The production of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire officially began on March 18, 2004, to release the film by November 2005. The rapid timeline was ambitious, driven by an exhausting production system that involved rigorous rehearsals, typically performed by the main cast, followed by intense filming sessions. This particular production was especially challenging due to the extensive CGI effects required, which contributed to the lengthy development process. After significant marketing efforts and two months of media promotion, the film was finally ready for its worldwide release.
Why did it take more than seven months?
Because the cast included minors, even as teenagers, there were strict regulations on the number of working hours for underage actors. Additionally, some of the young actors had to continue their studies, which had to be approved by the Ministry of Education. This limitation extended the filming period due to the reduced hours they could work each day.
-These sets are fantastic, - Billy commented, standing against a green screen backdrop. The state-of-the-art filming equipment was all around him, and cables were holding him by the shoulders as he prepared to ride a Quidditch broom. He was instructed to embody brutality, strength, and confidence.
-That was a good rehearsal. Now let's move on to the actual take... Clench your jaw... You're playing a high-risk sport, with enough force to die trying. You need to channel that anger into your expression, - directed Mike Newell.
-Okay. -
[Billy mounted a broom equipped with metal engines, suspended by cables. He was excellent at evoking emotions—very good—but there was one issue: he didn't see emotion as a performance; his gestures were genuine, rooted in his identity. Trying something different wasn't Billy's preference; he always sought to express emotions in his way.
First of all, he harbored resentment towards many people: the paparazzi, the media, his father's family, his former bosses, the Warner executives he had to greet, and those who exploited his fame, his story, and the death of his mother. But he had found a way to get back at them, including Ahmet Ertegun, who only cared about squeezing money out of him, stealing percentages, commissions, and other unpleasant fees.
He raised his fist in the air and struck with all his might... He was wearing heavy clothes, and the makeup made him appear paler than usual. With a complex air of hatred, he crashed hard against the starting line, staggering slightly, but he spun in the air, lucky to have a hand gripping the mechanism.
He raised his fists in the air, and the camera captured his frown as he smiled, though his eyes did not. Mike caught a glimpse of the photogenic boy's determined expression and the fighting spirit beside him. The scene continued at high speed as Billy was tossed around like a ragdoll from side to side.]
-That was good. We'll do another take, - Mike said, the director slightly annoyed by everything that had happened, and before Billy could take an extra step, he was being moved up and down on the broom.
-I think I hate being part of scenes with cables, - Billy commented, rubbing his head after being shaken around so much.
-Great take, kid, - Mike replied, sticking to the itinerary, which involved reviewing the take multiple times and then moving on to the next scene. The shots were all taken as part of an unusually lengthy sequence.
Mike spoke with some people around him, and everyone nodded as they watched the production team engage in a lengthy discussion. Meanwhile, Billy waited on a bench, a towel draped over his head, as the producers continued their conversation. They took many more shots on the broom.
-Acting is harder than you might think, - commented a blonde woman beside him, her long blonde hair flowing, and her deep blue eyes shining. She was wearing a long cream-colored blouse.
Billy looked up and saw the woman who had approached him. It was J.K. Rowling, one of the prominent figures in the production team. Billy knew the history of the blonde woman in front of him; if he were to describe her based on their previous meetings and not just on pre-existing knowledge, she was a significant public figure who had become entangled in gender-related controversies.
-You're a bit intense, aren't you? - Billy remarked, extending his hand for a friendly handshake.
-Excuse me? - The blonde was surprised, and her cheeks flushed, clearly determined to respond.
-You know, someone with a strong aura. It feels like you're giving orders, even when you're just greeting someone, - Billy observed, noticing her striking blue eyes.
-Oh my god... -
-I also think you've got a bit of a temper. For a moment, I thought you might punish me for calling you intense, - Billy joked.
-Oh, I'm sorry, I completely misunderstood… I think we need to start over. Nice to meet you, Billy, - Joanna said, shaking his hand again.
-Billy Carson, a pleasure, Ms. Rowling… I'm sorry if I offended you. My mother always said I had a knack for rubbing people the wrong way. The troublemaker, - Billy replied with a smile.
-You've got a reputation for being a rebel—everyone knows that. Even your agents say you gave Warner a hard time, - Joanna remarked.
-Quid pro quo, - Billy grinned lightly. From the way he saw it and based on her behavior, it seemed Joanna was a bit irritated, much like those furious journalists always hunting for a scoop.
-What? -
-Why do you think a young man who's never acted was handpicked by Warner to appear in the studio's cash cow? Better yet, what do you think the reason is? - Billy asked, looking directly at Joanne.
-Let me put it this way: What did they say when you were turned down for not continuing with the casting? - Billy questioned.
-I'm not talking about your involvement, - Joanne responded.
-Frankly, neither am I. It's just curiosity, you see. In this business, it's best to keep your curiosity to yourself, but that doesn't seem to matter to you… I think it's about money. I'm a product, just like Harry Potter, like Daniel Radcliffe, like all of us for Warner. If we make money, they include us. I asked to be in a movie. Honestly, I've never watched Harry Potter, - Billy confessed.
It was both a lie and a truth—he had seen it in his past life.
-You didn't ask to be in the movie. It's strange; you chose a secondary role with little impact, -Joanne questioned.
-Don't get me wrong; now that I'm here, I'm happy to participate. But I could have been in another movie. When I found out it was Harry Potter, I hired a coach and focused on Cedric Diggory. My appearance was similar, but they didn't want me for the role for some reason. They gave me Krum instead, but that doesn't matter now. I wanted to be in a good, serious production with a solid script, and they sent me to this one, - Billy explained.
-I see. Would you have participated in any movie? - Joanne asked.
-As long as it satisfies me. I can't be in a movie I think is bad. I'm aware that people will scrutinize my performance, and it could even be detrimental to my career… so that's how it is, - Billy stated.
-You're more mature than you seem, - Joanne commented.
They both took a seat, with Joanne's perspective still focused on the finer details. First impressions were always important—something Jerry had hammered into Billy's head: success is achieved through impressions and constant analysis, though Billy didn't particularly enjoy reading.
The obligation to always be informed and knowledgeable was something he had to maintain… people often asked him about politics, elections, or the latest news, and it was always good to have those things in mind.
-I don't usually read fantasy. With news, music practice, and sponsorships, I don't have enough time, - Billy responded to Joanna.
-I'm surprised… I thought you chose this role of your own accord, taking advantage of your fame! But I see the situation is different from what I imagined. I guess I'm just really stressed out by all the movies, - the writer replied.
-I understand that feeling. Fame does that to people, - Billy commented as he stood up to continue his work, preparing for another round of broomstick trials.
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