The first Harry Potter book was published in 1997 and its early reception gave no indication of the enormous international phenomenon it would become. J. K. Rowling’s agent moved from publisher to publisher as each rejected the idea. It was too outlandish, too odd, too… new. However the second it was accepted by Bloomsbury, it became clear that Harry Potter was exactly the sort of new literature the world wanted. A mere two years after the publication of the first book, just as the third book was being published, Warner Brothers film studios bought the rights to the series. Two years after that, the world was given the first Harry Potter film. Another instant hit among children, parents, and even young adults.
But how did they do it? How did a concept so new, so fascinating, so childishly wonderful yet mature and sombre translate to the silver screen in a way that rarely if ever disappointed fans? The Warner Bros. Studios London sheds a bright light behind the scenes in its The Making of Harry Potter tour. Looking deeper, we can discover that Harry Potter was a pioneer of children’s and family films, the first to capture the true spirit of the books and draw in even the most avid readers and devoted fans. The Tour reveals some of the painstaking details which went into the development of the films, the challenges they faced and how they overcame them to create a modern classic.
The Tour has been praised for its quality and relaxed approach. It begins with an interactive museum, touching on every detail of the filming you could imagine… and then some. Potterheads spend on average one to four hours inspecting every corner of the museum, from recordings of their favourite cast members over the years to artefacts and props from the films. The tour itself is an hour away, but well worth the wait. Guided around, the audience is introduced to relevant details about the films, along with any random piece of information they request from their experienced, informed guide. Audio guides and written guides are also available for the more self-motivated fan to explore on their own.
Not only that, but the logistics will bring sighs of relief for every parent trying to create a wonderful memory for their children without driving themselves insane. The bus system means no parking hassle, no stressing over arrival and departure times, and plenty of time to relax and get ready for the tour. The café and other facilities mean that you never need to be caught off guard and that you do not need to worry about leaving the museum for lunch. Many families are pleased to discover they can make a day of it and truly immerse themselves in the experience of Harry Potter.
One thing that becomes clear on the tour is that the true magic of Harry Potter lies in its ability to appeal to people of all ages. It could be said that Harry Potter did not invent the phenomenon, though, but instead that it reinvented it for a modern audience. In the days of Tom & Jerry and Animaniacs, it was not rare for children’s shows to appeal to the parents as well, using subtle innuendos to “sneak” adult appeal into the show. As audiences lost their taste for this brashness, a stark divide was created between children’s media and adult media. What has come with Harry Potter is a greater maturity about films with family appeal. Slightly more mature touches can be added without making a book too forward for children, and childhood joy can be retained without making a film too innocent for adults.
In many ways the Harry Potter film series has shaped the way in which family films are created, captivating the imaginations of children and adults alike with a rich universe and a touch of magic. We can see traces of the Harry Potter film style in all sorts of family films, from The BFG to Zootopia. Nothing has not benefited from the touch of magic and the sheer brilliance of the way these films are put together… and that goes for the tours too! Designed with children and adults in mind, this experience promises to be fun, easy, memorable and with no hidden charges you know you won’t break the bank. This Winter as a special feature the tour focuses on “Hogwarts in the snow”, with a wonderful Christmas feel.