Media Trip to The Warner Bros. Studio

On Monday 8^th July the GMS Media Studies department took an enthusiastic group of 24 students along to The Making of Harry Potter Tour at the Warner Bros. Studio in Leavesden. The group comprised of members of the school’s Film Club, as well as students on the Creative & Media and AS Media courses. There really was something for everyone.

The tour allowed the students (and teachers) to explore first-hand the magical world of Harry Potter. After a short introductory film narrated by the stars of the Harry Potter films, the tour sparkled to life as we were thrust through two enormous wooden doors into the heart of the Great Hall. To be stood on the actual set used in the films almost immediately was absolutely breath-taking.

This wasn’t an exhibition exclusively to be enjoyed by Harry Potter fans; this was a tour for anyone who had a passion for film-making. Wandering through the labyrinth of exhibits packed with original sets, from Dumbledore’s office to Snape’s classroom, it was hard not to be totally engrossed by the wonderfully magical world that surrounded us. The intricate attention to detail that went into absolutely every aspect of the set designs, costume designs and props was mind-blowing.

Half way through the tour students had the opportunity to soak up refreshments next to the Knight Bus, digesting what they had just experienced. After the last gulps of Butterbeer had settled, a short stroll across Hogwarts Bridge propelled us into a second studio which housed many of the film’s animatronic creatures and the incredible set of Diagon Alley. However, Warner Bros. had saved the best for last. Just when we thought we’d seen everything we were presented with an astonishing hand sculpted 1:24 scale model of Hogwarts Castle. Even after everything else, this still managed to take our breath away.

By the end of the tour it felt as though three hours hadn’t been enough as there was almost too much to explore and enjoy all at once. Armed with their replica wands and photos of them flying over Hogwarts on their brooms, the students left the Warner Bros. Studio stunned and amazed.