Architectural Digest has a new article online where they interview Stuart Craig, the Harry Potter set designer. Stuart has shared with them a bunch of never before seen sets from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II and how he designed them.  Those photos may be seen in the gallery.  Some of the descriptions may be read below, the rest can be seen in the article.

Part of the Battle of Hogwarts takes place in the school’s entrance hall, which was redesigned for the scene. “This is one example of how things just evolve and how Hogwarts changes from one movie to the next,” says Craig. “In the final battle, it’s required that the statues jump down and take part in the battle. So we needed to change the look of the entrance hall.” [accompanying photo]

Harry, Ron, and Hermione escape Gringotts on the dragon, crashing through the levels of the bank, including the marble hall shown in this concept drawing. Craig notes that, like the sets, the creatures have evolved. “Harry Potter, in its ten-year period, spanned quite a bound in technology. At the beginning, we would have done most things physically—even some of the creatures were sculpted full size and operated as animatronic creatures. Toward the end of the process, they became digital constructions and brilliantly real.” [accompanying photo]

 

In a new interview with Hollywood Outbreak Rita Skeeter actress Miranda Richardson talks about the Harry Potter series and its popularity.  Head over to this page to listen to the audio, I have written out a transcript that you may read below:

“I shouldn’t be surprised by now I suppose, but I am constantly surprised.  I do think it’s great from a kids’ point of view because they are engaging in storytelling and character, and also books as well as film. My point is that she got them back reading, she’s not the only author that’s about reading, Phillip Pulman is another one, it doesn’t matter which way round they come to it, if they see the movies I think the kids still want to read the books or vice versa. You know they’ve read the books and want to see if the movies live up to the books and they want to be those people, have those qualities. There’s no harmful stuff in there, I don’t think.” 

This morning we have been sent some information about an awesome event that will be held at the London Film Museum on July 2nd. The full press release may be read here.

Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) has unveiled plans for the spectacular Harry Potter: A Magical Event at the London Film Museum on Saturday 2 July 2011, just five days before the highly anticipated world premiere of the final film in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows –  Part 2.

Harry Potter fans are encouraged to don costumes and flock to London’s South Bank for this special, one-of-a-kind extravaganza that will allow enthusiasts to experience a spellbinding array of Harry Potter products and see actual film props and costumes that were used throughout the series.  All of the featured Harry Potter products will be on sale in advance of the 7 July premiere of the final film.

[continued here]

I may be in attendance but I’m not sure yet since that is the day I’m arriving in London.  If you guys are going to go be sure to comment and let me know!

In a new interview Robbie Coltrane briefly discusses the Harry Potter series.

Why do you think the Harry Potter film franchise has been so hugely successful?
“There is so much in the books and films. People always ask me why they’re so popular, and it’s because JK Rowling has very carefully not made them fashionable or trendy. No one is playing on the Wii or listening to an iPod. The stories are about friendship and trying to be true to yourself and be popular – the stuff we all go through as teenagers.”

Do Harry Potter fans approach you in the street?
“Because I’m bearded up as Hagrid, kids generally don’t recognise me. I very much appreciate that anonymity – especially when you see what happens to Alan Rickman, who plays Snape. He gets kids hissing at him in airports! But when kids do recognise me, they go all doe-eyed, which is great.”

More details have been released about Larry King’s Harry Potter special, the most noteworthy of which is that it will be airing on July 10th.

The second one will air on July 10th and will be an exclusive on the making of the last Harry Potters because it’s the end of the Harry Potter era. We’ll have all the principles and it will be very exciting.

Larry also tweeted that he will be interviewing some of the cast later this week.

Heading to NYC this week to do interviews for my Harry Potter special. What do you have for Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson & Rupert Grint?

Thanks Snitchseeker!

Evanna Lynch along with James and Oliver Phelps will be doing some Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II promotion in Italy in the beginning of July. A translation of the press release is as follows:

THE MAGICAL WORLD OF HARRY POTTER ON SHOW IN ITALY
Will be inaugurated on 2 and 3 July in Rome two events that celebrate the phenomenon of Harry Potter film and anticipate the upcoming theatrical release of the last highly anticipated film “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2”.

Waiting of the release of the last Italian film “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2”, from July 13 to the movies, Warner Bros. Pictures presents two events, retracing the steps of the entire saga, will allow all visitors and to the many fans to get in touch with the magical world of the young English magician.

Warner Bros. Pictures will bring in three Italian cities (Rome, Naples, Turin), the fantastic atmosphere of the movies with the installation, in the inner cities, photographs of upright monoliths blacks with the most beautiful images of the story of Harry Potter: real his artistic works in the open. A photographic retrospective of international scope, able to attract the attention of Italian and international tourists visiting our city.
This photo shows the stages of:

• Rome – Galleria Alberto Sordi (formerly Galleria Colonna) July 2 to 3
• Naples – Via Partenope July 5 to 9
• Turin – July 10 to 17 Mole

In addition, Ostia Lido, on the Roman coast, will be installed on a retrospective of the Customs of the Harry Potter saga. An exhibition space of over 150sqm inspired by one of the most striking scenes of the last episode. Scenography and light surround the costumes and objects of the most famous films, like the sign of the platform 9 ¾ from which the Hogwarts Express, a magical train that arrives non-stop from London to Hogwarts. Video screens also transmit images to preview the latest film.
The exhibition will be opened:

• 2 Saturday at 18:30 at the Galleria Alberto Sordi (Rome) – Photographs
• Sunday, July 3 at 18:30 Ostia Lido – Piazzale Magellan – costumes

Thanks Snitchseeker!

James Phelps also revealed where he will be going on his Harry Potter promotion tour:

On this tour I will be visiting..Spain,Holland,Italy,England,Ireland, Greece, France, Hong Kong and China.
Very excited! Dates to follow.

Evanna will be revealing her tour schedule soon according to this tweet.