Today I attended the
Order of the Phoenix UK press conference on behalf of SnitchSeeker. We will have audio and a transcript up as soon as possible, but for now here are some images and a brief report.
The press conference consisted of two halves; first with Dan Rupert & Emma (pictures of them at the hotel can be seen
here) and then with David Yates (director), David Heyman (producer) and Michael Goldberg (screenwriter). Images of Umbridge's costume and set pieces, which were placed around the hotel, can be seen
here.
What was abundantly clear throughout was that each and every one of them loves Harry Potter and cares about how the films reflect what is within the novels. It was also obvious, from watching the way in which the three leads interacted, that they have a special bond; the banter between them throughout the conference showed that Dan, Rupert & Emma don't pretend to be friends; they are friends. The event as a whole felt very relaxed, with each of the stars coming across as refreshingly natural, making it possible at times to forget they were talking to us as the press, and not just fans!
Emma spoke about the media speculation that she wouldn't return to the franchise, stating that her hesitation to sign came from a desire to work out logistics for her continued education - as she not only wants to complete her A Levels (English Lit, Geography, Philosophy & History of Art), but also go on to University. She said WB have been "extremely supportive" - she said that she didn't want to give up either her education or Potter and so had to find ways to do both - for instance she has Mondays off to go to school, has tutoring hours on set despite being over 16, and has a special box in which to put her work. She also added that the insinuations made by the media were both "frustrating and upsetting".
In
Order of the Phoenix there is a flashback, at one point, to when Harry was stood before the Mirror of Erised in
Philosopher's Stone. Dan said seeing that at a screening, and hearing many women coo and sigh in reaction to it, was "soul-destroying". They all reitterated the point that they don't get sneak peeks at
Deathly Hallows, with Dan saying he thinks only J.K.Rowling's husband knows anything.
Dan, Rupert & Emma were asked what was their biggest indulgence since doing the Potter films. Rupert's reponse was, to everyone's amusement, that he'd recently purchased an ice-cream van! Fully functional, to which Dan insisted Rupert bring it up to Leavesden Studios. Emma said she'd bought an Apple Mac, which she uses all the time, and is currently learning to drive, although is finding it difficult. Dan couldn't think of anything, but refuted claims made by London Lite that he was going to buy a green Fiat Punto.
In terms of the future, Dan wishes to continue acting, but would like to write in the long term - he mentioned doing poetry. Rupert said he would also like to continue acting, although he added "if it doesn't work out I'll still have the ice-cream van!" Emma said she would like to act on stage, or in a period drama, but also really enjoys singing - although she doesn't want to be a pop star. She aims to do something next summer, however she doesn't want to rush into anything.
In regards to working with David Yates, who will also be directing
Half-Blood Prince, all three agreed that he pushed them in ways they hadn't been before, and that there's more that can be learnt from him. Dan added that he considered getting Yates in his director's chair and breaking his legs so he couldn't leave!
To close they were asked what they've learnt from each other, to which Dan responded "that I want an ice-cream van!" Emma said that if she's having "boy troubles" she'll talk to Dan or Rupert and say "What is going on?!" But as they are all a similar age, they each maintained that they probably learn more from those on set who are older. Almost in unison, quite uncannily, they all said, "So basically we've learnt nothing from each other!" before laughing.
Following that, David Yates, David Heyman and Michael Goldberg went into great detail about the creative process of making
Order of the Phoenix. Yates said that the hardest thing was the editing process in pre-production, wherein between them they had to decide what bits of the book would make it into the film, and which parts wouldn't. He said they were conscious of fan expectations, and as fans themselves, want to do the story justice. Most of all, they wanted to creative a cohesive narrative which suitably expressed the theme of teenage angst, which is a big feature of Harry's life in the fifth installment.
David Heyman mentioned that there was one character in particular who they were going to cut out - but didn't on the advice of J.K.Rowling, as doing so would make things difficult for a seventh film. He wouldn't specify which character he meant, but having seen the film, I might hazard a guess at it being either Kingsley Shacklebolt or Kreacher. He also mentioned that Alfonso Cuaron, director of
Prisoner of Azkaban was invited back for Goblet of Fire, as was Mike Newell, director of
Goblet of Fire, invited back for
Order of the Phoenix. But the Harry Potter films are "marathons" and therefore require a lot of stamina, which hopefully Yates has prepared for
Half-Blood Prince!
Order of the Phoenix UK press conference report 
Oooooooooh!!! 
Cool!
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A true friend | You're here 'til the end 
x12
) He's so adorable.
