2011: Meet katiebell

[katiebell]

Hey everyone and welcome to SnitchSeeker.com!

I’m katiebell (a.k.a. Laurie), the news admin for SnitchSeeker.com. I head up the news team here on the site, where we bring you the latest Harry Potter news right here in the news forum. The news forum is located in the Daily Prophet section of our site, and is one of the only other places newbies are allowed to post (aside from right here in Platform 9 ¾) before becoming full-fledged members of SnitchSeeker.

I also help mod this forum, Platform 9 3/4, as well as the games forum, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes.

In real life, I live in Los Angeles where I graduated from film school. I worked in the movie industry for awhile before becoming a copy editor, where I now work with various publications and media outlets.

I’m married and have two kids (boy – tween, girl – teen) and I’m happy to answer any questions you have about SnitchSeeker or otherwise.

[PureBlood64]

Hello Laurie, I'm Kitty!

Why do you pick 'katiebell' as your UN?

[jwalters15216]

Hi Katie. How did you get into the film industry?

[cake.ninjak]

Hi Laurie! I've actually always wondered what kinds of people you've worked with. I'm sure you're bumping elbows with some pretty famous people quite frequently. Do you have any funny/interesting celebrity stories that come to mind? Also, have you held any particularly odd jobs in the film industry? The reason I ask is because my 11th grade English teacher used to work as a producer, and was actually the operator of the giant fan that helped create the wind-swept look on Top Gun.

[keladz]

Hya Laurie its nice to find someone here that has children, i am a mummy too but unfortunatly he is only 6 and doesn't share the same infusiasm as his mum maybe when he is older i will force him lol, do your children like Harry Potter and if so what age did they start liking it.

Ps Good Luck with all the admin x x x

[katiebell]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetlittlekitty

Hello Laurie, I'm Kitty!

Why do you pick 'katiebell' as your UN?

Hi Kitty! My daughter's name is Katie and Katie Bell is her favorite HP character.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwalters15216

Hi Katie. How did you get into the film industry?

I went to film school at university where I did some student films and interning on feature films, which led to work in the film industry after graduation.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cake.ninjak

Hi Laurie! I've actually always wondered what kinds of people you've worked with. I'm sure you're bumping elbows with some pretty famous people quite frequently. Do you have any funny/interesting celebrity stories that come to mind? Also, have you held any particularly odd jobs in the film industry? The reason I ask is because my 11th grade English teacher used to work as a producer, and was actually the operator of the giant fan that helped create the wind-swept look on Top Gun.

I did work with some minor celebs in the course of real-life (i.e., paid) work, everyone from Miley Cyrus to Mr. Miyagi from the original Karate Kid film. But I've met and interviewed a ton of cool actors, writers, producers and directors in the course of being on the news team here at SnitchSeeker. Um, as for odd jobs ... Well, I did have to get some props for a movie once and it was really embarrassing but I can't tell that story here on SS

Quote:

Originally Posted by keladz

Hya Laurie its nice to find someone here that has children, i am a mummy too but unfortunatly he is only 6 and doesn't share the same infusiasm as his mum maybe when he is older i will force him lol, do your children like Harry Potter and if so what age did they start liking it.
Ps Good Luck with all the admin x x x

Yes, both my kids love Harry Potter. My husband and parents and grandmother, as well. I'm lucky in that regard. My daughter has always been an avid reader, so she got interested in Potter quite young - about age 6. By her 8th birthday we had a full-blown Potter-themed party. My son's interest began with the video games when he was 5 and has spread to the films, but he's still not too interested in the books yet (he's 10 now). But he'll have those to look forward to when he's older and more into reading.

[sweetpinkpixie]

First, thanks for giving me the opportunity to help out SS back in August with the Japan countdown you sure know how to hook someone in to SS!

aaaaaaaaaand, I was wondering....

What you think your Patronus would be and why?
What is your favorite film?
Do you have any pet peeves?

[Her-my-oh-nee]

Hi, Laurie! I was wondering, why is Katie Bell your favorite character? To me, she's more of a minor character except when she gets cursed or hexed (I can't remember which and I can't look it up, seeing as I don't have Half-Blood Prince anywhere remotely near me.)

Oddly enough, right after Hermione all my favorite characters go in order as so:

[B]Sirius Black[B]Severus Snape (I never liked him until The Prince's Tale, now I love him!)
[B]Remus Lupin (Cool dude, I liked how he was always so thoughtful, like one of those guys who just enjoys talking long walks through the garden or something.)
Tom Riddle (Voldemort and Thomas Marvolo Riddle are completely different people.)
Draco Malfoy (I believe he has much more depth to him than most people think.)[/COLOR]

[petrichor]

Hi Laurie! I was wondering which Harry Potter book is your favorite? And what do you prefer, the books or the films?

[katiebell]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetpinkpixie

First, thanks for giving me the opportunity to help out SS back in August with the Japan countdown you sure know how to hook someone in to SS!

aaaaaaaaaand, I was wondering....

