"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 03-29-08 @ 10:47 PM - 13 comments | Link
In a report that will be released Tuesday, Bloomsbury chief executive Nigel Newton will announce that sales of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows last year helped Bloomsbury reach record profits of £17 million ($33.8 million), compared to £5.2 million ($10.3 million) in 2006.
And according to the Sunday Herald, Newton "will claim that the Potter effect will continue for years ahead as the group dips into cash reserves of more than £40m, built up from past Potter sales, to promote new talent and to make further acquisitions."
Bloomsbury's stock has fallen in the past year as investors question how they can replicate the financial success of the Harry Potter series, and most likely, it will take several years before we get a clear picture of the company's post-Potter future. But with the cash influx from them, the publishing house certainly has an opportunity to sieze.
JKR visits jail, gives prisoners 'real boost'
Posted By Matthew on 03-28-08 @ 8:33 PM - 14 comments | Link
JK Rowling visited Edinburgh Prison yesterday, where she read to inmates and presented them with awards as part of a program to develop literacy among those in jail.
A spokesman for the Shannon Trust, which organized the event, said, "We were delighted that JK Rowling was able to visit. She gave the prisoners a real boost. Some were just starting out on the scheme and this gave them a real incentive to continue learning. Prison can be a lonely place for learners, so knowing there are international figures like JK Rowling supporting them makes a huge difference to them."
65% of prisoners are at an 11 year-old's reading level, and programs like Toe to Toe work to rectify that problem.
After visiting the prison, Jo said, "Learning to read represents a significant turning point in anyone's life, and may be the one thing that makes a difference to help people in prison turn their lives around."
Harry's presence felt on college campuses
Posted By Matthew on 03-25-08 @ 7:24 PM - 14 comments | Link
CNN has an article up today about Harry Potter's impact on college campuses across America, exploring the courses and external studies it has inspired. Among the schools that currently offer Potter-related classes are Yale University, Stanford University, Georgetown University, and Kansas State University.
At Yale, Danielle Tumminio teaches a class on the books and Christian theology, which analyzes the role of prominent Christian themes like sin and resurrection in the series. She said, "It was a struggle for me as I put the class together, because I knew if I didn't construct this really well...that a lot of what I was doing would be missed or misconstrued. I certainly didn't want to come across as someone trying to indoctrinate my students. I also wanted to make it clear that it was a critical endeavor, and that it wasn't...that you'd sit around all day talking about how great Luna Lovegood was."
K-State professor Philip Nel expressed some frustration with those who don't take the topic seriously, saying, "Harry Potter is unfairly maligned simply because of the audience for which it is intended. Children's literature is literature, and if people don't agree with that definition, it's sort of hard to have a conversation with them. They see things that...are easily accessible as therefore not serious and therefore not worthy of serious inquiry."
Jo expected to appear in court for Lexicon case
Posted By Matthew on 03-24-08 @ 6:09 PM - 11 comments | Link
It is being reported today that JK Rowling is expected to appear in a New York court sometime next month as part of the Harry Potter Lexicon lawsuit. Both she and Warner Bros. are suing Michigan-based publisher RDR Books for attempting to publish the contents of the Lexicon website in book form, which she says would undermine her own Potter encyclopedia when it is published.
The case will go to trial on April 14. When asked about Rowling, an RDR lawyer said, "We asked for her and they said they would provide her. I would say it would be very unlikely that she would not appear."
Rupert says Emma is 'brilliant' at ping pong
Posted By Matthew on 03-22-08 @ 7:14 PM - 31 comments | Link
In an interview with The Sun, actor Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) spoke about playing ping pong during his free time on the Half-Blood Prince set. He revealed: "I've got a table tennis table on set and were always playing between scenes. Dan has been having a lucky few months and we've both been getting really good but Emma is brilliant. We rarely play her now because it gets quite embarrassing."
Harry Potter video wins at YouTube Awards
Posted By Matthew on 03-21-08 @ 9:11 PM - 24 comments | Link
A Potter Puppet Pals video that was released last March was named Best Comedy video at the YouTube Video Awards today. The video, which can be seen here, has racked up more than 37 million views since its debut last year, making it the third most viewed comedy video of all time on the site.
Of the six comedy video nominees, the Potter Puppet Pals video won with 33.6% of the vote.
First edition nets $8,000 at auction
Posted By Matthew on 03-20-08 @ 8:30 AM - 15 comments | Link
After being sold by a library for £2 ($4), a rare first edition of the first Harry Potter book was auctioned off at £4,000 ($7,930) at Christie's in London yesterday. The book included a slip of paper with JK Rowling's signature on it, which the owner won in a contest in 2000.
A Christie's spokesman said, "Like most library copies, the book has had its vicissitudes and has been restored. But this is the Harry Potter that everyone wants."
