Wizard Rock EP of the Month Club 2008

With stupendous reviews from wizard rock fans and bands alike, Joe and Paul DeGeorge of Harry and the Potters have announced that they plan to continue the Wizard Rock EP of the Month Club in 2008! They have already donated $13,000 to First Book with money raised from the 2007 EP of the Month Club.

Members of the EP of the Month Club receive three exclusive, limited-edition albums from wizard rock bands at four different points in the year. This year, the bands include Harry and the Potters, The Whomping Willows, the Hermione Crookshanks Experience, The Mudbloods, Catchlove, Gred and Forge, Justin Finch-Fletchly and the Sugar Quills, The Nifflers, The Giant Squidstravaganza, The Basilisk in Your Pasta, and Gryffindor Common Room Rejects. The proceeds from this year's project will be split evenly between two fantastic organizations: The Harry Potter Alliance and First Book.

Also, remember to check out MuggleNet's brand new Wizard Rock section! With interviews and song samples from over 170 bands and several podcasts, there will surely be something for fans of every genre. Don't forget to write a review for your favorite wizard rockers!

(SOURCE: MUGGLENET)

USA Today Names "Deathly Hallows" Top Book of 2007

There is a new set of stories online from USA Today regarding the spectacular sales of the final book in author J. K. Rowling's series, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," and of the impact this, and other books, had on the publishing industry this past year. In a series of reports, the magazine notes the smashing of "records with its 12-million-copy first printing" and the staggering "8.3 million [copies] sold in its first 24 hours" when the novel finally hit bookshelves on July 21, 2007. In the first article, USA Today names the Harry Potter novels, along with the sudden increase in popularity of paperback editions of books, the biggest trends of 2007.

"Deathly Hallows" also received the top honor when the online edition of the paper released their list of Top 100 books for 2007, naming the seventh installment of the series number one. Interestingly enough, the previous six Harry Potter novels, each of them having been in print for many years, were also ranked among 2007's top books. The sixth novel, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," came in at number 11 on the list while the remaining books of the series ranked as follows:

33. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
36. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
70. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
88. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
96. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Finally, the paper takes a look back at the number one books for each week of 2007, attempting to decipher the reading habits and influences which made that particular book tops during a specific time. Noting that no another book came close to the sales of "Deathly Hallows" in 2007, the report says this of the novel's place at number one:

The weekend of July 21 marked the end of an era. That's when the seventh and final Harry Potter book went on sale, pulling the other six books in the series high onto the list. Even the Harry Potter Schoolbooks ("Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" and "Quidditch Through the Ages") made an appearance on the Top 150 list. Rowling is such a giant force that Potter books accounted for 8% of all sales tracked on the list in 2007. She is the year's top-selling author, selling nearly three times as many books as No. 2 author James Patterson. Deathly Hallows is the No.1 book of 2007, selling nearly three times as many copies as its nearest competitor, No. 2 The Secret.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" Nominated for Costume Designers Guild Award

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix received another nomination today, this from the Costume Designers Guild. The costumes created by Jany Temime for the fifth Harry Potter film received a nomination in the Fantasy Feature Film category. Others nominated include "Enchanted, " "The Golden Compass," "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," and "300." The Costume Designer Guild Awards will be presented on February 19 in Los Angeles, California. Congratulations Jany Temime!

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Movie Magic Magazine Feature on Future of Harry Potter Films

Movie Magic Magazine, on newsstands and in bookstores now, talks of the last three Harry Potter films, "Order of the Phoenix, "Half-Blood Prince," and "Deathly Hallows" in a multiple page spread in their January 2008 issue. Featuring scores of previously released photos from the "Order of the Phoenix" filming, the magazine contains interviews with Dan Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Emma Watson (Hermione Granger), and Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling. In the interview with Dan Radcliffe, he speaks briefly of returning to the set after a filming break while Rupert, in his interview, speaks of the romantic turn taking place between his character and Hermione Granger. He says:

"Filming a kiss scene or a love scene, that would be awkward, I think. I imagine the first time we do it, we might just burst into laughter, because of course we're friends, and it's just going to be strange at first. Of course, with movies, you have to film things over and over again, so eventually we'll get it right, but the first time, if we have to kiss, it's just going to be awkward as anything. Still, I think I'd like Ron's kiss to be very enthusiastic. Harry's first kiss was very nice, but I think Ron is going to be very enthusiastic about finally kissing Hermione."

