"If we turn our heads and look away and hope that it will all disappear then they will - all of them, an entire generation of people. And we will have only history left to judge us."
Posted By Matthew on 02-28-08 @ 7:22 PM - 9 comments | Link
In additional papers filed in the Lexicon lawsuit today, JK Rowling said that the defendants' invocation of her warm relations with fans online in their argument threatens to undermine "author-fan relations."
Jo said, "If RDR's position is accepted, it will undoubtedly have a significant, negative impact on the freedoms enjoyed by genuine fans on the Internet. Authors everywhere will be forced to protect their creations much more rigorously, which could mean denying well-meaning fans permission to pursue legitimate creative activities.
"I find it devastating to contemplate the possibility of such a severe alteration of author-fan relations."
Rowling submits response to Lexicon lawsuit
Posted By Matthew on 02-27-08 @ 11:45 AM - 22 comments | Link
The Leaky Cauldron has posted Warner Bros. and JK Rowling's detailed response to RDR Books in the lawsuit over the planned publication of the Harry Potter Lexicon in book format.
Rowling's main argument is that the Lexicon book would mostly be regurgitated information from the Harry Potter books rather than supplementary, scholarly analysis. Ultimately, they charge that the Lexicon's publication would "signal that others may also free ride off Ms. Rowling's works, flooding the market with copycat works."
Posted By Matthew on 02-26-08 @ 9:13 PM - 5 comments | Link
JK Rowling is currently visiting Romania with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife, Sarah. The PM will be meeting with Romanian Premier Calin Popescu-Tariceanu, while Rowling and Mrs. Brown will meet with Popescu-Tariceanu's wife, Ioana.
Rowling's visit is taking place because of her advocacy on behalf of the caged orphans who have been abused for years in Romania. She hopes that bringing the issue to the attention of European leaders and the public will result in a change in policy and a reversal of fortune for Romanian orphans.
NewKerala writes: "Rowling has set up a charity to help the orphans and donated a substantial chunk of her 500-million-pound fortune. She has written in The Sun about victims less than four months old with brain damage."
Dan: Equus one of his 'greatest experiences'
Posted By Matthew on 02-24-08 @ 8:32 PM - 17 comments | Link
Daniel Radcliffe was named the West End's Newcomer of the Year at this weekend's Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers' Choice Awards for his role as Alan Strang in Equus. The awards ceremony was held at London's Lyric Theatre.
Upon receiving his award, Dan said that his role in Equus was "one of the greatest experiences of my life....I'm truly delighted and thank everyone so much for voting for me. Equus is a tremendous and thought-provoking play and I'm so proud and honoured to have been a part of this incredible production."
Study concludes Harry Potter is 'addictive'
Posted By Matthew on 02-22-08 @ 10:15 PM - 42 comments | Link
A study conducted by researchers at Pennsylvania's Muhlenberg College has concluded that, for 10% of fans, Harry Potter is "addictive."
For his research, psychology professor Dr. Jeffrey Rudski "used craving scales that had been established for smoking, substituting 'Deathly Hallows' for cigarettes. They surveyed fans before the book's release, upon completion of the book and six months afterwards as a follow-up. The 10 percent of respondents that Rudski considers addicted described spending more than four hours a day on Potter-related activities, experiencing interference with appetite and sleep patterns, engaging in less physical activity, having a lower sense of well-being and being more irritable after completing the series."
Rudski noted that such addictions can have positive consequences, such as increasing interest in learning Latin or reading Stephen King and John Irving in preparation for JK Rowling's charity reading with the two authors in New York City two years ago.
New Burrow scene added to 'Half-Blood Prince'
Posted By Matthew on 02-21-08 @ 8:17 PM - 39 comments | Link
In an interview with the Herald Sun, Harry Potter producer David Barron revealed that a new scene at the Burrow will be included in the Half-Blood Prince movie that was not in JK Rowling's book. Barron offered some details on the scene, saying:
"But this was brought in because Jo (Rowling) was able throughout the quite lengthy book to keep dropping little snippets of what was happening in the outside world - there'd be people reading newspapers and talking about how somebody's parents had been killed, or somebody had been withdrawn from school because their parents didn't think it was safe.
And we're making aware that the Muggle world is also experiencing these disasters, but thinks they are disasters rather than the work of Voldemort.
The book is peppered with those moments, but we couldn't do that quite so easily in the film.