Maggie Smith diagnosed with breast cancer
Posted By Matthew on 03-19-08 @ 12:21 PM - 36 comments | Link
In a piece of sad news today, Dame Maggie Smith, who plays Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter movies, has been diagnosed with breast cancer. According to the Mirror, she has undergone chemotherapy and the prognosis now "looks good."
"She is dealing with it in her typically brave and understated way," a friend said.
Rupert: 'I think I'll miss' HP series
Posted By Matthew on 03-17-08 @ 10:42 PM - 26 comments | Link
Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) talked to The Sun today about filming the Quidditch scenes in Half-Blood Prince. He said, "You sit on a broomstick for hours and it starts to hurt. It gives you a numb bum."
He also spoke about his future, saying, "We’ll be finished filming in a few months. Then we’ll be making the final ever one. I think I’ll miss it....I’d like to do a comedy movie next but we’ll have to see what comes up."
HBP to be released in IMAX in November
Posted By Matthew on 03-16-08 @ 11:52 PM - 17 comments | Link
Richard L. Gelfond, IMAX Co-Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer, said that "we expect that as with 'Harry Potter 5,' certain sections of the film such as the finale will be presented in IMAX 3D." We'll let you know when we find out what parts of the movie will be shown in 3D.
Videos from Half-Blood Prince Set
Posted By Linda on 03-14-08 @ 8:48 PM - 19 comments | Link
E!'s Daily 10 aired two videos from the Half-Blood Prince set at Gloucester Cathedral. The first video, which aired Thursday evening, is a brief interview with Daniel Radcliffe about the Deathly Hallows film split.
The second video, which aired earlier today, includes interviews with Daniel, Rupert Grint, and Tom Felton. There is also a look at some of the scenes being filmed.
Yates: 'Great privilege' to direct 'Hallows'
Posted By Matthew on 03-13-08 @ 1:29 PM - 27 comments | Link
Warner Bros. officially announced today that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be split into two films, which will be released in November 2010 and May 2011, as was reported yesterday.
David Yates, who will direct both parts of the movie, said, "I've had great pleasure working with a tremendous cast and crew thus far, on both 'the Order of the Phoenix' and 'the Half-Blood Prince.' It's a wonderful world to work in and be part of and to create within, and I consider it a great privilege to continue to bring Jo's extraordinary world to the screen, and to be the director to complete this epic and exhilarating journey."
David Heyman again weighed in: "The Deathly Hallows is so rich, the story so dense and there is so much that is resolved that after discussing it with Jo, we came to the conclusion that two parts were needed to do it justice."
'Deathly Hallows' to be split into two films
Posted By Matthew on 03-12-08 @ 9:25 PM - 76 comments | Link
The Los Angeles Timesreports today that, for the first time in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be split into two films, the first of which will be released in November 2010 and the second of which will come out in May 2011. According to the paper, David Yates will direct both films, and Steve Kloves will return as screenwriter for them both as well.
Daniel Radcliffe was interviewed about the decision, saying, "I think it's the only way you can do it, without cutting out a huge portion of the book. There have been compartmentalized subplots in the other books that have made them easier to cut -- although those cuts were still to the horror of some fans -- but the seventh book doesn't really have any subplots. It's one driving, pounding story from the word go."
Producer David Heyman agreed: "Unlike every other book, you cannot remove elements of this book. You can remove scenes of Ron playing Quidditch from the fifth book, and you can remove Hermione and S.P.E.W. and those subplots...but with the seventh, that can't be done."
JK Rowling is said to have agreed to the two-movie plan. It has yet to be determined where in the storyline the first film will cut off, and whether it will end with suspense or some resolution. The first film will be called Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One, and the second will be called, predictably, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two.
Photos from weekend 'Half-Blood Prince' shoot
Posted By Matthew on 03-10-08 @ 1:17 PM - 5 comments | Link
On Sunday, Half-Blood Prince crew members shot footage for the film at London's Millenium Bridge. No actors were on set, but Pottermaniac has posted pictures of the crew's equipment and the scene the day of the shoot -- check them out!
Yates wins award, hints at 'Deathly Hallows'
Posted By Matthew on 03-09-08 @ 10:11 PM - 12 comments | Link
At tonight's Empire Awards ceremony in London, Order of the Phoenix director David Yates won an award for helming the film. OOTP was nominated for several other awards, but his was the only win of the night. Afterwards, when asked about rumors he will also direct Deathly Hallows, Yates said: "We're talking about it every day. But I can't really say right now. I'm tempted, certainly."
With Yates's obvious interest, it is highly likely that he will sign on as the HPDH director in the coming weeks or months, as Harry Potter directors have historically been given the opportunity to continue in the series if they desire.
Jim Broadbent, Jason Isaacs, Emma Watson, Katie Leung, and Evanna Lynch also attended the ceremony. Some photos of them are up at Empire's website. Thanks to HPANA for the tip!
