IT’S a wizard of a chance for Harry Potter fans in Wokingham to have a truly spellbinding experience.
A nationwide contest has been launched to select four locations to host the magnificent Wizarding World Wands display that stunned filmgoers in London last year.
And Reading is one of the towns to make it through to the final selection to host the illuminated installation against a soundtrack of music from the award-winning films.
The nine wands, standing 15 ft tall, bring to life some of the most beloved characters in the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films.
Launching the competition this week, Pierre Bohanna, who worked as head prop maker on all eight Harry Potter films – as well as Fantastic Beasts, which has just been released on DVD – described the display as “magical.”
The real life Ollivander, designed all the wands for the films in close consultation with JK Rowling, and actors including Daniel Radcliffe to select their character’s final wand design.
“The display is really beautiful, quite magnificent,” he said.
“It really captures what the characters and films are about.”
Pierre, who has also weaved his magic on films such as Star Wars, Justice League, Titanic and the James Bond franchise, said he was “excited” to have worked on all eight Potter films.
“It was an honour if a little daunting,” he said. “The wands in the film had to reflect each character. It took two months from the initial meeting to producing a physical representation.”
Pierre also designed hundreds of other props in the movies including the Philosopher’s Stone, Quidditch and the Remembrall to name just a few.
“For the Philosopher’s Stone, we began with this idea of a pebble-like shape. Then we went through many prototypes until we were happy.
“One of my favourites was the Goblet of Fire. Those were lovely pieces as was the giant gramophone. Every piece was a journey.”
Pierre began his film career at a UK model-making and effects company specializing in TV commercials and photography. He then worked for other effects and production companies, before moving to film production.
He has worked at the UK’s leading studios including Pinewood and Shepperton Studios.
“There’s no need to go to Hollywood,” he adds.
“We have so much creativity here and such great facilities. I’d encourage anyone wanting to get into this business to look at the various college or university courses available. It’s a tough business but there are great opportunities. You need to be tenacious.”
The Wizarding World Wands tour will also support Lumos, a campaign to bring children worldwide out of institutions and in loving family care by 2050. It was named after the light-giving spell in Harry Potter.
Josh Berger, president and managing director of Warner Bros Entertainment UK, Eire & Spain, and president, Harry Potter Global Franchise Development, said: “We were overwhelmed by the response to the Wizarding World Wands supporting Lumos installation in London last year and want to bring the magic to fans across the country.
“We are excited to find out where they’ll be unveiled next.”
To vote for Reading to get the Wizarding World wands display, go to: www.fantasticbeasts.co.uk/wandsready
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is out now on Blu-ray and DVD