What you think your Patronus would be and why?
What is your favorite film?
Do you have any pet peeves?

Thank you, Katherine, for doing an amazing job reporting for SnitchSeeker. We're always on the lookout for active, capable members to cover events for us worldwide.

As for your questions ... I think my Patronus would be a hummingbird because we both have high metabolisms. My favorite HP film is Prisoner of Azkaban, non-HP film is Singin' in the Rain. My pet peeves are loud chewing noises and typos (probably explains why I'm an editor in real life).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Her-my-oh-nee

Hi, Laurie! I was wondering, why is Katie Bell your favorite character? To me, she's more of a minor character except when she gets cursed or hexed (I can't remember which and I can't look it up, seeing as I don't have Half-Blood Prince anywhere remotely near me.)

Actually, I said Katie Bell is my daughter's favorite character, because of the similarity in their names. My favorite character is Harry. We even share a birthday.

Quote:

Originally Posted by petrichor

Hi Laurie! I was wondering which Harry Potter book is your favorite? And what do you prefer, the books or the films?

My favorite HP book is Chamber of Secrets. I always loved the plot of that one and thought it was very clever. And I far prefer the books to the films as they are more in depth, although I have to say I do prefer Kenneth Branagh's portrayal of Professor Lockhart to the book's version of the character. He was hilarious.

[Belle]

Hey, Laurie! I was wondering if you have met any cool celebrities working in the movie industry?

[katiebell]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Belle

Hey, Laurie! I was wondering if you have met any cool celebrities working in the movie industry?

Depends on your definition of cool, I guess. They may have been cool in their day, but most of you probably wouldn't know who they are. I have, however, met and/or interviewed some really nice people during my years here on SnitchSeeker. Selena Gomez is very sweet. Rob Pattinson is very down to earth (especially considering the very loud and excited fans screaming at him at the Twilight premiere). Brendan Fraser is super nice, and goofy. Matthew Lewis is cool and really funny. Dan Radcliffe is really polite and open.

[cynder]

Hey, how are you doing?

So, was it harder raising the boy or the girl? (so far)

[Dragon_Shadow]

Hiiiiii!!!!! so what is it like acting with daniel and Rupert <3 <3?

[GoldenSnake]

Oooooh! I'm Amy and I can't help noticing that you graduated from film school! That what I feel like doing someday

So what's it like?
And what celebrities have you met?

[neaped]

Hey Laurie! I'm Niels! Because filmmaking is my passion, is it ok to ask a couple of questions about it?

Was it worth it to go to film school? Could the "degree" get you further than if you would be self-taught?
Why did you decide to quit the movie industry?
How hard is it getting into the "biz"?

[Magical.Being.08]

Hey Laurie, I'm Jennie! Soo, how/what was it like working with Dan Radcliffe?

[Lady of the Lake]

Hi, Laurie! I was watching an older interview with J.K Rowling the other day where she said she would probably have been in Gryffindor. Which house were you sorted in on SS? Do you think it suited you?

[katiebell]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cynder

Hey, how are you doing?

So, was it harder raising the boy or the girl? (so far)

Since the girl is older, I'd say she was harder simply because she was first. Everything was new, you know? By the time the boy came around, I knew what to expect.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragon_Shadow

Hiiiiii!!!!! so what is it like acting with daniel and Rupert <3 <3?

Er, I wouldn't know.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragon_star

Oooooh! I'm Amy and I can't help noticing that you graduated from film school! That what I feel like doing someday

So what's it like?
And what celebrities have you met?

Film school is awesome. If you want to work in the movie industry, it's definitely where you should start.

Celebs I've met (not necessarily worked with, mind you) ... hmm ... well, living in Los Angeles, I've seen quite a few. When I was a teenager it was my semi-hobby to go to events in Hollywood with my friends to get autographs from stars back then. I remember meeting actors from TV shows (Dukes of Hazzard, Benson, Dallas, Alice, Facts of Life, various soap operas, etc.) that aired back in the '80s, but you probably wouldn't know who they are now. I definitely outgrew the autograph thing, so I don't approach famous people wandering about anymore. The most recent celebs (aside from Potter actors) I've met would probably be those from interviews at round tables or on red carpets at various premieres ... the actors and crew from the Twilight movies, Paul Bettany, Eliza Bennett, random Disney stars, the Ace of Cakes guy ...

Quote:

Originally Posted by neaped

Hey Laurie! I'm Niels! Because filmmaking is my passion, is it ok to ask a couple of questions about it?

Was it worth it to go to film school? Could the "degree" get you further than if you would be self-taught?
Why did you decide to quit the movie industry?
How hard is it getting into the "biz"?

Yes, film school is worth it. You learn so much and you have opportunities to try out all the different aspects of filmmaking (directing, producing, editing, acting, etc.) through making student films. Film school also gives you a good idea of what direction you want to go professionally. Also you have access to internships at film studios where you can work on feature films and make contacts. Networking with people in the industry can really help you move forward.

