TQS StaffThe numbers…
With 8 films made over a period of approximately 10 years, the tale of this trainee wizard hit the world by storm. Adapted from J. K. Rowling’s 7 book series which received phenomenal applause when it was released, the films introduced her intriguing characters, incredible creatures and thrilling plotlines to the big screen for a marvel unlike anything seen before.
The studio…
The studio which was home to the production of the Harry Potter films now plays host to a spectacular tour of the making of Harry Potter. The walking tour takes you behind the scenes of these remarkable films and uncovers the secrets that brought them to life on the big screen.
From stunning sets to popular props, visitors can discover even more about the magical world of Harry Potter. Visit www.wbstudiotour.co.uk for an intriguing insight into this great day out and to look at booking your very own tour.
The tour…
The tour takes in a spectacular, handcrafted scale model of Hogwarts Castle. It took 86 artists and crew members to construct the first version of the castle which was subsequently rebuilt and altered on numerous occasions for the following 7 films.
Over the life of the film’s production, the man hours taken to complete the work on the castle equate to over 74 years.
The sets…
The set of the Great Hall was used in all 8 films and features a solid, York stone floor. It can seat 400 children and the artificially aged house tables even have the artwork and graffiti of apprentice wizards engraved on them for authenticity.
Behind the high table is the mechanism for awarding house points, which incorporates tens of thousands of Indian glass beads contained within four hourglasses. Rumour has it this masterpiece of set design was responsible for a national shortage of beads when it was first installed.
During the filming of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, a giant water tank was built to create the water scene sequences of the Tri-wizard Tournament. This is the largest underwater filming tank in Europe and Daniel Radcliffe spent so much time in it, that he completed his PADI diving certificate.
The reason for this incessant submersion was experimentation to create the illusion of Harry Potter’s webbed hands. The effect was finally realised for the screen with very fine ladies tights worn over his hands and arms.
The largest set created for the Harry Potter films was the Ministry of Magic. It took 22 weeks to build the Ministry’s Atrium which was large enough to contain 50 London buses.
From the largest sets to the smallest props, no detail was spared in the making of the films. In fact, Daniel Radcliffe worked his way through 160 pairs of Harry’s iconic glasses and approximately 70 of his wands.