So (the extra scene) comes in the middle of the film and it just reminds us the world is no longer a safe place. Even in what would normally be considered the safe haven of the Burrow, nobody's safe.
Posted By Matthew on 02-20-08 @ 11:52 PM - 37 comments | Link
Author Lois Lowry wrote on her blog today that David Yates was expected to direct the film version of one of her books, The Giver, but "has just decided he wants to do the final Harry Potter first."
Warner Bros. has yet to announce who will direct Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, so for the time being, regard this as a rumor. But as we have said before, this is a highly likely prospect, as WB has always given each director the opportunity to continue, and Yates isn't showing any signs of losing steam.
According to MTV, an official announcement is expected within one to two weeks.
Collection of 553 HP books up for auction
Posted By Matthew on 02-19-08 @ 11:47 PM - 8 comments | Link
A Harry Potter fanatic is planning to auction off his collection of 553 first editions of Harry Potter books in London on February 28. The fan, Tim Toone, began collecting the books in 2002, and since, has acquired copies of the books in 63 languages, including Braille, Latin, and ancient Greek.
A Bloomsbury Auctions spokesman said, "No one has ever amassed such a collection." It is expected to sell for £40,000 ($77,000).
Reports: Greyback, Carrow actors cast for HBP
Posted By Matthew on 02-17-08 @ 2:00 AM - 24 comments | Link
Additionally, actor Ralph Ineson will portray the snide Amycus Carrow in the film, according to his agency's site. He has appeared in several episodes of the British version of The Office as Finch.
Thanks to those who let us know! We will update you once we hear from Warner Bros. regarding these reports.
JKR accepts awards, answers fans' questions
Posted By Matthew on 02-15-08 @ 1:36 AM - 20 comments | Link
At the University College in Dublin this week, JK Rowling accepted the James Joyce Award from the university's literary and historical society for her work as an author. At the ceremony, she read a passage from Deathly Hallows and answered fans' questions about the books.
The Independent reports that Jo said she would "never say never" to another Harry Potter book, but contrary to the report's spin, this is not a departure from any of her past statements. She has made similar comments in the past, while underscoring the slim likelihood of such an occurrence.
However, she did provide an updated answer to the question of which character she would most like to meet: "Dumbledore -- to apologise for outing him."
Isaacs disappointed with character's behavior
Posted By Matthew on 02-13-08 @ 11:09 PM - 24 comments | Link
In an interview with RottenTomatoes, Jason Isaacs (who plays Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter movies) expressed disappointment with his character's behavior, as it resulted in his exclusion from the Half-Blood Prince movie. He said: "It's a source of great embitterment in the Isaacs household. But he's in Azkaban, so what can you do?"
Issacs was hopeful that he would return to film Deathly Hallows: "I hope I'm coming back for seven. Dan's going to Broadway to do his play for a long time, so I don't know when or if I'm going to come back. But I'll be even more bitter if I don't get to return for seven!"
Dan debunks Spielberg directing rumors
Posted By Matthew on 02-12-08 @ 9:04 PM - 21 comments | Link
At this week's BAFTA awards ceremony in London, Daniel Radcliffe was asked about the rumor that has been circulating that Steven Spielberg is being considered to direct the seventh and final Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This is what he had to say:
"It's absolute rubbish that Spielberg is directing the final film. It's not true. There's absolutely no foundation in that at all.
"I have no idea how that rumour started or where it came from. It's not true. How's that for a definitive answer?"
It is standard practice in the Harry Potter franchise for the director of the previous film to be offered the chance to helm the next as well, so if David Yates is interested, chances are he will be given that opportunity.
Also at the ceremony, producers David Heyman and David Barron spoke openly about the possibility of splitting Deathly Hallows into two films, saying: "We are still discussing it. The announcement will be made hopefully in the not-too-distant future...It would be brilliant not to have to cut anything."
Fleur cut from 'Half-Blood Prince' movie
Posted By Matthew on 02-11-08 @ 7:54 PM - 50 comments | Link
Actress Clémence Poésy told MTV News today that her character, Fleur Delacour, will not appear in the upcoming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince movie. This indicates that Bill Weasley's part has also been cut from the film.
Clémence has yet to read either Half-Blood Prince or Deathly Hallows, but she says she will read them "back to back" on her next vacation. In the MTV interview, she also discusses her latest film, In Bruges, which features fellow Harry Potter actors Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes.
