| The Interview |
| Copyright © 2007 | www.booksandwands.com | All Rights Reserved No copyright infringement intended of any and all source material. Harry Potter belongs to JK Rowling, Bloomsbury, Scholastic and Warner Brothers Entertainment. |
| Matthew Lewis Interview |
A fan chat network website, Castle Whitefang, orchestrated an exclusive interview with Harry
Potter actor, Matthew Lewis to celebrate their One Year Anniversary.
The actor behind the much beloved Neville Longbottom logged in and livechatted with an
estimated 30 fans on the first of February 2009.
He was polite, well-spoken and gracious. He stayed longer than necessary to make sure
everyone had their questions answered.
Books and Wands' very own Rilian took part in the event and was on hand to ask the question
(#16) in person: Matt took the opportunity to thank his family and friends for their support and
loyalty.
The qualities one admires and appreciates in others are qualities one possesses. If you are able
to recognize it in others, you'd have to know what it was in the first place. That being said, Matt
clearly appreciates loyalty, honesty, straightforwardness and creativity.
But don't take my word for it, read the interview yourself!
Potter actor, Matthew Lewis to celebrate their One Year Anniversary.
The actor behind the much beloved Neville Longbottom logged in and livechatted with an
estimated 30 fans on the first of February 2009.
He was polite, well-spoken and gracious. He stayed longer than necessary to make sure
everyone had their questions answered.
Books and Wands' very own Rilian took part in the event and was on hand to ask the question
(#16) in person: Matt took the opportunity to thank his family and friends for their support and
loyalty.
The qualities one admires and appreciates in others are qualities one possesses. If you are able
to recognize it in others, you'd have to know what it was in the first place. That being said, Matt
clearly appreciates loyalty, honesty, straightforwardness and creativity.
But don't take my word for it, read the interview yourself!
| "Lightning Over New York City" photography by Christopher Imperato. All book series, movies, and images are owned by their authors, creators, publishers & production companies. No copyright infringement intended of any and all source material. No profits were made from this site. |
| Copyright © 2007 | www.booksandwands.com | All Rights Reserved |
Harry Potter
Arithmancy
Divination
Character Arcs
Muggle Studies
Under the Influence
Other Projects
Arithmancy
Divination
Character Arcs
Muggle Studies
Under the Influence
Other Projects
Hunger Games
Book Notes
Movie Review
Book Notes
Movie Review
The Hobbit
Book Notes
Movie Review
Book Notes
Movie Review
Percy Jackson
Book Notes
Movie Review
Book Notes
Movie Review
Twilight
Book Notes
Movie Stills
Book Notes
Movie Stills
Narnia
Book Notes
Movie Review
Book Notes
Movie Review
Books and Wands
| For Nerds. By Nerds. |
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Ladies and gentleman, I am very proud to welcome MATTHEW LEWIS to Castle Whitefang!
VIP Matthew Lewis:
Hello everybody!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
So, we are going to get straight on with the Interview!
Question 1:
(on behalf of the Unforgettable: The Magical Photos website)
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
Well, this is something that I've been thinking about a lot recently. The Harry Potter films are
coming to an end relatively soon and acting is all I've ever known and wanted to do. I have no
idea where I'm going to be exactly in the coming years but hopefully I'll still be a jobbing actor,
entertaining as best I can, whether it's in film or TV!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 2 is being asked by First Year Kate Estiller. Please post Kate.
First Year Kate Estiller:
Question 2: If you weren't Neville in Harry Potter, what fandom would you prefer or what
character would you be?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
I love this question! I'm such a geek when it comes to this kind of stuff - and being a geek is cool
nowadays, we run everything! I'd love to have been in Star Wars as Luke Skywalker or any of
the Jedis OR I'd have been Xander in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, he was the best character for me!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 3 is being asked by Deputy Minister of Magic Katie Hill. Please post Katie.