Jo 'slowly piecing' encyclopedia together
Posted By Matthew on 03-08-08 @ 10:14 PM - 13 comments | Link
In an in-depth interview with the University of Edinburgh's Student newspaper, JK Rowling was asked about her work on her Harry Potter encyclopedia. She said: "I am working on it in fact. I just don't want to have to work to a deadline, but I am slowly piecing it together."
Jo also reiterated that she is working on a children's book and a book for adults that "may never see the light of day at all." But she wouldn't reveal any more than that, saying, "The minute I say anything, immediately my life becomes more complicated."
She also touches on a host of other issues in the interview, from Laura Mallory and fundamentalism to Dumbledore's sexuality. The interview can be read here, thanks to TLC.
Emma slated to present at Empire Awards
Posted By Matthew on 03-07-08 @ 8:05 PM - 12 comments | Link
Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) updated her official website today with the news that she is scheduled to present an award at this Sunday's Empire Awards in London. She writes that "things will get really busy with exam preparations after this weekend, so this will be my last evening of freedom!"
She also expressed her desire that Order of the Phoenix, which has received nominations for Best Actor (Daniel Radcliffe), Best Actress (Emma herself), Best Director, Best Sci-fi/Fantasy, Best Soundtrack, and Best Film, will come away victorious.
Finnish 'Deathly Hallows' translation released
Posted By Matthew on 03-07-08 @ 2:58 PM - 5 comments | Link
The Finnish translation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was released at midnight last night, prompting much fanfare. One 15 year-old interviewed at a bookstore's midnight event said, "I have to get the book straightaway. It doesn't matter that I have read the book already in English."
The Finnish edition had a first print run of 180,000 copies, which is a new record for the country. The previous record of 140,000 copies was, rather unsurprisingly, set by Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in 2005.
Mike Newell to direct 'Prince of Persia'
Posted By Matthew on 03-06-08 @ 12:48 PM - 3 comments | Link
Mike Newell, who was the director of the fourth Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, has signed on to helm a new adventure film called Prince of Persia: Sands of Time. The Disney movie will be based off of the successful video game series and will be shot in Morocco. The studio is hopeful that the film, which will be released in June 2009, will be the first of a popular series (which will, of course, depend on its success).
JKR makes 2008 world billionaires list
Posted By Matthew on 03-05-08 @ 9:36 PM - 6 comments | Link
JK Rowling once again made Forbes' list of world billionaires this year, coming in at #48 with an estimated net worth of $1 billion. She is the only author on the list, making her the wealthiest author in the world. Forbes writes:
Once a single mother living on welfare in a cold-water flat in Edinburgh, Scotland, Rowling is now the only billionaire author on our list. The seventh and last installment of her wildly successful Harry Potter series was released last July to throngs of rabid fans who made it the fastest-selling book of all time. More than 11 million copies were sold in the first 24 hours. Feeding the Potter hype machine: The film version of the fifth book came out the same month.
Helen McCrory on the HBP set this week
Posted By Matthew on 03-04-08 @ 5:29 PM - 15 comments | Link
Helen McCrory, who will play Narcissa Malfoy in the upcoming Half-Blood Prince movie, will start filming her role this week. Her husband, actor Damian Lewis, revealed that scheduling information on a morning television show earlier this week, saying that Helen is "extremely excited" for her part, and that she has "been on all the blogs, looking at just how much more excited everyone else is."
Posted By Matthew on 03-03-08 @ 10:24 PM - 10 comments | Link
According to Digital Spy, two men caused a disruption to the filming of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince when they streaked across the shooting area during a scene. Daniel Radcliffe and Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange), who were in the scene, cut short their scene while security dealt with the intruders.
The Sun quoted a source saying, "Seeing naked bodies was a laugh but the joke wore thin." The shoot took place on location in Farnham, Surrey, which is south of London.
Jo once again writing in cafes
Posted By Matthew on 03-02-08 @ 8:18 PM - 3 comments | Link
The Telegraph reports that JK Rowling is once again writing in cafes in Edinburgh, Scotland, her hometown. She told the newspaper: "I am very good at finding a suitable cafe. I blend into the crowd and, of course, I don't sit in the middle of the bar staring all around me. In 90 percent of cases, it's the cafe's staff who allow me to work without being bothered."
She also revealed to the paper that she intends to "continue writing for children because that's what I enjoy. It's left me with the biggest emptiness in my life. I believe that it's good for me and good for my readers that I bring myself to work on something different."
Mrs. Weasley voted 'best mom' in new poll
Posted By Matthew on 03-01-08 @ 9:37 PM - 42 comments | Link
The Sunday Mirrorreports that Molly Weasley has been voted the best mother in movies in a new poll conducted by LoveFilm, beating out Marge Simpson of The Simpsons and the title character in Erin Brockovich.
Additionally, Mrs. Weasley actress Julie Walters revealed in an interview this weekend that Prince Charles of Wales, who awarded her a CBE at Buckingham Palace on Thursday, is a Harry Potter fan: "The Prince said... what great fun they were," she said.
"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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