Bob McCabe, the author of Harry Potter: Page to Screen, recently talked about his experiences on the set of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Parts I and II. Some snippets from the interview may be read below:

Were you there on the last week of filming – what was the mood like on set?
I was on set for the very last day of filming – a Saturday, they finished in time for lunch (which was a barbecue with ice cream provided by Rupert Grint’s own ice c ream van.) The final shot itself was unremarkable but as soon as it was over, the entire cast and crew were assembled on set – we sat and watched the very first trailer for Deathly Hallows Part One, which no one had seen, and then there was a special film showing a clapperboard shot for every single day of the 200 plus day shoot in sequential order.

At which point just about everyone collapsed into tears, I was supplying Emma Watson with tissues as she, Dan and Rupert just cried and hugged each other, and everyone realised that is was all finally over. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.

What was the most surprising thing you uncovered when researching for the book?
One of the most impressive things was how normal everyone was. The whole Potter production – all ten years of it – has largely been based in a relatively remote location – Leavesden Studios, where there isn’t much else  around. As a result, everyone has found themselves stuck there, making the bets of the situation. And due to the producers keeping an eye on their young cast, everyone has had to balance movies, stardom and glamour with the realities of school and work.

Thankfully, everyone seems to have kept their feet on the ground. There were no egos, no one unwilling to talk for the book, no one who didn’t simply want to help. And, thankfully, no one just back from rehab.

You can order Harry Potter: Page to Screen at Barnes and Noble.