Deputy Minister of Magic Katie Hill:
Question 3: Does it ever feel strange if people come up to you asking for autographs and
pictures?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
Yes, it really does. You get used to it a little bit but sometimes you still have to take a step back
and ask yourself "why?" It's really an honour for me because I'd acted since I was 5 and it's all
I've ever wanted to do but I never really thought I would get this far and so for people to want
my autograph it gives me a great sense of achievement. I've just got back from L.A. and I was
bowling in Hollywood and the guy at the counter said "you're Matthew Lewis aren't you?" and I
was so confused because we were so far away from home. Nothing really prepares you for that!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 4: (on behalf of the Matthew Lewis Lovers fansite)
What scene are you most looking forward to filming for Deathly Hallows?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
Deathly Hallows is going to be so much fun to shoot. I don't have a script yet so I can't be
exactly sure how everything is going to work out. However, I think my answer will be a bit
predictable! The scene I'm looking forward to the most is when Neville swings the sword and
kills Nagini. That is going to be intense! In fact, the whole final battle sequence is going to be
amazing. Still can't believe they're going to trust me with a sword though!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 5: (on behalf of Fourth Year Halie Gawley)
What was your reaction to finding out that you were going to be in Harry Potter?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
Well, my reaction to getting a 2nd audition was pretty wild but when I was told I'd got the part,
it was something else! I was just a kid. I remember, I was 11 years old and my Mum got a phone
call, she was busy talking so she just gave me the thumbs up and I knew instantly what she
meant. I went crazy, I ran into the living room where my friend and I were playing Playstation
and we just jumped around on the sofas and shouted a lot. I think Tom Cruise tried doing that
recently on TV - it doesn't go down as well when you're older unfortunately!!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 6 is being asked by Junior Minister Sahoonie Puppie. Please post Sahoonie.
Junior Minister Sahoonie Puppie:
Question 6: People obviously know you when you walk down the street but have you ever
wished that you could be invisible/left in peace, even if just for a day?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
Interesting. I've thought about being invisible before but not for peace and quiet, more for
mischief! I don't think I've ever wanted to be left in peace by fans. It can be embarrassing
sometimes when I'm with my friends because they LOVE to make jokes about it but you know, I
really love meeting the fans that watch our movies. I like to think people feel comfortable
coming over and talking to me because at the end of the day, we make the films for the fans, and
without them there would never be a picture. We work for you guys! It's nice to hear feedback
from you!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 7 is from the Luna Fans website, who have helped promote the interview today, and
there question is: Everyone from David Yates to JK Rowling see Evanna as Luna. Personally,
how similar is Evanna to Luna according to you?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
Haha. Well, when I first met Evanna I thought it was the most perfect casting I had ever
witnessed. She was just Luna Lovegood in every way. However, she has changed so much in
the last few years. I've seen her mature and change a lot as a person yet when she's on screen
she is always able to capture Luna Lovegood perfectly. I think to say that she IS Luna
Lovegood would detract from her talent slightly - she really is a great actress.
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 8 is being asked by Third Year Thomas Marsh. Please post your question Thomas.
Third Year Thomas Marsh:
Question 8: Is it hard to play a part in Harry Potter?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
Thanks for the question, Thomas! Acting can be difficult. I stay in a hotel for a long time, away
from home and my family and friends for a large part of the year. However, it's a job I've always
wanted to do and I don't know many people that go to work every day and can honestly say that
they enjoy it but I know that I do! It's sometimes long days and can be frustrating when you
don't get things quite right but that's the same with every job. I have the added perks of
working with some fantastic, amazingly talented people, I get to work in mind-blowing
environments, and at the end of it all I get to look back on something so memorable and
unforgettable! It can be hard at times, but I wouldn't change it for the world!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 9 is being asked by Professor Kast Phoenix. Please post your question Kast.