I decided to leave the film industry because the work was too sporadic. I'm the type who needs a steady paycheck. Most folks get unemployment checks in between gigs, and I just hated that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magical.Being.08

Hey Laurie, I'm Jennie! Soo, how/what was it like working with Dan Radcliffe?

I haven't worked with him, but I've interviewed him several times. He's very bright, friendly and genuine. He talks a LOT, but it's a good thing because he tries really hard to fully answer the questions asked of him.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lady of the Lake

Hi, Laurie! I was watching an older interview with J.K Rowling the other day where she said she would probably have been in Gryffindor. Which house were you sorted in on SS? Do you think it suited you?

I was Sorted into Hufflepuff and, yes, I believe it suits me perfectly.

[GoldenSnake]

Quote:

Originally Posted by katiebell

Film school is awesome. If you want to work in the movie industry, it's definitely where you should start.

Celebs I've met (not necessarily worked with, mind you) ... hmm ... well, living in Los Angeles, I've seen quite a few. When I was a teenager it was my semi-hobby to go to events in Hollywood with my friends to get autographs from stars back then. I remember meeting actors from TV shows (Dukes of Hazzard, Benson, Dallas, Alice, Facts of Life, various soap operas, etc.) that aired back in the '80s, but you probably wouldn't know who they are now. I definitely outgrew the autograph thing, so I don't approach famous people wandering about anymore. The most recent celebs (aside from Potter actors) I've met would probably be those from interviews at round tables or on red carpets at various premieres ... the actors and crew from the Twilight movies, Paul Bettany, Eliza Bennett, random Disney stars, the Ace of Cakes guy ...

That is so coooooooool!

So what is the difference between film school and movie industry?
Sorry if I'm being annoying

[Becca]

So. Children. Lol arnt they the funnest. How old are your children? My daughter is 19 months and I'm just trying to figure out when to start her on potty training? Any ideas?

How do you get sorrted? Can you do it now? Or when can I do it?

Are there alot of people still active in this site/

[hanoodles]

Hello Laurie!
I'm new, yesterday, and i'm trying to navigate by myself, although i often get lost, but hey! i ended up here

Have you ever interviewed or had anything to do with Tom Felton?
He's definitely my favourite celebrity and Harry Potter cast member, i adore Draco Malfoy! Okay, okay, I'm obsessed with him
And if so, is he as down to Earth and witty as he appears outside of Hogwarts, and did you associate him with Draco when you were talking to him, and have to bat down the urge to slap him across the face xD?

Thankyou!
xxx

[katiebell]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dragon_star

That is so coooooooool!

So what is the difference between film school and movie industry?
Sorry if I'm being annoying

Same difference as going to college vs. getting a job. My film school was integrated into my university, so film was my major. You learn not only the basics (how to use equipment, directing skills, etc.) but also the history of cinema. Plus my school also has radio and TV classes, so I learned about broadcasting, as well. Film school gives you a good, well-rounded education, which definitely gives you an advantage when you go into the industry.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Becca

So. Children. Lol arnt they the funnest. How old are your children? My daughter is 19 months and I'm just trying to figure out when to start her on potty training? Any ideas?

How do you get sorrted? Can you do it now? Or when can I do it?

Are there alot of people still active in this site/

My daughter is 13 and my son is 10. Potty training, sigh. So glad I don't have to deal with that anymore. Actually I potty trained my cat. He's so awesome!

Photos!: Charlie!

I recall using sticker charts for rewards - for my kids, not the cat - but they were 2-3 years old. I know you can't potty train a child unless they have control over their pelvic muscles (you know, can stop the flow at will), so 19 months seems too young, but your pediatrician should be able to advise you on that.

To answer your other questions, the Sorting quiz is held about everything three months, before the start of term for the school role play game. The next Sorting will be around mid-April and there will be an announcement in the news, plus announcements at the top of every forum on the site. And, yes, SnitchSeeker has a very active membership.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hanoodles

Hello Laurie!
I'm new, yesterday, and i'm trying to navigate by myself, although i often get lost, but hey! i ended up here

Have you ever interviewed or had anything to do with Tom Felton?
He's definitely my favourite celebrity and Harry Potter cast member, i adore Draco Malfoy! Okay, okay, I'm obsessed with him
And if so, is he as down to Earth and witty as he appears outside of Hogwarts, and did you associate him with Draco when you were talking to him, and have to bat down the urge to slap him across the face xD?

Thankyou!
xxx

Yes, I have interviewed Tom quite a few times and I can say, without a doubt, he is one of the nicest human beings to walk the earth. So friendly, so sweet - a real people-person. He is the antithesis of Draco.

[Izzie]

I don't know if you have gotten this question before, but I'm going to ask anyway. Are you a Snape hater? I know there are a lot of people who dislike Snape and Draco, but I am definately not one of them. I think they had so much potential.

[Trussory]

Hello, Katie Bell! Out of curiosity, do your children know of Harry Potter? If so, then to what extent? Because Rowling herself said she waited until her daughter was at a certain age before she allowed her to read.

(Oh dear, I feel like I'm interrogating you! Sorry, )