The first HarryPotter movie turns 20 in less than two weeks.
Given the popularity of the books, did you feel pressure making the first “Harry Potter” movie?
I had every expectation that I would probably be fired within the first two weeks. I was very, I don’t want to say anxious, but aware of the fact that if I screw this up, I probably will never work again. And I would have millions of fans that my door just infuriated. I knew I was taking on something fairly gigantic, and I’ve never been involved in a project that had so much scrutiny. Aside from Warner Brothers hiring me, I still had to meet with Jo Rowling. She had the final say.
I don’t think since I went to the screening the very first day it opened. I was in London at the time, we were already shooting “Chamber of Secrets.” That’s when I saw the film completed. And I haven’t seen it since. That being said, I see pieces of it all the time, particularly from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day when it’s on every single cable channel 24 -7. If I’m flipping through the channels, I’ll stop and watch a scene. It is very melancholy because I’m very proud of this first film.
Not really, because the lion’s share of my work was dealing with all the kids. I had the fortune of working with probably the greatest British cast in a long time: Alan Rickman, Robbie Coltrane, Richard Harris and Maggie Smith. They understood their characters immediately because everyone had read the books. When you’re working with British actors, there’s the sense of high professionalism. You get a lot of American stars who are complaining that their trailer isn’t as big as someone else’s.
Not at all. Since “Home Alone,” I’ve always had a superstition about doing test screenings in Chicago, so the studio flew us from London to Chicago to screen the film. At that point, it was nearly three hours long. We did the focus group, and all the parents said the film is too long, and all the kids said it’s too short.I knew it was working when I saw kids at that screening sprinting to go to the bathroom and sprinting back because they didn’t want to miss anything.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
27 'Harry Potter' Things That Are Bonkers Now That I'm An AdultThere is no spell to stop students from entering the Forbidden Forest.
Read more »
Here’s Why Zillow Stock Plunged 20%—And Why It Won’t Flip Houses AnymoreThe announcement came as part of Zillow’s third-quarter earnings report, which widely missed estimates.
Read more »
UTA Promotes 50 Across 20 DivisionsUTA said Wednesday that it has given promotions to 50 staffers across 20 divisions, in positions ranging from agents to coordinators to executives. The agency did not disclose names but said the de…
Read more »
Raiders' Damon Arnette Injured Woman In Violent '20 Car Crash, Lawsuit ClaimsRaiders corner Damon Arnette has been accused of injuring a woman in a car crash last year, according to a new lawsuit obtained by TMZ Sports.
Read more »
Why ‘Once More, With Feeling’ is still the perfect musical episode, 20 years onTo celebrate the anniversary of the landmark episode of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer,' four fans discuss its brilliance — and its enduring legacy.
Read more »
20 Celebs Who Have Different Hair Colors From What They're Famous ForSuddenly feeling the urge to dye my hair!
Read more »