Professor Kast Phoenix:
Question 9: What was your experience of wand-combat training like?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
Interesting. Very interesting. Haha. We had a choreographer called Paul Harris who came in to
teach us. He devised all these routines for different spells and we had to go and practice them
in a big tent. I think there was Dan, Rupert, Emma, Bonnie, Evanna and myself. I felt ridiculous
waving the wand around and shouting spells because we weren't acting, so I wasn't Neville - I
was just Matthew, looking like an idiot! We all had a laugh though, and we got into it, and by
the end I think we all enjoyed ourselves. That was until I apparently did one of the routines
perfectly and Paul made me stand in front of everyone and show them how to do it - that was
embarrassing let me tell you!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 10 is from the Muggles Behaving Badly Website, who helped promote the interview
today, and their question is: What's the funniest thing that's happened to you on set?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
There has been so many funny days on set, where we can't stop laughing. Everyone at the
studio likes pranks and making jokes. You wouldn't think it was a serious Hollywood film if
you came to visit, we laugh and joke so much! I remember one time on Prisoner of Azkaban
when we were in the Great Hall. We were all supposed to be asleep whilst Dumbledore and
Snape watched over us. Alan Rickman and Michael Gambon were both in character, doing their
lines and then suddenly somebody farts! At first, everyone is being professional and nobody
laughs. Then it happens again. A few ripples of laughter breakout. It happens again. And
again. And again. By this point the whole room is laughing. Alan and Michael were still trying
to do the scene but eventually even they had to stop. Turns out someone had hidden a fart
machine in one of the sleeping bags and Alfonso Cuaron (the Director!) had the remote control
and was in hysterics behind the monitors. That was pretty funny!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 11 (on behalf of Third Year Cine Cauldron Crisp):
In the Deathly Hallows book, your character has a pivotal role of killing the final crucifix in the
snake Nagini. How does it feel to play a character that is so pivotal to many of the main plot
lines?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
It gives me a great sense of responsibility. I know what the books meant to me when I read
them and I imagine the films can mean the same to people and so it's very important to get it
right. Playing a character that has such a crucial role in how the story develops is inspiring and
I'm very excited about it - I just have to make sure I don't mess it up!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 12 is being asked by Minister Tiffani Yager.
Minister Tiffani Yager:
Question 12: Do you hang out with any of the cast when you’re not taping for Harry Potter?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
We film at Leavesden Studios which is in Watford and most of the cast live in London which is
roughly 20-30 miles away from the studios I think. However, I live in Leeds which is about 170
miles away from the studio. As you can imagine, when I was younger, this made it difficult to
see the others when we weren't filming. Now it's much easier. I can drive to their houses
whenever I want, it's still pretty far for me to go but it's always fun when I do. I went to see
Oasis in October with James and Oliver Phelps. I've stayed at Emma Watson's house in Oxford
and there's always someone's birthday party that I try and get down for!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 13 is from the website Ron and Hermione Source who helped advertise this interview,
and is as follows:
If you have read the last Harry Potter book, are you excited to play any of the Kick-Butt Neville
moments? If so, what was your favorite Neville moment in book 7?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
Yeah, I'm sorry, I'm going to be predictable again! It's got to be the sword swinging, snake
killing bit I'm looking forward to most. I guess that's pretty "Kick-Butt". I'm really excited about
it. I got a taste for the action side of things in Order of the Phoenix and I can't wait to do some
more!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 14 was submitted by New First Year bob smith:
Do you intend to act on a long-term basis after the Harry Potter series is completed?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
I really hope so. Acting is an industry where nothing is certain. I have no idea what I'm going to
be doing or where I'm going to be in 5 years time. All I know right now is that it's what I want to
do. I think I'm just going to give it my best and have a real go. If it doesn't work out, it doesn't
work out! We'll see.
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 15 was submitted by Sixth Year shaiz khn. Please ask your question shaiz.
Sixth Year shaiz khn:
Have you ever visited any of your fansites online? How did it feel to see yourself so magnified?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
Haha. It's strange! I don't know how to describe it really. It's quite overwhelming I guess. I
mean, I went to a normal school in Leeds, there was nothing extraordinary about it and my
closest friends are normal people, students at university mostly. I don't see myself as a big actor
in movies and stuff, I try and keep everything as normal as possible, haha. So, when I see these
websites, it's really shocking - and I mean that in a good way! It makes me really proud and I
suppose this would be a good time to thank all the people that put the time and effort in and
have supported me in that way. It's really fantastic and I'll try and do my best to repay the
favour by keeping you entertained and I'll try and do a good job!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 16 is from the website Books and Wands who helped promote the interview today.
Please ask your question Rilian.
