NEWS FOR THE DAY 07.03.06

Cast Watch: Smith, Walters to Star in Jane Austen Biopic

Richard Griffiths Talks Uncle Vernon

While in New Zealand touring recently with a stage production of The History Boys, actorRichard Griffithsgave a new interview where he discussed his role as Uncle Vernon in the Harry Potter films. Speaking with a reporter from The Dominion Post, he reflected on what it was like to take on the role of Harry's unpleasant relative.

"When they asked me to audition I told them I was more nervous than for anything I'd done previously. I just knew it was going to be humungous, it wasgoing to be major. I knew whoever played Vernon had to tread a really fine line between being a nasty uncle and a child abuser."

Mr. Griffiths , who is returning to the part of Uncle Vernon in the upcoming Order of the Phoenix, went on to say how much he relishes playing the role. He said he even spoke to Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling about his place in the future Potter films.

"Last time I saw her was at the premiere of the third film and I said to her 'Don't you think it would be funny if (he) rolled up at Hogwarts on Parents Day and got freaked out as he went around the place? She said 'No, I don't think that would be funny at all'. But I'll do anything to extend my presence in the film."

Snowy Opening to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix ?

Previously we told youthat there were concerns about the weather and the filming of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in Scotland. Today The Telegraph reportsthat while much of Scotland is being affected by snow, the part of the country where Potter Five is filming has not gotten as much snow. This apparently is a concern, as the paper says it will be part of the opening scene in the newest Harry Potter film, and they need this snow for the movie.

"The only part of Scotland without snow is Glen Etive and Glencoe, where the latest Harry Potter movie is being made. Warner Brothers have chosen Fort William and the nearby glens as a preferred area for Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix and snow-capped mountains are vital for the opening sequence."

Please Note: While we realise of course a snowy scene would be different than how Phoenix the book opens, we can NOT confirm yet if this is how Phoenix the movie is in fact going to open, or if the snowy settings are for the later scenes with Hagrid, or the Giants. We will update with more as soon as possible. You can see some additional information about this beautiful area of Scotland they are filming in via this link. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is due to be released in 2007.

'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire' has won a Motion Pictures Sound Editors Award at the 53rd Golden Reel Awards on Saturday at the BevHilton. The film won in the foreign feature film category: 'sound f/x and foley, dialogue and ADR'. You may view more results here.

Congratulations to all the winners!


regards,

Tejas