If there is one place to truly get an otherworldly
experience it’s the Harry Potter Studios in London. An exciting and long
anticipated Christmas gift from the other half, we ventured down on Tuesday 27th
to go and see the making of one of the most successful fantasy franchises ever
made.
If there is one place to truly get an otherworldly
experience it’s the Harry Potter Studios in London. An exciting and long
anticipated Christmas gift from the other half, we ventured down on Tuesday 27th
to go and see the making of one of the most successful fantasy franchises ever
made.
I’ve always adored the Harry Potter films and books, and
I’ve always shown a great interest in movie production, having watched all the
DVD extras on ‘the making of…’ practically every film I own. My dissertation
was heavily focused on experiential retail and how bringing elements of fantasy
into our everyday lives helps us to grow successfully and innovatively. This
idea of ‘Magical Thinking’ arose after I read a book entitled ‘The 7 laws of
Magical Thinking’ by author Matthew Hutson who claims that we all believe in
magic and it’s that that has kept our human race developing so vividly. My
point made, was that if retailers could incorporate the same feeling of
uplifting enchantment that these experiences do, then the shopping experience
as a whole would be much more fulfilling.
After all without imagination and fantasy – what is there
to motivate us to capture our dreams? Would we even have dreams in the first
place? It’s incredulously important that we realise that ‘magic’ is not just
for children’s stories or make believe, but it is an innate instinct instilled
in our human psyches. A reason why Harry Potter was in fact a huge success.
I absolutely recommend going, it’s a full day out of
theatrical wonder and educational exploration, seeing how film sets and CGI
scenes were created for all seven films. Walking into the Great Hall and
admiring Dumbledore’s real life costume nearly had me tearing up, reminiscing
what this film meant to my childhood. However I did manage to shed a tear at
the end in the final exhibition room where you are stood next to the grand
Hogwarts School model – still large – but not nearly as large as you expected.
The theme music is softly playing in the background whilst purplish lights dim
themselves over the infamous Hogwarts castle which is probably only 15ft tall.
The day was immense and I took a couple hundred photos!
I’m still not too sure what to make of the Butter Beer but I managed to drink
half a pint…