Rilian Holden:
Who would you say has been a great influence in your life and why or what qualities do you admire about
them?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
I have a ton of influences. I suppose my brothers, Anthony and Chris would be up there.
Anthony was an actor before me and it was visiting him working that gave me the idea to
become one myself. Chris works in the industry also, but behind the camera! My parents
gave me values and brought me up in such a way that I don't think I could thank them
enough for. All my friends at school that were there before Harry Potter and are still there
today. The cast and crew at Harry Potter. Starting acting at such a young age, I was very
impressionable. I can't attribute what I've grown into to any one person. So many people
have influenced me. I started a band last year so even Noel Gallagher is in there somewhere
and I've never met him!!
VIP Matthew Lewis:
Not quite finished!
VIP Matthew Lewis:
The qualities I admire the most about the people I mentioned is the reason they are so close to
me. My family and the friends that I consider the closest are the ones that will tell me when
I'm being an idiot! I think it's easy in this industry to think in your mind that you are
something that you're not. My friends and family make sure that doesn't happen to me. I
don't suppose they'll ever read this but cheers!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 17 is being asked by Third Year Cine Cauldron Crisp on behalf of Fourth Year Athene
Prewett.
Please ask the question Cine.
Third Year Cine Cauldron Crisp:
What made you want to be an actor in the Harry Potter movies?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
The story. I was a fan of the books before I'd heard there was a movie planned. It captured me
instantly and when news of the movie surfaced I had nothing else on my mind! I wanted to be a
part of it in anyway!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 18 is being asked by First Year Jonathan P-S.
Please ask your question Jonathan.
First Year Jonathan P-S:
If you could have played any other character in the Harry Potter films, which one would you
have liked to play and why?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
Good question. Every time I get this question I think my answer changes! I think today, I would
choose two people. Can I say two people? I think somebody evil would be fun because I've
never done that before - probably Lucius Malfoy. I also love making people laugh and the
character that did that the most for me was Gilderoy Lockhart. I don't think I'd be anywhere
near as good as Jason Isaacs or Kenneth Branagh, but it would be fun to have a go!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 19 is from the Ice Cream Man (Rupert Grint) website who helped promote the
interview today.
Please ask your question Ivana.
Ivana Medic:
What is the funniest thing Rupert Grint has ever done on AND off Harry Potter set?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
Rupert can make me laugh just by looking at me. He can be so hard to do a scene with
sometimes because when he starts to laugh, that's it, you laugh too. It's fun though! I think on
set, it's probably in the scene when Harry and Seamus have an altercation in the Common Room
in Order of the Phoenix. Rupert had a line that was something like "...unless you want a fist full
of Weasley...." and it was just impossible. Every time he did it, somebody laughed. Rupert,
Dan, Devon, Alfie, me. Somebody laughed and that set everyone else off, I think they had to cut
most of that scene in the end! Off set, the funniest thing that I remember is when we were
playing darts in his dressing room. He dropped one of his darts and it got stuck in my foot! It
was pretty painful but his face was so funny, and I couldn't help but laugh. He apologised and I
don't think he did it on purpose....I don't think. Reading that back, it doesn't sound that funny,
but believe me, we still laugh about it today!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 20 was submitted by Fourth Year Isabella Johnson who is unfortunately not here, and
the question is:
Which of the Harry Potter directors did you like most and do you approve that David Yates is
going to shoot the following films as well?
Only one more to go after this!
VIP Matthew Lewis:
I can't pick one Director as my favourite. They all brought something different to the movies that
they directed. They all had their own ideas and take on the story and they had widely different
personalities too. I got on with them all and it was an absolute pleasure and honour to work
with every one of them. I love working with David Yates - he is just a really nice man and so
talented. He makes sure that everybody on the set knows what they are doing and that they
have a role to play in the scene no matter how small. His grasp of the story and how things
should be is really inspiring and I'm really looking forward to going back to work with him. I
really think he has managed to bring out the best in me as an actor and I'm sure that my
colleagues would say the same.
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Final Question ..... Question 21, which is being asked by Professor Kast Phoenix. Take it away
Kast.
