HP movie in Oxford

[Simon J. Branford]

No: HPFGUIDX 4339

Well I take the time to read a student newspaper and then a friend points
out that I missed the article in the other paper.
The following is taken from the Oxford Student and actually makes some good
points about the filming - if only I had read this earlier!

HARRY POTTER IS set to become the first wizard to study at Oxford University
this weekend as the filming of the new Warner Brothers movie gets under way
at Christ Church College. The dining hall staircase and the cloisters are
currently out of bounds to students and tourists as technicians prepare the
set chosen to appear in the film version of JK Rowling's Harry Potter and
the Philosopher's Stone - due for release in November 2001.
    The meadows at the rear of the college are also a hive of activity as
marquees and lorries arrive with equipment for filming. An insider on set
told us that one marquee would be used as a schoolhouse for the young actors
over the next week, meaning that Harry himself - or at least Daniel
Radcliffe, the young boy chosen to play Harry - could be studying at Christ
Church.
    At the moment the work is just preliminary, but one technician revealed
that filming of actors will be taking place this weekend, and would continue
at Christ Church until Thursday of next week. The press has been full of
speculation as to what actors will star in the film - Robbie Coltrane,
playing Rubeus Hagrid, is a notable name on the list. Vanessa Davies, press
officer for Leavesden, the production company, was remaining coy due to the
sensitive and confidential nature of the film, but did reveal that the
college was chosen because of its size and architecture. "It's a beautiful
college and in keeping with everyone's perception of the novel," she said.
Unfortunately for the students of Oxford, she announced that no university
members will be used in the film.
    She was reticent too about encouraging visitors and fans of the world
famous wizard to attempt to come and see Christ Church this weekend. "For
the safety of students and tourists we would ask everyone to stay away," she
warned. It is feared that the film schedule could be interrupted if fans
swarm to the college to catch a glimpse of the actors.
    The Bodleian will also be used this weekend as part of the set for the
film. The Bod's Mr Waterman told the Oxford Student that the Divinity School
and Duke Humphrey's library will be sealed off and the gates locked for
filming on Saturday. He said that the library was well used to appearing in
movies and would be accommodating the film company and actors well. Despite
this, he said that the publicity for Oxford from a worldwide success such as
Harry Potter would be welcomed, even by the most disapproving of Bod
authorities.
    The Oxford Student seconds that wholeheartedly!