New HP Theme Park Construction Photos

We have the first information in a while concerning Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Screamscape has several new pictures of the construction for the mini park at Universal Studios in Orlando, FL. You can view the pictures here and here.

The park is expected to open to the public in December 2009.

Dan Talks HBP

The June issue of Film Review Magazine features a new Half-Blood Prince report, which contains some new Daniel Radcliffe quotage about the film:

Harry is unhappy for a lot of this film, mainly because people keep trying to kill him. And his love life is awful, too. That's what Jo [JK Rowling] does so well, combining everyday, mundane problems with this incredible other world.

Thanks to DR.com for the scan.

Alecto Carrow Cast

According to United Agents, a UK Talent Agency, Suzanne Toase has been cast has Alecto Carrow in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The website notes that the actress is currently filming scenes for the film.

Interestingly enough, a new picture of Jessie Cave (Lavendar Brown) is also featured on the website, and can be viewed here.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition

In a press release today, Becker Group in partnership with Warner Brothers announced "Harry Potter: The Exhibition," a traveling exhibition that will be open to the public over a span of five years. The 10,000 square foot exhibition will premiere in Spring 2009 and will appear in ten or more cities around the world.

"Harry Potter: The Exhibition" will include elaborate displays of authentic costumes, props and artifacts from popular environments featured in the films such as those from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, including the Gryffindor common room and Hagrid's hut. During its run, the exhibit will also be updated to include artifacts from the final installments of the Harry Potter film series. The exhibition will be displayed in major cultural and entertainment venues, museums and institutions, and will be supported by a multimedia promotional effort and advance ticket sales worldwide. Tour information, updates and ticket availability will be posted at www.harrypotterexhibition.com as details become available, or for more information, call 866-231-8328."

"Creating this magical tour around such a legendary property is a true milestone for Becker Group, both as a company, and a source of creative entertainment-based attractions," said Glenn Tilley, president and chief executive officer of Becker Group.

"We've dedicated ourselves to delivering an exciting experience for visitors that will meet the standards set by the films based on the novels by J.K. Rowling," said Eddie Newquist, president of Becker Group's Creative Studio and Exhibits.

"We're thrilled to partner with Becker Group to produce this multi-dimensional exhibition dedicated to the iconic Harry Potter film series," said Brad Globe, president Warner Bros. Consumer Products. "Fans around the world will finally be able to see the incredible craftsmanship and detail that went into creating their favorite props and costumes."

Deathly Hallows Part 1 Release Date: November 19, 2010

As all of you should already know, the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be released in two parts. Coming Soon has now confirmed that Part 1 will be released on November 19, 2010. Nothing has been confirmed for Part 2, but it's expected to be released in May 2011.

Complete Lexicon Trial Transcripts

Thanks to Leaky via Standford Law School, complete transcripts of all three days of the Lexicon trial are now online:

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

First HBP Video Game Screenshot

Electronic Arts' Casual Entertainment Label and Warner Bros. officially announced, as expected, their plans to work on the video game adaption of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. In a press release today.

“We believe that the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game represents a milestone in the movie tie-in genre,” said Harvey Elliott, Head of EA Bright Light studio in the UK. “Building on the technological advancements of previous games in the series and with a particular focus on the unique control system of Nintendo’s WiiTM, the team here is working closely with the filmmakers to create an immersive interactive experience that captures the story, the action, the excitement and, above all, the fun of the film. ”

“Working with EA, we look forward to offering fans a compelling Harry Potter video game, one which captures the thrilling storyline and high visual quality of the movie,” said Scott Johnson, Vice President, Business Development for Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The adherence to the rich fiction is a trademark of this franchise and with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince fans will experience the most authentic and enjoyable game in the series to date.”

The article also reveals that the game will feature the return of Qudditch to the video game franchise:

In the game of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, players will return to Hogwarts to help Harry survive a fraught sixth year. They will also have a chance to engage in exciting wizard duels, mix and brew magical ingredients in Potions class and take to the air to lead the Gryffindor Quidditch team to victory. Players may even get sidetracked by Ron’s romantic entanglements as they journey towards a dramatic climax and discover the identity of the Half-Blood Prince.

The article also features the first screenshot from the game, which you can view here.

