'Order of the Phoenix' filming in Italy
UPDATE: BadTaste.it reports that the journalist who wrote the article was contacted by Warner Bros shortly after the story's publication. WB said "the deal was off" because the location had been made public. All negotiations with the local authorities in Balestrino, Ms. Andreetto says, were subject to some sort of "confidentiality clause." We will update you on any changes.
Today we've learned Warner Bros. has been looking into filming scenes or b-roll (additional scenery) for Order of the Phoenix in the Savona area of Italy. An article in Italy's Il secolo XIX paper has a picture of Castello di Balestrino in North-Western Italy, where scenes from the upcoming Order of the Phoenix movie may be filmed as early as this Fall.
This full, detailed article can be found at the link below (or by clicking on the headline of this news story). Thanks to BadTaste.it for the translation, scan, and article!
Today we've learned Warner Bros. has been looking into filming scenes or b-roll (additional scenery) for Order of the Phoenix in the Savona area of Italy. An article in Italy's Il secolo XIX paper has a picture of Castello di Balestrino in North-Western Italy, where scenes from the upcoming Order of the Phoenix movie may be filmed as early as this Fall.
This full, detailed article can be found at the link below (or by clicking on the headline of this news story). Thanks to BadTaste.it for the translation, scan, and article!
Thanks to BadTaste.it for this report and translation for MuggleNet visitors:
Representatives for Warner Bros., the article states, have been visiting a number of small medieval towns around Italy, looking for the perfect location for scenes to be shot for OOTP.
Among the locations that were chosen and were being evaluated was the ancient Castle of Balestrino, a stunning medieval fortress around which a typical Italian village was built in the early Middle Ages. Because the Castle is private property, WB might have to ask for permission to film, not just from the local authorities, but from the owners of the building as well.
Over the last few weeks, the production company has commissioned a survey of the castle, to assess its compatibility with filming requirements. This part of Northern Italy offers breathtaking landscapes: it's a small region enclosed between the Tirreno sea and the Alps. In the area there's also a centuries-old sanctuary to the Virgin Mary, which would certainly make striking background scenery for any movie.
The mayor of Balestrino, Mr. Italo Panizza, confirms the local authorities have been contacted by WB, and that the visit actually took place, but he insists no definite arrangements were made yet, though filming for those scenes is scheduled to begin in October. Mr. Panizza added:
"Naturally, we made it clear we'd be more than happy to help. We are flattered to have been considered for the opportunity to host such a big, world-famous production. And this is why we have halted all renovation and repair work to the ancient buildings across the village: Warner Bros asked us not to touch anything."
Alessandra Bergero, Head of the local Film Commission authority, sounds less enthusiastic:
"WB did come and visit Balestrino; but they went to other towns all over Italy as well. As of now, there is no certainty as to whether they will shoot the movie here in Balestrino".
Thus, we find out Warner Bros has been looking around for the perfect Italian medieval town, to get the right atmosphere for the film. What scenes will they shoot? We can only guess, but, what with the magnificent scenery of the Alps mountain range nearby, could Giants be involved?
Rumours have been circulating over the last few months, suggesting that Order of the Phoenix would be shot on location in the Czech Republic, or - more recently - Turkey, possibly due to the expense of filming in Scotland and the bad Scottish weather that has delayed filming. While this is probably not the case with Italy (blessed with great weather, but possibly more expensive than Turkey): should Italy get the chance to become a part of the Potter world, this would mark the very first time production for a HP movie goes overseas, outside the United Kingdom.
Shooting would commence in October, the Mayor says; that would be after the summer hiatus has ended (the younger actors will have taken their GCSE examinations by then), and just prior to the date principal photography for Movie 5 is scheduled to wrap up (November).
Posted by Andrew on Jun 11th |
76 Comments
Visitor Comments
Come on TDeSou! Lttl_pggy only said that because, like everyone, they want HP to be filmed near them. And it's normal that more people talk about the United States because there are so much people who live there. I want the HP cast and crew to come to Canada because I live there but I wouldn't really want them to film here.... It would be ridiculous. Anyway, I thought they would use this castle for Azkaban when I saw the picture. but there aren't many scenes of Azkaban in OotP. The ministry of magic is underground and Grimmauld Place is supposed to look like a shabby house, so it couldn't be it unless they decided to change the book(grrrr!!!). So many they're going for interiors. Or maybe, like someone said, they won't even use the castle but they'll shoot what is around. Peace
I though everything was supposed to be filmed in the uk - scene as harry has never been abroud!!! this is rediculas i cant believe it - why didnt they stay in the uk errrr - im all stressed out now and i cant even explain why!!1
Cool, wonder what's gonna be filmed there... Probably will be the Giants thing... Looks pretty :P On another note, I wasted some of my Maths GCSE today thinking 'Emma Watson could be doing this right now'. How weird? But it's ok, I'd already finished xD
Well, I didn't expect it to film in Italy, but it's okay with me.
guyssssssssssssssssssssssss...........its just a rumor......not true at all go here http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/#article:8750
That castle looks like it could be used to film Azkaban.
