|
 |
|
|
|
|
Full interview with Danielle Symonds
How long have you been involved in trying to get hopefuls into the film
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire?
I have been involved since the casting of the movie was announced. It was
actually the casting processes of the Harry Potter movies that inspired me
to start my own agency in the first place. I was so spellbound by the first
two movies, and wanted to be part of it myself. Then I realised that so many
others wanted parts, though not just in HP; just to act would be a dream
come true for a lot of people. In addition, there are so many scams and so
forth going on with agencies and young hopefuls that I decided to create my
own agency, something based on talent and determination only, and try and
get people into Harry Potter myself.
What parts did you present actors and actresses for?
I called the casting director, Fiona Weir, back in January, asking what
roles were available. She mentioned, quite obviously, the role of Cho, and
also described Cedric, Krum and Fleur. She told me that Fleur ‘HAS to be
French.’ Emilie had her heart set on the role from day one, and Andy was
also an exceptional candidate, and so I sent in a package consisting of
photographs and resumes of Emilie, Andy and also Matt, a boy on my books,
for the role of Cedric. These were the only three, as I had nobody on the
agency’s books that fitted the criteria of the other parts, as adult roles
are automatically offered to professional actors and actresses.
How far have the people you represent gotten in the casting for the film?
I received a phone call from Fiona the morning after I sent the package. I
was immediately told that Andy looked ‘too mature’ for the part of Fleur
(which was very disappointing as I assumed that she would do great) yet I
was also told that Emilie looked ‘very interesting’. Fiona wanted to see
more of Emilie, as all I had sent were pictures, and I was required to send
a tape of Emilie immediately. ‘Don’t get her too excited,’ I was told, ‘We
see hundreds of French girls.’ But seriously, it was rather exciting; to
have called the morning after the package was sent must have meant a great
interest.
I was later told by Fiona, after she had looked at the DVD that Emilie had
made, that there were already three Fleurs in the running, but that she
still wished to show the DVD to the director. About three weeks ago, I
received another reply from Fiona, saying that the role had been cast; they
had discussed Emilie but had chosen another girl. Basically Emilie had
reached the final four Fleur Delacours.
Do you know if any parts in Goblet of Fire have been cast, and if so,
what information do you have about the people who have been cast?
I know definitely that the part of Fleur has been cast, though I do not know
who she is. I suppose nobody will know until an official announcement is
made. All I know is that the girl who was chosen has experience, and has
done some films before. As for the other roles, I am unsure (though I gather
that Cho and Parvati have now been selected.)
What can you tell me about Emilie's experience in the Fleur Delacour
casting?
Emilie was shocked to see how interested the casting crew were in her, which
is highly understandable due to Goblet of Fire being a major production. I
knew from the start that she would probably go far in the casting, and told
her constantly that she should not get her hopes up too high. In my opinion,
if you see the glass as half-empty one can never be too disappointed! It
must have been upsetting when she found that she did not get the role, but
she had done all that she could have done, and happily accepts this. After
all, she beat practically thousands of hopefuls to the final four! In my
eyes, that is simply fabulous. Emilie is a very hopeful individual yet is
realistic in her goals, as well as being a lovely, caring person which will
take her far in her dreams of acting. Personally I think the whole process
made her a stronger person, and who knows, maybe there will be other roles
for her in the near future! It doesn’t all end here…
When did the Fleur casting process begin, and is it still going on?
It began probably around January-February, and no, it is now over. They have
found a Fleur, a French actress who has some film experience. Unfortunately
that is all I know.
You mentioned that the directors discussed Emilie as a possible Fleur.
Did they talk to you directly at any time? If so, what did they say? If
not, do you know what they said about Emilie or any of the other Fleur
candidates?
I do not know what exactly they said about Emilie or the other candidates; I
was notified by Fiona via email. I was told that they eventually went with
the other girl and to thank Emilie for her DVD. I suppose one factor may
have been the experience that this girl had. Experience does count in a lot
of cases which I find unfair, but in all honesty the decision lies with the
casting director. Unfortunately for all of us, Emilie will not be our
Beauxbatons champion.
More...
Fleur Decided article
Full interview with Emilie
Pictures
-April 10, 2004
|
|
|
|
| |
 |
|