Professor Kast Phoenix:
Question 21: How strong a sense of place did you have on set? Were the sets complete rooms
or were there walls missing?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
It really depends on the particular shot. For example, The Great Hall is a complete room, all
four walls and a big, gold door at one end. Mostly, the camera will be inside and the set won't
change. However, sometimes the Director may want to do a wider shot or a big sweeping shot
that involves putting the camera on a huge crane. The only way to do these would involve
taking one of the walls out, so they do! That is the advantage to shooting mostly in the studio.
The sets can all be taken apart and rebuilt to suit the preference of the Director. One set that was
the hardest to shoot on, in my opinion, was the Hall of Prophecy, because it didn't exist! That
was shot entirely on green screen and put in afterwards using special effects. All we had to go
on was the floor layout and each other. Now that was tough!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Alrighty!
Matthew, thank you so much for agreeing to this interview and for staying so much longer to
answer all the questions. (Matt graciously stayed an hour longer than was originally agreed upon to
answer everyone’s questions.)
I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say thank you. I really appreciate the time you have
devoted to coming here today and it has been an absolute pleasure having you here with us.
I would like to wish you the very best with your career and the upcoming future.
VIP Matthew Lewis:
That's no problem at all. It's been an absolute pleasure. Thank you to everyone who asked
questions, and thanks to all the people that bothered to come and listen to me go on and on! Ha,
thanks again, hope you all enjoy the new movie in July!
All you need is love,
Matt x
Ladies and gentleman, I am very proud to welcome MATTHEW LEWIS to Castle Whitefang!
VIP Matthew Lewis:
Hello everybody!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
So, we are going to get straight on with the Interview!
Question 1:
(on behalf of the Unforgettable: The Magical Photos website)
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
Well, this is something that I've been thinking about a lot recently. The Harry Potter films are
coming to an end relatively soon and acting is all I've ever known and wanted to do. I have no
idea where I'm going to be exactly in the coming years but hopefully I'll still be a jobbing actor,
entertaining as best I can, whether it's in film or TV!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 2 is being asked by First Year Kate Estiller. Please post Kate.
First Year Kate Estiller:
Question 2: If you weren't Neville in Harry Potter, what fandom would you prefer or what
character would you be?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
I love this question! I'm such a geek when it comes to this kind of stuff - and being a geek is cool
nowadays, we run everything! I'd love to have been in Star Wars as Luke Skywalker or any of
the Jedis OR I'd have been Xander in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, he was the best character for me!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 3 is being asked by Deputy Minister of Magic Katie Hill. Please post Katie.
Deputy Minister of Magic Katie Hill:
Question 3: Does it ever feel strange if people come up to you asking for autographs and
pictures?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
Yes, it really does. You get used to it a little bit but sometimes you still have to take a step back
and ask yourself "why?" It's really an honour for me because I'd acted since I was 5 and it's all
I've ever wanted to do but I never really thought I would get this far and so for people to want
my autograph it gives me a great sense of achievement. I've just got back from L.A. and I was
bowling in Hollywood and the guy at the counter said "you're Matthew Lewis aren't you?" and I
was so confused because we were so far away from home. Nothing really prepares you for that!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 4: (on behalf of the Matthew Lewis Lovers fansite)
What scene are you most looking forward to filming for Deathly Hallows?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
Deathly Hallows is going to be so much fun to shoot. I don't have a script yet so I can't be
exactly sure how everything is going to work out. However, I think my answer will be a bit
predictable! The scene I'm looking forward to the most is when Neville swings the sword and
kills Nagini. That is going to be intense! In fact, the whole final battle sequence is going to be
amazing. Still can't believe they're going to trust me with a sword though!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 5: (on behalf of Fourth Year Halie Gawley)
What was your reaction to finding out that you were going to be in Harry Potter?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
Well, my reaction to getting a 2nd audition was pretty wild but when I was told I'd got the part,
it was something else! I was just a kid. I remember, I was 11 years old and my Mum got a phone
call, she was busy talking so she just gave me the thumbs up and I knew instantly what she
meant. I went crazy, I ran into the living room where my friend and I were playing Playstation
and we just jumped around on the sofas and shouted a lot. I think Tom Cruise tried doing that
recently on TV - it doesn't go down as well when you're older unfortunately!!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 6 is being asked by Junior Minister Sahoonie Puppie. Please post Sahoonie.
