Bludgers and Broomsticks at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

(June 10, 2014 – London) – This summer, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter will reveal how magical sports and wizarding games came to life on screen during its first Bludgers and Broomsticks feature. From Friday 18 July to Monday 1 September, visitors will discover how a combination of special and visual effects were used to create the illusion of flight and to make chess pieces move – and will get the chance to test green screen technology for themselves. Head Prop Maker Pierre Bohanna’s team will demonstrate the techniques used to hand-craft broomsticks throughout the “Harry Potter” film series. After the debuts of the Nimbus 2000 and the Firebolt, in “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” and “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” respectively, brooms were made to match their owners’ personalities – Arthur Weasley’s even features pedals and a seat from a Muggle bicycle! The life-size wizard chess pieces from one of the many chambers that Harry encountered as he tried to find the Philosopher’s Stone will be on display in the Studio Tour’s backlot and a pawn will move across a checked board. A board game homage to Quidditch, entitled Snitch Snatcher!, was designed especially for “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” by Graphic Designer Miraphora Mina and this will be on display for the first time. Featuring a miniature replica of the Hogwarts pitch, the game includes cardboard models of the spectators’ stands for all four houses. Some of the attraction’s knowledgeable staff members will don authentic Quidditch robes used in the “Harry Potter” film series. Visitors will get the chance to examine the costumes of Gryffindor and Slytherin players up close and fly on a broomstick in front of a green screen like a member of the cast. The rattling ball crate, built by the Special Effects Team and used in the scene where Harry is first introduced to Quidditch by Gryffindor Captain Oliver Wood, will be showcased and the Bludgers will move as they did on set. Tickets must be pre-booked and all extra activities are included in the ticket price. About the Tour: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter opened its doors on 31 March 2012. This unique attraction offers visitors the ultimate chance to get up close to authentic sets, discover the magic behind spellbinding special effects and explore the behind-the-scenes secrets of the “Harry Potter” film series. The Studio Tour has been well received with 97% of the 10,700+ reviews on TripAdvisor rating it as Excellent or Very Good. Highlights include walking through the Great Hall where so many famous scenes were shot, seeing the treasures stored in Dumbledore’s office and strolling down Diagon Alley. Tickets must be pre-booked and cannot be bought at the attraction. ###