“Potter” Prosthetic Artist Shares Set Secrets Ahead of Studio Tour Event

by · March 23, 2016

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is hosting a brand new event for the Easter holidays. Starting on Friday, March 25, the event, which is called Half-Giant Hagrid, focuses on the creation of Hagrid, as well as the goblins in the films.

In the lead up to the event, Sarita Allison, the prosthetic make-up artist on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, has spoken about her experiences on set.

You can watch Allison talking about her work in the video below.

In the interview, Allison spoke about some of the scenes that she worked on in the film, specifically those that featured goblins.

I worked on the Gringotts Bank sequence, the battle of the giants, and the last scene where the principle cast members appeared older.

We made hundreds of prosthetic goblin heads to complete the scenes, many of which can now be seen on display here now.

Allison talked further about the creation of the prosthetic masks.

They are made from silicone. The faces are created through life casting, sculpting, and mould making. […] It took about four hours to apply the goblin prosthetics and an hour to remove.

Allison also revealed some surprising facts from the set.

The actors who wore full prosthetics had to use contact lenses. They really inhibited the actors’ vision, so all 40 goblins needed chaperones in order to move around.

Visitors to the Studio Tour over the next few weeks will be able to learn more about how Hagrid was brought to life on set, as well as the creation of the goblins. Allison, and other experts who worked on the films, will be available during the event to talk to visitors, so make sure you take advantage of the opportunity to find out more about the creation of the films.

Half-Giant Hagrid will run at the Studio Tour March 25–April 17, 2016. To find out more and book your tickets, visit the official website here.

Are you planning on visiting the Studio Tour for the Half-Giant Hagrid event? What are you hoping to learn? Let us know in the comments!