Junior Minister Sahoonie Puppie:
Question 6: People obviously know you when you walk down the street but have you ever
wished that you could be invisible/left in peace, even if just for a day?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
Interesting. I've thought about being invisible before but not for peace and quiet, more for
mischief! I don't think I've ever wanted to be left in peace by fans. It can be embarrassing
sometimes when I'm with my friends because they LOVE to make jokes about it but you know, I
really love meeting the fans that watch our movies. I like to think people feel comfortable
coming over and talking to me because at the end of the day, we make the films for the fans, and
without them there would never be a picture. We work for you guys! It's nice to hear feedback
from you!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 7 is from the Luna Fans website, who have helped promote the interview today, and
there question is: Everyone from David Yates to JK Rowling see Evanna as Luna. Personally,
how similar is Evanna to Luna according to you?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
Haha. Well, when I first met Evanna I thought it was the most perfect casting I had ever
witnessed. She was just Luna Lovegood in every way. However, she has changed so much in
the last few years. I've seen her mature and change a lot as a person yet when she's on screen
she is always able to capture Luna Lovegood perfectly. I think to say that she IS Luna
Lovegood would detract from her talent slightly - she really is a great actress.
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 8 is being asked by Third Year Thomas Marsh. Please post your question Thomas.
Third Year Thomas Marsh:
Question 8: Is it hard to play a part in Harry Potter?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
Thanks for the question, Thomas! Acting can be difficult. I stay in a hotel for a long time, away
from home and my family and friends for a large part of the year. However, it's a job I've always
wanted to do and I don't know many people that go to work every day and can honestly say that
they enjoy it but I know that I do! It's sometimes long days and can be frustrating when you
don't get things quite right but that's the same with every job. I have the added perks of
working with some fantastic, amazingly talented people, I get to work in mind-blowing
environments, and at the end of it all I get to look back on something so memorable and
unforgettable! It can be hard at times, but I wouldn't change it for the world!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 9 is being asked by Professor Kast Phoenix. Please post your question Kast.
Professor Kast Phoenix:
Question 9: What was your experience of wand-combat training like?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
Interesting. Very interesting. Haha. We had a choreographer called Paul Harris who came in to
teach us. He devised all these routines for different spells and we had to go and practice them
in a big tent. I think there was Dan, Rupert, Emma, Bonnie, Evanna and myself. I felt ridiculous
waving the wand around and shouting spells because we weren't acting, so I wasn't Neville - I
was just Matthew, looking like an idiot! We all had a laugh though, and we got into it, and by
the end I think we all enjoyed ourselves. That was until I apparently did one of the routines
perfectly and Paul made me stand in front of everyone and show them how to do it - that was
embarrassing let me tell you!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 10 is from the Muggles Behaving Badly Website, who helped promote the interview
today, and their question is: What's the funniest thing that's happened to you on set?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
There has been so many funny days on set, where we can't stop laughing. Everyone at the
studio likes pranks and making jokes. You wouldn't think it was a serious Hollywood film if
you came to visit, we laugh and joke so much! I remember one time on Prisoner of Azkaban
when we were in the Great Hall. We were all supposed to be asleep whilst Dumbledore and
Snape watched over us. Alan Rickman and Michael Gambon were both in character, doing their
lines and then suddenly somebody farts! At first, everyone is being professional and nobody
laughs. Then it happens again. A few ripples of laughter breakout. It happens again. And
again. And again. By this point the whole room is laughing. Alan and Michael were still trying
to do the scene but eventually even they had to stop. Turns out someone had hidden a fart
machine in one of the sleeping bags and Alfonso Cuaron (the Director!) had the remote control
and was in hysterics behind the monitors. That was pretty funny!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 11 (on behalf of Third Year Cine Cauldron Crisp):
In the Deathly Hallows book, your character has a pivotal role of killing the final crucifix in the
snake Nagini. How does it feel to play a character that is so pivotal to many of the main plot
lines?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
It gives me a great sense of responsibility. I know what the books meant to me when I read
them and I imagine the films can mean the same to people and so it's very important to get it
right. Playing a character that has such a crucial role in how the story develops is inspiring and
I'm very excited about it - I just have to make sure I don't mess it up!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 12 is being asked by Minister Tiffani Yager.