In addition to a look at the making of the fifth film, this magazine features Director David Yates and Producer David Heyman discussing beginning work on the sixth film, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." Photos and reports, we first brought you back in October, showing some of the first of the on-location filming of "Half-Blood Prince" in Lacock, England, were also included in this extended feature on the Harry Potter movies.

You can see a number of scans from this issue and read snippets of the articles here in our Image Galleries thanks to Magical-Menagerie.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" an ALA Notable Book

The American Library Association continued handing out awards, and included another mention for the final book in the Harry Potter series. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling was named on the list of 2008 Notable Children's Books, specifically in the "Older Reader" category.According to the ALA "as applied to children's books, notable should be thought to include books of especially commendable quality, books that exhibit venturesome creativity, and books of fiction, information, poetry and pictures for all age levels (birth through age 14) that reflect and encourage children's interests in exemplary ways." You can read the entire list of books here.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Two BAFTA Nominations for "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts has nominated Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix for awards in two categories. The fifth Harry Potter film was nominated in the category for "Production Design" (Stuart Craig/Stephenie McMillan), and "Special Visual Effects" (Tim Burke/John Richardson/Emma Norton/Chris Shaw). Also, actress Julie Christie (Madam Rosmerta) was nominated as "Best Actress" for her performance in the film "Away from Her." The BAFTAs will be presented February 10 at the Royal Opera House in London, England, with the show hosted by Jonathan Ross and to be broadcast on the BBC. Congratulations to all at OotP!

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

J.K. Rowling One of 50 Greatest British Post War Writers

The Times newspaper has compiled a list of the top 50 greatest British writers since 1945, and J.K. Rowling was ranked at number 42. Noting that children read the Harry Potter books "simply because they love them, and because Rowling has an extraordinary ability to hold the reader until the very last page," the paper continues:

"She has created a world that children want to enter and never leave.Like all the classic British children’s fantasy writers, Rowling sets the epic firmly in the domestic, everyday world. Yes, she uses some familiar elements (show me the “literary” author who hasn’t borrowed themes from previous literary authors), such as wizards, witches, boarding schools and orphans destined for greatness, but she builds a new and very detailed world out of them. With its satires on politics, education and the media, though, her world is far from simplistic. These are well-told stories that will enthral, amuse, scare and delight children for generations to come.

One to read: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (1997) — because you should always start a good story at the beginning."

Others of note on the list include Philip Pullman (43), Roald Dahl (16), C.S. Lewis (11), J.R.R. Tolkien (6), George Orwell (2), and Philip Larkin was listed at the top spot.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" Audio Book Honored by ALA

Today, the American Library Association announced their winners for the year's top books, videos and audiobooks for children and young adults. In the first ever Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production, the audiobook of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows narrated by Jim Dale, was named an honor title with the winning title going to Jazz. The US audiobooks of the Harry Potter series are produced by Listening Library, and you can hear excerpts of all seven of the narrations by Jim Dale via this link.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Stuart Craig to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award from Art Directors Guild

The Art Directors Guild will honor Harry Potter production designer Stuart Craig this year, as he will be given a special Lifetime Achievement Award. Stuart Craig, who has been nominated for the Oscars twice for his production design work on the Harry Potter films, and has won the Academy Award three times for his work on other films such as The English Patient and Gandhi, will be given this special honor when the Guild presents their awards next month.

Also, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix has been nominated for an award from the Art Directors Guild, receiving a nod for excellence in production design Fantasy Film category. Other films nominated along with Stuart Craig's work on OotP include Dennis Gassner for "The Golden Compass,Rick Heinrichs for "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," Harley Jessup for "Ratatouille" and James Bissell for "300."

The 12th Annual Art Directors Guild Awards will be presented in Los Angeles, California on February 16. Congratulations Stuart Craig!

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Emma Watson Updates About Filming Slughorn's Party Scene in "Half-Blood Prince"

Actress Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) has updated her website today with a diary entry on filming for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. She writes today was her first scene working with actor Jim Broadbent, who will be portraying Professor Horace Slughorn in the sixth Harry Potter film. Emma writes:

"It's amazing to be working with him. It's also great because I have been eating profiteroles ALL DAY at Slughorn's dinner party!!!"

