It’s a first! Studio is the only French media to bring you backstage for the sixth episode of the Harry Potter series on screen. Visit of one of the most mythical sets in the world and revelations from the actors who’ve been playing Harry, Ron and Hermione for eight years now.

An airport! That’s the size needed to shelter the set of the Harry Potter series. When we enter the well-guarded walls of the Leavesden studios, located 30 km from London, the first thing that strikes is the gigantism of the place. Space as far as the eye can see… 300,000 square meters where are dissimulated, here and there, in enclosures walled by high fences, the most incredible décors. Here, we get a glimpse of the Quidditch stands; further, the Weasley’s house; on the left, the massive hall of Hogwarts; and Privet Drive, where Harry lives with his uncle and his aunt. But the most impressive is without doubt the Hogwarts Express, a real red train that takes the students to school every year. “With the passing of years, we built the locations which each episode required,” explains a producer. “But we never destroyed anything because it was impossible for us to know what J.K. Rowling was going to write after that and what we would have to re-use."

A set where trust reigns
Therefore, it is in this old factory, where Rolls Royce engines were manufactured for the British army during World War II, that Harry Potter has established his headquarters eight years ago. Each set is locked to prevent any theft. The oldest – and most supervised – is the Great Hall of Hogwarts, where the 350 students of the sorcery school take their meals. As soon as the tall wooden doors open, we are stunned by the authenticity of the place; the high stone walls impose respect, the wooden tables are worn by time, the torches are blackened by soot, each accessory – cup, chair, emblem – seems to come from another century. Only the green screen attached to the ceiling – to symbolize the changing weather – makes us remember that we are indeed on a movie set. It is difficult, however, to realize that we are on the set of one of the biggest productions of the world. And also one of the most secret. Besides, it is the first time that a journalist is authorized to visit the set of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, even though filming started in September 2007.

Today is the 130th day of filming! The whole crew is gathered on a small stone bridge – built for the occasion – supposed to connect Hogwarts to the Three Broomsticks. It is covered in (artificial) snow. Tiny white confettis fall from the ceiling. A huge fan blows hot wind. On the ground, discrete marks indicate where the actors should stand. The French operator in chief, Bruno Delbonel (who collaborated with Jeunet on “Amélie Poulain” and “Un Long Dimanche de Fiancailles”) fixes the last details with David Yates, the director. “Turnover!” yells the first assistant. “It’s rolling!” answers the sounds engineer above the din of the machines. “Action!” whispers David Yates. The new Potions teacher, Horace Slughorn (played by Jim Broadbent), an old wizard who likes to be seen in company of celebrities, invites Harry Potter to his Christmas cocktail party. “It’s a unique experience.” admits the veteran. “Since the series has been successful for many years, we don’t feel like we’re in one of those blockbusters where everyone is anxious about the huge budget. I had never seen such confidence in a project of that scale.”

Alike their characters
At his side, Daniel Radcliffe (19 years-old), Rupert Grint (20 years-old) and Emma Watson (18 years-old), the three young “wizards” approve like experienced experts. They have been immersing themselves in the series since childhood. It is striking to see how alike their characters they are. Rupert Grint is as frivolous as Ron. He finished school at 16. His first paycheck was spent on a ping pong table and a pool table to relax in his dressing room. Emma Watson is a good student just like Hermione. Once she gets her A-level, she’ll stop school for a year before applying at university. Always focused, she’s often annoyed by the boys, who are more undisciplined. “Of course, there have been frictions between us”, they admit. “But who hasn’t fought with a childhood friend?”

Even more astonishing is Daniel Radcliffe. Any teenager would have gone crazy with so much money and fame. Not him. He is simple and has a good head on his shoulders, and he is even one of the few who appreciate the confined atmosphere of the Leavesden studios, where he can stay for six months at a time. On set, he adds a nuance to his play at each take. Here, he accentuates the notion of cold by putting his hands in his pockets. On the following take, he demonstrates impatience with his leg bouncing up and down. The director smiles to show his approval. As if, like his character, he was on a mission. And what if the secret of the success of Harry Potter was that: three teenagers fallen from the sky who bring these mythical characters to life.