Minister Tiffani Yager:
Question 12: Do you hang out with any of the cast when you’re not taping for Harry Potter?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
We film at Leavesden Studios which is in Watford and most of the cast live in London which is
roughly 20-30 miles away from the studios I think. However, I live in Leeds which is about 170
miles away from the studio. As you can imagine, when I was younger, this made it difficult to
see the others when we weren't filming. Now it's much easier. I can drive to their houses
whenever I want, it's still pretty far for me to go but it's always fun when I do. I went to see
Oasis in October with James and Oliver Phelps. I've stayed at Emma Watson's house in Oxford
and there's always someone's birthday party that I try and get down for!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 13 is from the website Ron and Hermione Source who helped advertise this interview,
and is as follows:
If you have read the last Harry Potter book, are you excited to play any of the Kick-Butt Neville
moments? If so, what was your favorite Neville moment in book 7?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
Yeah, I'm sorry, I'm going to be predictable again! It's got to be the sword swinging, snake
killing bit I'm looking forward to most. I guess that's pretty "Kick-Butt". I'm really excited about
it. I got a taste for the action side of things in Order of the Phoenix and I can't wait to do some
more!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 14 was submitted by New First Year bob smith:
Do you intend to act on a long-term basis after the Harry Potter series is completed?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
I really hope so. Acting is an industry where nothing is certain. I have no idea what I'm going to
be doing or where I'm going to be in 5 years time. All I know right now is that it's what I want to
do. I think I'm just going to give it my best and have a real go. If it doesn't work out, it doesn't
work out! We'll see.
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 15 was submitted by Sixth Year shaiz khn. Please ask your question shaiz.
Sixth Year shaiz khn:
Have you ever visited any of your fansites online? How did it feel to see yourself so magnified?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
Haha. It's strange! I don't know how to describe it really. It's quite overwhelming I guess. I
mean, I went to a normal school in Leeds, there was nothing extraordinary about it and my
closest friends are normal people, students at university mostly. I don't see myself as a big actor
in movies and stuff, I try and keep everything as normal as possible, haha. So, when I see these
websites, it's really shocking - and I mean that in a good way! It makes me really proud and I
suppose this would be a good time to thank all the people that put the time and effort in and
have supported me in that way. It's really fantastic and I'll try and do my best to repay the
favour by keeping you entertained and I'll try and do a good job!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 16 is from the website Books and Wands who helped promote the interview today.
Please ask your question Rilian.
Rilian Holden:
Who would you say has been a great influence in your life and why or what qualities do you admire about
them?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
I have a ton of influences. I suppose my brothers, Anthony and Chris would be up there.
Anthony was an actor before me and it was visiting him working that gave me the idea to
become one myself. Chris works in the industry also, but behind the camera! My parents
gave me values and brought me up in such a way that I don't think I could thank them
enough for. All my friends at school that were there before Harry Potter and are still there
today. The cast and crew at Harry Potter. Starting acting at such a young age, I was very
impressionable. I can't attribute what I've grown into to any one person. So many people
have influenced me. I started a band last year so even Noel Gallagher is in there somewhere
and I've never met him!!
VIP Matthew Lewis:
Not quite finished!
VIP Matthew Lewis:
The qualities I admire the most about the people I mentioned is the reason they are so close to
me. My family and the friends that I consider the closest are the ones that will tell me when
I'm being an idiot! I think it's easy in this industry to think in your mind that you are
something that you're not. My friends and family make sure that doesn't happen to me. I
don't suppose they'll ever read this but cheers!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 17 is being asked by Third Year Cine Cauldron Crisp on behalf of Fourth Year Athene
Prewett.
Please ask the question Cine.
Third Year Cine Cauldron Crisp:
What made you want to be an actor in the Harry Potter movies?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
The story. I was a fan of the books before I'd heard there was a movie planned. It captured me
instantly and when news of the movie surfaced I had nothing else on my mind! I wanted to be a
part of it in anyway!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 18 is being asked by First Year Jonathan P-S.
