Universal Orlando Announces 'A Celebration of the Harry Potter Films'

This November Universal is hosting a big three-day event in celebration of all eight Harry Potter films!  From the press release:

This special event will be hosted by Warner Bros. and will celebrate a decade of movie history by allowing fans to share their love for the Harry Potter films. The event will take place from Friday, November 11, to Sunday, November 13, at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

During this special event, guests can celebrate their favorite memories and stories of Harry Potter with filmmakers, cast members and fellow fans. While all theme park guests will be able to enjoy The Wizarding World of Harry Potter during their visit, only a limited number of guests and those who buy special event packages will have access to exclusive benefits such as:

• A spectacular evening gala in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Autograph signings with stars from the Harry Potter films
• Q&A sessions with Harry Potter filmmakers and cast members, along with the creators of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Screenings of all eight Harry Potter films – including "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2" at the AMC Universal Cineplex 20 in Universal CityWalk. Access to the screenings can be added to the vacation packages for an additional fee.

Additional details can be read on Universal's website.

(SOURCE: MUGGLENET)

'Harry Potter' Studio Tour to be Featured at Empire Presents BIG SCREEN

Over the past few months we've been telling you about the Warner Brothers Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter. It will afford you the opportunity to visit the actual sets in the Harry Potter films at the actual studio where they were shot!

More details about the Studio Tour will be revealed at Empire Presents BIG SCREEN in August:

Details for the UK's most highly anticipated visitor attraction will be revealed in a special live showcase at Empire Presents BIG SCREEN event on Sunday, 14th August at 16:30 (GMT) within indigO2 at London's The O2 and will be shared by special guests from the cast and crew from the most successful film series of all time, Harry Potter. The event will culminate with an exciting announcement that both film and Harry Potter fans will not want to miss.

(SOURCE: MUGGLENET)

'Harry Potter Page to Screen' Official Cover Released, Available for Pre-Order

Harper Collins has released the official cover for Harry Potter Page to Screen.

This book is a follow-up to Harry Potter: Film Wizardry and provides an in-depth look at the entire filmmaking process from Sorcerer's Stone through Deathly Hallows - Part 2.

It includes behind-the-scenes anecdotes, brand-new interviews with cast and crew, as well as hundreds of never-before-seen photos and concept art.

The book is now available for pre-order on Amazon and will be released October 25.

(SOURCE: MUGGLENET)

Warner Bros. Announces Leavesden Studios Plans and Potter Set Tours in 2012

Warner Bros. have revealed their plans to redevelop Leavesden Studios into a "state-of-the-art filmmaking hub" and provide fans with behind-the-scenes tours of the Harry Potter sets.

Leavesden Studios which is located in Hertfordshire, England, has been home to the Harry Potter films for the past decade.

As part of the renovations, two new soundstages will be built to hold sets used in the Harry Potter films as well as numerous other film memorabilia. The behind-the-scenes tours of these soundstages are tentatively scheduled to begin around Easter 2012.

Early concept art of the new Leavesden can be seen at Empire Online.

Barry Meyer, Warner Bros. chairman and CEO expressed his excitement over the new project, saying:

"Our multi-million pound investment in creating a state-of-the-art, permanent UK film production base further demonstrates our long-term commitment to the skills and creativity of the UK film industry."

The project is expected to cost £100m, and will provide 300 new jobs in the filmmaking industry. In the past, Leavesden has also been used to film scenes from "The Dark Knight" and "Inception," both also Warner Bros. films.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Preview of Leaky's "Deathly Hallows: Part 1" Set Report; Full Report October 5th

Earlier this year, Leaky was among a number of fan sties to visit the set of the "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" film at Leavesden Studios just outside London, England. Our full set report will be online on October 5, but today we have a sneak peek at what we uncovered on the set. Enjoy!

Always aiming to improve on the previous films, the cast and crew of the "Deathly Hallows" films seem to be on track to outdo themselves once again. While walking through the expansive former factory complex which houses the animatronic creature creation lab, prosthetic and makeup studio, and props department, evidence is everywhere of just how serious they are to get it right. On set we were able to tour the entire production, as well as speak to many of the actors and crew members about bringing the final chapter of the "Deathly Hallows" books to the big screen. In our full set report, we can share full details about the sets, props, costumes, and creations the production has crafted to bring Harry's world to life.

Stay close to Leaky in the coming weeks for our full report, which will include full interviews with the cast and crew, a complete rundown of my set tour, as well as more about what to expect for the first part of the "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" film!

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" will be released in theaters November 19, 2010.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)