As we have posted previously, Sony will be releasing a new Harry Potter game this holiday season! Today they have emailed with some fun news, a trailer and behind the scenes video!

Featuring  original new writing from J.K Rowling and set in the restricted section of the Hogwarts library, Book of Spells is an advanced textbook for budding wizard students, designed to assist them on their journey to become an accomplished wizard. Fusing traditional storytelling with ground breaking technology it’s an interactive reading experience like no other… coming to life in your living room!

Using the PlayStation Move as a magic wand, turn the pages and watch to book come to life with giant paper dragons flying above you, a pumpkin fit to burst, and spells jumping off the pages name a few – it’s so cool and people so far are loving it! it’s half reading, half playing – so cool!

Full footage of Emma’s appearance on Anderson Live, which aired today, is now available online and may be watched below. Emma appeared with her Perks of Being a Wallflower costars Logan Lerman and Ezra Miller.

ac ew by masterofmystery

(Thanks to SnitchSeeker for the video)

Warner Bros. have opened their studio at Leavesden Studios today. It is the only film studio to be owned by a major Hollywood studio but will be available for use by other companies from anything ranging from commercials to feature films.

The new studio is spread across a secure 200-acre site and houses a collection of some of the largest sound stages in the UK spanning over a quarter of a million square feet, including one of the largest heated underwater filming tanks in Europe. In addition, the site provides an unrivalled, clear horizon 100 acre back-lot, one of the most extensive in Europe, which can be adapted for any production need.

Alongside the sound stages, which range in size from 10,000 to 36,000 square feet, are a series of workshops and a unique multi-function building, ideal for costume, props, camera, grip and all support services requirements. Moreover, there is a selection of fully furnished en-suite dressing and hair and make-up rooms, which are also adjacent to the stages, ensuring easy, covered and secure access to sets. Private, custom-built production suites offer impressive combinations of offices, open work areas and meeting rooms with WiFi throughout the whole facility.

In addition, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden has set up an on-site production rentals division, which will provide the film and TV industry with lighting equipment, scaffolding and production supplies for any stage or location shoot.

A few Warner Bros executives have talked about the impact this studio will have on the UK film industry.

Josh Berger President and Managing Director, Warner Bros. UK, Ireland and Spain, said: “Alongside a growing UK film, TV and games production slate, the opening of Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden clearly demonstrates the company’s commitment to the UK and underlines our belief in the world-class talent that resides on these shores. As well as helping to generate inward investment and create new jobs both locally and nationally, this significant infrastructure outlay – probably the single biggest the UK film industry has witnessed in decades – will further amplify the UK’s reputation as the go-to place for film and TV production.”

Dan Dark, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, commented, “Drawing on Warner Bros.’ unparalleled studio-operating experience, we have spent the last 18 months building a state-of-the-art facility that will provide clients with a highly functional and contemporary environment within which to film. The feedback we’ve already received from the production community has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Harry Potter fans venturing to London for the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter are in a treat. After moving around for years (and being outside the station last summer) the Platform 9 3/4 memorial has been given a permanent home at King’s Cross station in the New Western Departures Concourse after the 7 year renovation process. You can visit the entrance to the platform starting on March 19 when the new concourse opens.

The BBC also hints at the fact that Warner Bros. may be interested in a store located in the Western Concourse. This could mean a Harry Potter themed store to go along with Platform 9 3/4.

Wizards, Muggles, critics, Harry Potter fans and audiences of all ages have been charmed by Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience – A Parody by Dan and Jeff. With record-breaking ticket sales, Starvox Entertainment and Potted Productions have announced a final extension of the production, which will now run until Sunday, April 8 (Easter Sunday).

“We have never been part of a show that has had such universal acclaim and enjoyment from audiences of all ages,” said producer Corey Ross. “We could not be more pleased to bring such incredible talent to Toronto and share their magic.” The show has had an overwhelmingly positive critical response, including a four-star review from Richard Ouzounian, theatre critic for the Toronto Star. “Even if you don’t know your wand from a hole in the ground, I guarantee you’ll go positively potty over Potted Potter,” said Ouzounian.

Audiences of all ages have also been enthusiastically raving about the show, some of whom have come back two or three times. Children, especially, have loved the fun and accessible Potter-themed humour. The enthusiasm for the show has been palpable for the stars, Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner as well.

“We’ve been delighted to make our North American premiere in Toronto, and the response from Ontario audiences has been simply amazing,” said Clarkson and Turner. “We thought that our time here was going to be over soon, so it’s great that we are extending until Easter and will have some more time to enjoy Canada and the great Panasonic Theatre audiences!”

Potted Potter was originally booked for a two-week run at the Panasonic Theatre. Due to incredible public response and strong ticket sales, a first extension was announced in December and a second extension in February, for a total nine-week Canadian run.

Don’t miss this last chance to see Potted Potter on stage in Toronto. Tickets are still available for many shows, including special matinee performances during March break. The producers and cast have also created a special “buy three, get one free” offer as a thank-you to the incredibly supportive audience. Theatre-goers can use the code “FAM4” when purchasing tickets to redeem the offer. For tickets and a full schedule, please visit the Mirvish website.

Venue: Panasonic Theatre, 651 Yonge St., Toronto
Dates: Tuesday, February 14 to Sunday, April 8
Prices: $29.95 to $99.75

Tickets are available for purchase now at Mirvish.com and 1.800.461.3333.

Website: www.pottedpotter.com
Twitter: @PottedPotter, #PottedPotterTO
Facebook: Potted Potter

The three awards that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II was nominated for at the Academy Awards have been announced and sadly Potter lost out to Hugo in 2 categories and The Iron Lady to another.  Art Direction and Visual Effects went to HUGO and Makeup was awarded to The Iron Lady.  I know many of us hoped that Harry Potter would pull a Lord of the Rings and finally be recognized for the last film, but the Academy didn’t agree.  But we all know that Harry Potter is deserving of all the awards.

Kenneth Branagh, who was up for Best Supporting Actor for My Week with Marilyn, lost to Christopher Plummer.

Gary Oldman is up for Best Actor for Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, which will be announced later this evening, so there is still hope for one of the Potter cast to walk away with something.

UPDATE: Gary lost out to Jean Dujardin of The Artist for Best Actor.