Please ask your question Jonathan.
First Year Jonathan P-S:
If you could have played any other character in the Harry Potter films, which one would you
have liked to play and why?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
Good question. Every time I get this question I think my answer changes! I think today, I would
choose two people. Can I say two people? I think somebody evil would be fun because I've
never done that before - probably Lucius Malfoy. I also love making people laugh and the
character that did that the most for me was Gilderoy Lockhart. I don't think I'd be anywhere
near as good as Jason Isaacs or Kenneth Branagh, but it would be fun to have a go!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 19 is from the Ice Cream Man (Rupert Grint) website who helped promote the
interview today.
Please ask your question Ivana.
Ivana Medic:
What is the funniest thing Rupert Grint has ever done on AND off Harry Potter set?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
Rupert can make me laugh just by looking at me. He can be so hard to do a scene with
sometimes because when he starts to laugh, that's it, you laugh too. It's fun though! I think on
set, it's probably in the scene when Harry and Seamus have an altercation in the Common Room
in Order of the Phoenix. Rupert had a line that was something like "...unless you want a fist full
of Weasley...." and it was just impossible. Every time he did it, somebody laughed. Rupert,
Dan, Devon, Alfie, me. Somebody laughed and that set everyone else off, I think they had to cut
most of that scene in the end! Off set, the funniest thing that I remember is when we were
playing darts in his dressing room. He dropped one of his darts and it got stuck in my foot! It
was pretty painful but his face was so funny, and I couldn't help but laugh. He apologised and I
don't think he did it on purpose....I don't think. Reading that back, it doesn't sound that funny,
but believe me, we still laugh about it today!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Question 20 was submitted by Fourth Year Isabella Johnson who is unfortunately not here, and
the question is:
Which of the Harry Potter directors did you like most and do you approve that David Yates is
going to shoot the following films as well?
Only one more to go after this!
VIP Matthew Lewis:
I can't pick one Director as my favourite. They all brought something different to the movies that
they directed. They all had their own ideas and take on the story and they had widely different
personalities too. I got on with them all and it was an absolute pleasure and honour to work
with every one of them. I love working with David Yates - he is just a really nice man and so
talented. He makes sure that everybody on the set knows what they are doing and that they
have a role to play in the scene no matter how small. His grasp of the story and how things
should be is really inspiring and I'm really looking forward to going back to work with him. I
really think he has managed to bring out the best in me as an actor and I'm sure that my
colleagues would say the same.
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Final Question ..... Question 21, which is being asked by Professor Kast Phoenix. Take it away
Kast.
Professor Kast Phoenix:
Question 21: How strong a sense of place did you have on set? Were the sets complete rooms
or were there walls missing?
VIP Matthew Lewis:
It really depends on the particular shot. For example, The Great Hall is a complete room, all
four walls and a big, gold door at one end. Mostly, the camera will be inside and the set won't
change. However, sometimes the Director may want to do a wider shot or a big sweeping shot
that involves putting the camera on a huge crane. The only way to do these would involve
taking one of the walls out, so they do! That is the advantage to shooting mostly in the studio.
The sets can all be taken apart and rebuilt to suit the preference of the Director. One set that was
the hardest to shoot on, in my opinion, was the Hall of Prophecy, because it didn't exist! That
was shot entirely on green screen and put in afterwards using special effects. All we had to go
on was the floor layout and each other. Now that was tough!
Headmaster Harry Shires:
Alrighty!
Matthew, thank you so much for agreeing to this interview and for staying so much longer to
answer all the questions. (Matt graciously stayed an hour longer than was originally agreed upon to
answer everyone’s questions.)
I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say thank you. I really appreciate the time you have
devoted to coming here today and it has been an absolute pleasure having you here with us.
I would like to wish you the very best with your career and the upcoming future.
VIP Matthew Lewis:
That's no problem at all. It's been an absolute pleasure. Thank you to everyone who asked
questions, and thanks to all the people that bothered to come and listen to me go on and on! Ha,
thanks again, hope you all enjoy the new movie in July!
All you need is love,
Matt x
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