Anecdote of the day
Posted By Matthew on 02-09-08 @ 4:59 PM - 27 comments | Link
From today's Daily Record: An MP, who shall remain nameless, was telling me of the time he was invited to Jack McConnell's former gaff, Bute House. The great and the good of Scotland were there, some recognisable, some not.
Our MP took his place at the dinner table beside a woman called Jo. He hadn't a Scooby who she was but had been told she was a writer.
'So, Jo...' he said 'you're a writer. What sort of books do you write?'
Jo kindly filled him in... 'Harry Potter books'.
Photos, reports from Gloucester filming
Posted By Matthew on 02-08-08 @ 4:57 PM - 10 comments | Link
Several reports and batches of photos have emerged online from yesterday's and today's Half-Blood Prince filming at Gloucester Cathedral in England. Among those on set were Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, and Tom Felton, along with many extras. (Emma Watson was not in the scene.)
According to the reports, a potions scene was being filmed (with possible others to boot): "A quick look behind the scenes by our reporter revealed crew members apparently busy making magical potions ready for filming. The dark and deadly potions were actually made from "Covent Garden" brand soup into bowls, with different food colourings ready to be added...
"We also saw two sets of crutches - leading to speculation the hospital scenes after Ron falls from his broom in a game of Quidditch could be filmed there. And a group of elderly women were seen hurrying onto the set, suggesting that a scene of Dumbledore's funeral may be filmed."
'Half-Blood Prince' now filming at Gloucester
Posted By Matthew on 02-07-08 @ 8:47 PM - 14 comments | Link
Earlier today, filming started on Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince at Gloucester Cathedral in England, which was used as one of three off-location settings for Hogwarts in the early films. Actors on set include Daniel Radcliffe, Alan Rickman, and Maggie Smith. 170 students from a local school will participate as extras.
Gloucester City Council leader Paul James said, "It's great for the city. When it comes to film you don't get any bigger than Harry Potter....[T]he filming also gives the economy a boost. Local people are hired as extras, cast and crew shop in our shops and eat in our restaurants.
"There's a real buzz in the city, especially for the youngsters, a lot of whom are big Harry Potter fans."
OOTP victorious at RAAM Awards
Posted By Matthew on 02-06-08 @ 9:20 PM - 6 comments | Link
At a gala ceremony at London's Millennium Mayfair Hotel tonight, Warner Bros. received two awards -- top distributor and best movie for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. WB was boosted by the film's box office success, which factors into the awards.
The ceremony raised money for the Cinema & Television Benevolent Fund.
OOTP gets 6 nods at Empire awards
Posted By Matthew on 02-03-08 @ 9:04 PM - 17 comments | Link
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix has received six nominations for next month's Empire magazine awards, it was announced today. The movie's nominations include best picture, best actor (Daniel Radcliffe), best actress (Emma Watson), best director, best sci-fi/fantasy film, and best soundtrack.
The Empire awards ceremony will be held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Sunday, March 9. It will be hosted by comedian Rob Brydon.
Pansy actress possibly revealed for HBP
Posted By Matthew on 02-02-08 @ 8:56 PM - 21 comments | Link
According to British talent agency A&J Management, 17 year-old Scarlett Byrne will portray Pansy Parkinson in the upcoming movie Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. A&J Management is the same agency behind Jessie Cave, who plays Lavender Brown in the film.
Warner Bros. has yet to confirm this casting, but we will let you know when we find out more information. Thanks to TLC for the tip!
Jo recognized for 'unprecedented global reach'
Posted By Matthew on 01-31-08 @ 10:01 PM - 3 comments | Link
At the Morgan Stanley Great Britons awards last night, JK Rowling came away the winner of the Contribution to the Arts award. She was selected by the judges for her "unprecedented global reach" and for popularizing reading among children and adults around the world.
In her acceptance video, Jo said that she was "thrilled and honored" to win the award, also mentioning that 2007 was "a very bittersweet year for me."
"Fine, I'll try and teach him again!" Snape snarled at Professor Dumbledore.
"Severus, please, for me, don't take all those old wounds that you gained from James out on Harry. Harry is not James - do not blame him for what happened." Dumbledore spoke quietly, but his blue eyes held a warning. Snape sighed in frustration...
Disclaimer: Veritaserum is run by fans and is for the fans. We are in no way official and are not affiliated with J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., EA Games, Scholastic, or Bloomsbury. We do not own any of the characters in the books, movies, or games.
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