in many ways, changed my life. Can't wait 'til my girls are old enough for me to read it to them." He went on to say that the number of books he owns is "Uncountable. We don't have enough shelf-space." And what book is he currently reading? Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder - to his 5 year-old daughter Lily, at night.
Harry Works Magic For Charity
According to Aberdeen.co.uk, a rare collection of the Harry Potter books, all seven signed by J.K. Rowling, was expected to raise more than $40,000 for a North-east England charity. The collection was auctioned off on the internet and, after having only been open to bids for just over 48 hours, the books had already attracted bids of $12,000. The collection is said to be so valuable that they are being stored in a police station. Upon the closing of the auction, the books went for a total of $37,200. Steve Read, chairman of Books Abroad, said he was "over the moon" and vowed to use the cash to improve the charity's services to children all over the world.
Provided for you by Jonah Pritchett, Reporter
Potter Stars Attend National Movie Awards
The trio of Dan Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson were confirmed to attend the National Movie Awards in London, England. A big congratulations are in order as Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was named "Best Family Film". Also, kudos go to actor Dan Radcliffe who was named "Best Actor" for his performance as Harry Potter in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
Trailer For Order DVD
In case you missed it, Leaky provided a first look at the trailer for the upcoming Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix DVD. In this new trailer you can see new footage of behind the scenes looks at things such as the creating of the Centaurs and Neville's Mimbulus Mimbletonia plant, among others. You can see the OotP DVD trailer via Leaky's YouTube channel here. Enjoy!
Educators Who Praise Children For Reading Harry Potter Are Idiots?!
In a recent interview, Ken Stott, the Scottish character actor who portrays the popular Inspector Rebus, launched an odd attack of sorts on educators who favor children reading the Harry Potter novels. The Scotsman quoted Ken as saying, "If we're going to make a fuss about children reading books, do it with Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials books, not J.K. Rowling. I can't believe idiot educationalists are praising children for turning up at school and reading Harry Potter."
In a small bit of irony, the Rebus series are based on works by author Ian Rankin, a longtime friend and neighbor of J.K. Rowling. Mr. Stott continued in his interview about his future, noting "I'll remain a grumpy old man." Well, he's already there.