That castle looks like it could be used to film Azkaban.
what scene could they possibly be doing there.. I agree with TDesou im a canadian and the fact that America does in fact get things sooner, better and faster bugs me. And it bugs me that other countries have to take the back seat. But I must say it isnt the citizens of americas fault that movies come out sooner there its the government and the fact that america is such a wide range producer of goods, therefore a priority. This sucks, but you cant really do anything about it. America has these awesome reailty shows, canada tries to reproduce them, and of course this is second rate. It sucks! And by the way, canada is bascially two of the united states for those who are unaware, this is irrelevant, but it bugs me that americans espeically seem to think their country is bigger. It'd be cool for the hp movies to be filmed in canada, preferably B.C but i dont think it would fit the books aura, i'll admit that. And also. Why do we (canadians) learn about americans history, when they learn nothing about ours?
HARRY POTTER in ITALY????????? preposterous! but cool..... (who doesnt love italy?)
www.dissendium.com says: "WB: 'Phoenix' not to be filmed in Italy Posted on 13-06-2006 by surfinusa555 - Comments: (1) - Submit News According to representatives of the film, the earlier report by an Italian entertainment newspaper stating that a film crew was visiting Genoa, looking for places to shoot, was completely unfounded and has "not a grain of truth in it." Unfortunately for our Italian readers, there are currently no plans to film in Italy." so it appears to be a false alarm-nothing more
So the Quest for locations continues, mit put a cup of coffie on and wait for two months just remember they shoot thousands of seens, half of that may not even be used in the movie Its maddaning
I know some impressive locations near the place where I live which would be excellent for filming Harry Potter, I'd love to hear they're filming here.
I dont really agree with them filming in Italy, its an english film and i think that Scotland is perfect for the film and i always imagend (when i was reading the books before the films came out) that it WAS in Scotland, i cant think of a more perfect place!
I don't care what they do. As long as it is good... all is good.
Wow all the people who live in Italy are pretty lucky!!! Gosh nothing in America happens like this well nothing THIS exciting!
whatever
er....Italy don't get me wrong, i love it, but why?
Look..I'm Italian. I'm very pleased that we have a location of the 5 movie. It is great I'm 2 hour more or less from there. I wonder WHEN italians will be in the magic world of HP. We are 1 of the most important country for history and arts. I always think that a location for HP should have something about medieval age. well we have lots of castles and location and great buildings! Even INSIDE my city (Torino) we have a Castle!!! Even in Soave (near Verona) where is the HP italian day, there is a very nice location.. great castles......italy is not only milan rome and florence....there are very nice places all over the country.
goldrake, siamo i primi in quanto a storia e arte, ma non dirlo. Fine momento sciovinista.
I don't understand why not Italy. Come one guys use the brain. It's not like Harry is going to eat pasta instead of porridge or play football and not Quidditch. It's only a matter of location. One of the scene of the last Star Wars was filmed on the lake of Como in Italy, and it was simply perfect.
well it doesnt matter now since its not going to be filmed there anymore...and i dont blame WB because if the public knows where theyre filming, theyd surely try and have a look...
Curse those lucky Italians... and you too, umbridgeitis! Lol, joke. xD Why can't they come to Canada? They can use the Rocky Mountains for the giants scene. =3 I can't wait to see the OotP movie. ^_^ ~ Djanu
Wow, I am sloooowww. I was only reading the first page of comments. ~ Djanu
oh my God!!!! I'm so exited 'cause I'm Italian!!!!!!!! Even if I live far from Savona, I'll be there as long as they will be there!!!!!!!!! Thank God you listened to my prayers!!!!!! Oh I can't believe yet!!! Maybe I'll meet Daniel and Rupert and Emma and everyone of the cast!!!!! So coooooooool!!!!
Goldrake I agree with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!You're so right!!!!!
It is good to know that in the Harry's world are other location, let's hope there are as cool as the one we have seen so far.
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