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Harry Potter Behind-the-Scenes Secrets
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The epic tale of Harry Potter redefined an entire generation. Not only did the series get people reading again, but it also inspired millions. We were taught to dream, stand up for ourselves, and always search for the magic in our hearts. Now move all that gooey stuff aside. Harry Potter and his friends really set the bar for what we could accomplish during our teen years. What many don’t realize is that it took more than magic to make those stories come to life. Whether it was making up the script as they went or sneaking candy onto the set, there were a lot of mystical things happening in that studio.
Besides, even if they were just films and books, the real magic was happening both on and off camera.
Yer Still A Student, Harry
Being an actor has got to be cool. You get screen time, lots of money, and you just might win some awards. All of that just to play dress-up and live in a magical land of make-believe? Sign us up right now! That’s not to say it doesn’t require a lot of focus. Thankfully, most actors only have to focus on their roles for work.
When it comes to kiddos, there are other things to consider. For instance, you still have homework. Yes, being on the cusp of becoming a mega-star is important. However, you can’t just forget about that test at the end of the day. Besides, studying multiplication tables in the Great Hall sounds really cool.
No Food In Class, Tom
Every person has a vice. Some of us bite our nails (ew). Others chew our hair (wait, what?). Even other people hold on to gum wrappers (who are you hanging out with?). Those with a more gluttonous habit like to always have a snack or two on hand. When you’re shooting for ten or twelve hours a day you’re bound to get hungry.
That doesn’t mean there’s time to constantly be noshing on something. What if your character is on a mission? Perhaps they don’t have food deep in the magical woods of Albania! Sometimes you need to get creative to keep an actor in character. A cheap way is grabbing a needle and thread and removing some options.
They’re Not Known For Driving
Driving is pretty complicated. While it’s second nature to many, that doesn’t mean it’s the safest thing to do. Muggles study for a long time before they can be on their own in a car. Wizards on the other hand can take a couple of shortcuts. That doesn’t mean that’s the best idea, though. Even if you’re magical there should still be laws about who can drive.
For instance: if you drive into a tree, that’s not good. If you drive into a magically aggressive tree, that’s even worse. One time may be a mistake, multiple times is more of a vendetta. Perhaps Harry and Ron just really didn’t like Herbology class?
Pucker Up for The Camera
Who was your first kiss? If you haven’t had it yet, then who do you want it to be? Whoa! Are you psychic? We were thinking about Idris Elba, too. Back in reality, that’s not always who we end up with. Kissing can be awkward, especially when you’re younger. Toss in doing it a few hundred takes for the camera and it can get downright silly.
Have you ever had to kiss a work colleague before? Did it end up in the HR Manager’s office? Regardless, something like that is no laughing matter. The trouble is, kids are kids, and they don’t really have to kiss coworkers until they’re much older. Just always make sure to ask if it’s okay!
A Sight For Sore Eyes
Not everyone has perfect vision. Thankfully, there’s a myriad of options to help someone get close to mystically strong eyesight. From contacts to LASIK, these days repairing eye issues is typically simple and inexpensive. It’s probably even easier in the wizarding world. There has got to be a spell or two that rectifies a cataract in a jiffy. That still doesn’t mean glasses aren’t some people’s must-have accessory.
Normally, a good pair can last a person years, if not indefinitely. When you are trying to fight the forces of evil though, a lens or two may get scratched. If you’re Harry Potter, it’s more like 320 lenses. Can someone get this kid some more durable specs?
Muggle Ailments Call For Muggle Solutions
Remember attending school and hearing the horrors of lice? These itchy little friends live on your scalp and walk amongst your hair. They also lay eggs on your head! Feel like scratching? Don’t worry. They make combs and shampoo for that. In the wizarding world, you’d think they could magic a louse away. Apparently, they’re impervious to most spells.
Thankfully, some muggles had a great idea and brought medical professionals to Hogwarts. Defense Against the Louse Arts was tough, but these magical menders fought bravely and won. They also got a bit of screen time as a bonus for defending the cast. It’s a good thing they were brought in. Could you imagine Hermione shaved bald for an entire movie?
Those Weren’t Computer Generated Slugs?
Would you ever eat a slug? What if they weren’t wiggling around? Okay, fine, it’s kind of gross, even if they’re disguised as escargot. That doesn’t mean you should be shoveling your face full of whatever is crawling around the garden. Some actors don’t get that choice. Thankfully, a big paycheck can fix their attitude right up.
Other times they’re more than happy to do what needs to be done. If they’re lucky, maybe the slugs aren’t real. If they are super-duper lucky, they may even taste delicious. It’s a good thing exotic food is a delicacy. It’s even better if they’re candy-flavored, right Rupert?
These Critters Weren’t Computer Generated
Adding a sense of realism is great in films. People love to feel like they can connect with an actor. They also like to believe they’re wherever the star is. Computer graphics have come a long way. In this day and age, a lot of wild animals are digitally added to movies. It’s safer for everyone. You do lose some of that reality when there are just pixels floating around.
That doesn’t cut it at Hogwarts. If you want to see real magic you’ve got to have real magical surroundings. It’s a good thing there’s an abundance of bats to help set the mood. Perhaps even Bruce Wayne could be contracted in for a future spin-off.
Candy Isn’t Always that Magical
Stick a bunch of kids in a candy store. Give them five minutes to themselves. Walk in. What do you have? Exactly: chaos incarnate. Candy and children go together easier than bees and honey. When you have a multi-level candy store to shoot in, you have to be prepared. Instead of just making a bunch of fake candy there’s a better plan.
What’s that you ask? Simple: lie to the children. Now, we’re not condoning lying. However, if it’s to protect someone from non-mystical cavities, maybe it’s okay. Besides, what type of magical ingredients go into living candied treats anyway? Who knows? This was a clever way of preserving the set and everyone’s teeth.
Beauty, Grace, And Flat on Her Face
We don’t care how you dress. Anyone can wear whatever they want to dress themselves in. You don’t have to be a witch or wizard to know that. However, we are here to give some advice. A big tip is this: learn how to move in your garments. Whether it’s low-rise jeans (we’re sorry, but they’re coming back) or a gown, learn to walk.
For one thing, it’s a safety concern. For another, you can’t strut around if you keep tripping. Pro-tip two: wear sensible shoes. You want to be able to waltz and duel a Death Eater. At the same time? Probably not. However, if the need arises you’ll be ready.