{Collaborative post}
You’d need to have been living in a remote cave, devoid of
Internet and any contact with the outside world for at least 12 years not to be
aware of Harry Potter. The huge impact it's had on our cultural landscape is
fascinating, and the brand has numerous exciting spin-offs, such as films, live
theatre productions and even a tour of the studios where the films were made.
But how did everything fall into place? That really IS a magical tale…
The inspiration behind the
stories
JK Rowling says she first stumbled upon the idea for Harry
Potter when she was stuck on a delayed train, leaving Manchester for London
King’s Cross. This was back in 1990, which feels like a lifetime ago – and for
many fans, it actually is.
Drawing inspiration from a number of sources, including
classical texts, folklore and contemporary children’s literature, Rowling spent
five years note-making and idea compiling before she started reaching out to
literary agents. That’s no easy feat with a new baby daughter in tow.
Rowling finished the first book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, while she was training to be a teacher.
But she shelved those plans when Bloomsbury accepted the story for publication
in 1997. The rest, as they say, is history.
The evolution of a legend
The evolution of a legend
Who would have guessed that a story about an orphan boy who
turned out to be a wizard would be such a global sensation? An instant
bestseller, the story was translated into numerous languages, as word spread
about the most captivating children’s book to be released in years. And
with every new instalment, the Harry Potter juggernaut broke more records.
Having fleshed out the direction that all the books would
eventually take, Rowling was able to complete the whole collection, with the
final instalment, Harry Potter and the
Deathly Hallows becoming the fastest-selling book of all time, in 2007.
Today, more than 500 million copies of the books have been
sold and the stories have been translated into 80 languages, creating an
international fellowship of Hogwarts wannabe students and parents that counted
down the hours until reading time. The films drew even more fans into the fold
as well.
A film franchise with a cult
following
With new books still being released while the Harry Potter
films were in production, there was always something for the fans to look
forward to, but it was the films themselves that brought everyone’s imaginations
to life.
Reading the books and imagining Hermione’s wild hair, Ron’s
terrible homemade jumpers and Harry’s iconic scar was all very well and good,
but once Warner Bros sprinkled their cinematic magic on the stories, something
incredible happened. Suddenly, the dorm rooms felt like home, Hogwarts was the school everybody could
picture themselves attending and everybody was united in their dislike of
Professor Snape – although, as we all know, that would change by the final
film.
Fans of the franchise grew up alongside Harry, Ron and
Hermione and their friends, and we all invested in them becoming young adults
who would, ultimately, save both the wizarding and Muggle worlds. Fans would
also have amazing experiences and days out at the the studio tours when filming
ended.
The ultimate experience for
Potterheads
Gone are the days when loving a series of books meant that
you’d eagerly await the next instalment but have nothing else to look forward
to. It’s not even a case of hoping that a beloved story might eventually be
turned into a television programme or film any more. Now, the biggest hits are
turned into extra-special interactive experiences. Harry Potter is, perhaps,
the best example.
The Leavesden Studio Tour is an essential day out for all
Potterheads, as the films were actually made here. Sets, props, costumes and an
ever-growing selection of immersive exhibits are all on offer, as well as
themed snack spots and a well-stocked gift shop.
Checking out the history of the studios at www.wbstudiotour.co.uk will give you an amazing
insight into all things Harry. For some useful insider tips for your visit, try
these:
- fancy dress is encouraged
- leave room for a glass of Butterbeer
- get ‘sorted’ before you go
- don’t forget to book your tickets online before you go
An incredible global sensation, the Harry Potter franchise
is more than just a series of books and films; it has created a community of
people all connected by a belief in the magic that it contains. To think that
it all started on a delayed train is quite something.