Emma goes on to note that she has been hard at work studying for her exams, and she also thanked all who supported her by watching her recent television film "Ballet Shoes.

"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" will be released on November 21, 2008.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Rickman, Spall, and Bonham Carter Attend "Sweeney Todd" Premiere in London

Actors from the Harry Potter films Alan Rickman (Professor Snape), Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange), and Timothy Spall (Wormtail) were in attendance this past evening at the European premiere of their new film, "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street." The event took place at the Odeon Leicester Square in London, England and photos showing the actors on the red carpet, in addition to group photos of the cast inside, are now online. You can view the images of the always dashing Alan Rickman, ravishing Helena Bonham Carter, and family man Timothy Spall in our Image Galleries right here.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

J.K. Rowling to be Honored by South Bank Show Awards?

There is a new report online tonight claiming that J.K. Rowling is to receive a special honor at the upcoming South Bank Show Awards. Richard Kay, columnist for The Daily Mail writes that the Harry Potter author is "due to receive an award for outstanding achievement" at the 12th annual South Bank Show Awards. He continues "But who has been asked to honour Miss Rowling? Step forward Madonna. The hyperactive warbler is a Potter fan, as is her 11-year-old daughter Lourdes. So both have been asked to come on stage and present the award to Miss Rowling."

While this would no doubt be quite an event, we are trying to find out more about this and will update when we can. The South Bank Show Awards will be presented at the Dorchester Hotel in London, England on January 29th, then later broadcast on UK channel ITV Sunday, February 3rd.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Narcissa Actress Talks About Filming Potter

A new interview with Helen McCrory, Narcissa Malfoy in Half-Blood Prince, has been published by The Independent. On filming the highly-anticipated movie, she says:

"I'm looking forward to it. It's unusual to have such a successful film only starring British actors. I have really started to enjoy the craft of film acting. I do a lot more film and television now than theatre. The difference between screen and stage is that in theatre it's tangible whether someone can act or not. I've worked with people, who will remain nameless, where a film scene has had to be cobbled together from a whole day's worth of takes because the actor is [bad]. They can't remember the lines; if they do remember the lines, they can't remember the moves. In the final project, they will look great, because the director will cut the film for them. In theatre, you can't employ someone who can't remember their bloody lines. That's the difference."

(SOURCE: MUGGLENET)

'Order of the Phoenix' Wins People's Choice Award

The People's Choice awards where announced this evening in the U.S. and the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix movie won the award for 'Favorite Movie Drama.'

You can watch Daniel Radcliffe's acceptance speech by clicking the picture of Daniel below:

(SOURCE: HPANA)

MTV Considers HBP's Oscar Potential

Considering the teaser trailer has yet to be released, this may be a tad premature, but we aren't complaining. In their list of most-anticipated upcoming films this year, MTV considers the possibility of Half-Blood Prince generating Oscar buzz for our leading guys and gal:

[A]ll eyes are on director David Yates as he attempts to bring them to life while matching the book's emotional impact. Last year's "Order of the Phoenix" gave us darker imagery and dramatically heftier acting from the leads. Now, with the magical series winding down, could "Prince" be the film that finally stirs up Oscar buzz for Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and/or Emma Watson? With enormous sets like the underground cave that houses one of Voldemort's Horcruxes, and new characters that include Jim Broadbent's enigmatic potion master, Horace Slughorn, Yates certainly has his work cut out for him. If only there were a spell that could transport us to November.

Check out the full list here.

(SOURCE: VERITASERUM)

New Pictures from Potter Park Construction

Two websites that follow Universal Studios developments have recently updated with new construction photos and information regarding the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Theme Park.

First, Universal Ignited has three new pictures of construction on their site. While it doesn't show much, we do see that progress in terms of land clearing is being made.

Second, Screamscape has a YouTube video revealing two concept images we saw in the JK Rowling documentary. One, seen left, is the Hogwarts Express on display for visitors. The other appears to be Hogsmeade or Diagon Alley.

We'll continue to bring you updates as construction rolls along. As we reported back in August, the theme park is scheduled to open between December 2009 and June 2010.

(SOURCE: MUGGLENET)

Blu-Ray Format DVDs Exclusive to WB Releases Starting Mid 2008

Warner Bros. has announced their decision to exclusively release all future High Definition editions of their films in the Blu-ray format DVDs, and no longer produce the HD DVD versions, starting later this year. The decision was reached, they say, "in response to consumer demand" as a "strategic decision focused on the long term and the most direct way to give consumers what they want." WB also states that they 'will continue to release its titles in standard DVD format and Blu-ray. After a short window following their standard DVD and Blu-ray releases, all new titles will continue to be released in HD DVD until the end of May 2008.' While not explicitly mentioned in the press release, it would seem, based on this decision, the future releases of 'Harry Potter' DVDs will not be in HD DVD.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

'OotP' Included on BAFTA Longlists

With the awards season slowly upon us, news comes from Britain that Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix has been included in the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA’s) longlists for this year in six categories.

The fifth movie in the franchise is included in the following categories:

Adapted screenplay
Make up & hair
Special visual effects
Sound
Costume design
Production design

The BAFTA longlists include 15 movies in each category, from which five nominees will be chosen in the second round of voting, which closes January 14th.

Additionally, the Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street movie starring Harry Potter alumni Alan Rickman, Helena Bonham Carter and Timothy Spall has been included in nine categories.

The awards ceremony will be held on Sunday, February 10th at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in London.

(SOURCE: HPANA)

Del Toro Talks Again on Possibly Directing "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"

As Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is currently in production with David Yates at the helm of the film, rumors continue to swirl over who will direct the final Harry Potter film, that is set to be released sometime in 2010. One of the directors mentioned more of late is Guillermo Del Toro, who talks again about the possibility of directing films such as "The Hobbit," and notably "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." Echoing comments made last October, in a new interview with MTV Mr. Del Toro says again that he is "definitely interested" in directing the final Harry Potter film. He says he enjoys the darker tone of the recent films,noting after his friend Alfonso Cuaron directed the third film, the movies have "evolved greatly into a very nice universe to play at (in)." He also notes positively several times how "Dickensian" he felt the Harry Potter series is, and stated he felt the last line of "Deathly Hallows" was a "beautiful, subdued way" to end the book, and was "very moving." You can watch this interview with Guillermo Del Toro via this link.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

New Poll for Wizarding World of Harry Potter Theme Park Now Working

Right before the holidays, Universal Orlando sent out emails indicating they had added a poll regarding their new "Wizarding World of Harry Potter" theme park attraction, unfortunately the poll was not working for many fans. It appears they have sorted out their technical issues, and fans can now vote on "where would you most like to get a refreshment or snack in Hogsmeade?" You can choose from "The Hog's Head," "The Three Broomsticks," or "Honeydukes," with voting available via this link. Readers will recall J.K. Rowling described the new Harry Potter theme park in her recent interview with PotterCast when Jo said:

"I truly think that walking into the theme park will be as close as you will ever get to walking onto the film set, or to walking into Hogsmeade. Better, of course, because it’s 3D, and you can walk around the corner and look at the back, and it’s going to be quite incredible. I really believe that, and personally, I think it will be the best thing in the world of its type, having seen what I’ve seen.

Be sure to check out the wonderful early concept art for the park here in our galleries. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park attraction at Universal studios in Orlando, Florida is currently under construction with a late 2009/early 2010 opening date.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Potter Film Top of U.K. Box Office

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was the most successful film at the UK and Ireland box office in 2007.

The movie, the fifth in the series based on JK Rowling's books, made more than £49.4m in ticket sales.

Meanwhile, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, came in at number two, making over £42m.

Both those films, along with Shrek the Third, did better than The Simpsons Movie - the first big screen version of the animated TV series.

The Simpsons Movie made more than £38m in ticket sales, but still came in as the fourth most successful film of 2007.

(SOURCE: CBBC NEWSROUND)

Video of 'J.K. Rowling - A Year in the Life' Documentary Now Online

This past Sunday a documentary titled J.K. Rowling - A Year in the Life, which chronicled the last year in which the Harry Potter authored the last book in the series Deathly Hallows, aired in the UK. Video of the documentary is now online for those unable to view it in the UK.

UPDATE: JK has updated her web site with a sketch of the Weasley family tree in the 'Room of Requirement.'

(SOURCE: HPANA)