OwlCast 44: The Trial

OwlCast 44 is now up on the feed. This week it's a short episode, in which me and Mary discuss the big Lexicon trail, among other things.

- The Media blows EVERYTHING out of proportion.
- JKR's testimony.
- Steve Vander Ark's testimony.
- "Fair Use"
- Other News.

You can download this episode via iTune or directly (Right Click..., Save As).

MTV Sheds Light on 'Fair Use'

I was watching some videos on MTV today only to find a new and quite useful article regarding the Lexicon trial between J.K. Rowling/Warner Brothers and RDR Books (our reaction podcast should be up by tomorrow evening). The article is a week old, but it's still quite handy, as it talks those of us who are not versed in the art of legal jargon through the issue of "fair use". When the trial wrapped up last week, it was still hazy who was in the right and who was in the wrong under the eyes of the law because of the vague "fair use" laws. So for all of those still confused, you can check out the article here.

It's unofficially a duel between the richest, most successful author in the world and a 50-year-old librarian, but the case of J.K Rowling v. RDR Books, now playing out in a federal court in New York, doesn't hinge on magical knowledge, superior weaponry or even powerful friends, but on a somewhat-complicated U.S. law known as the doctrine of fair use.

So what, exactly, is fair use, and why is Rowling arguing in court that "The Harry Potter Lexicon" breaks the guidelines established for it to work? And why can we quote liberally from "Harry Potter," at seeming random if I like ("Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!"), while Steve Vander Ark is being enjoined from doing what, at face value, appears to be the very same thing?

The answer lies in a piece of legislation only 30 years old and the four provisions it outlines as the foundation of fair use.

New Gentle Giant Busts: Qudditch Ron

New York Comic-Con took place over the weekend, and Gentle Giants, known for their Harry Potter busts, were among the vendors at the convention. Some of the new busts on display were two giant busts, one of Voldemort and one of Harry, from the graveyard scene, Lupin (no fangs this time), McGonagall, and of particular interest Ron in his Qudditch uniform. There was also a Qudditch box set, showing off the new uniforms.

Fans will remember a few months back, that Warner Brothers release two sneak peeks at Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. In the first of these sneak peek's we were able to catch a glimpse at the redesigns for the Qudditch uniforms in the film. The Gentle Giants busts are always quite accurate with their depictions, so this gives us a nice glimpse at what the uniforms will look like in the film.

HP products from NECA and Tonner, also at the convention.

New JKR Documentary to Air on ABC in November

ABC News is set to release a documentary about J.K. Rowling this November. The in-depth profile "includes several interviews, the book tour for the final "Harry Potter" installment, and a tour of locations that inspired her characters. It even hints to what the future holds for Harry and his friends." ABC is currently working with U.K. producer RDF Media, on the documentary.

AP on Lexicon Lawsuit: The Blurry Line in Copyright Law

The Associated Press has posted a summary of the lawsuit over the Lexicon book that began back in October, which does a good job at explaining this whole thing for the less legal inclined among us. The article specifically talks about why this trial, a "fair use" trial, is so tricky:

U.S. rules allow for the "fair use" of copyrighted material in unauthorized works, but there are limits. Journalists may quote from films and books when writing a review. Scholars can use excerpts from a novel while penning an author's biography.

Generally, the call on whether such uses are legal comes down to how much material was taken and how different the end product is from the original work.

Lawrence Pulgram, an intellectual property lawyer who represented Napster in a copyright fight with the rock band Metallica, said deciding where to draw the line is rarely easy.

"Fair use is the most erratically applied doctrine in copyright," he said.

Works like Vander Ark's lexicon fall into one of the tougher categories. It takes the form of an A-to-Z list of the hundreds of characters and place names from her books, followed by brief entries summarizing how they fit into the plot. There is also information on the origin of some of her characters in mythology and folklore.

Rowling and her legal team acknowledged that readers' guides like the lexicon are, in fact, allowed under the law, but made the case that Vander Ark simply took too much material. [Editor Note: To see the pie chart evidence, click here and scroll down]

U.S. District Judge Robert Patterson Jr. indicated that the case could go either way and encouraged both sides to settle. He suggested that a creative negotiation might produce a book that both sides could live with.

Rowling said during her testimony that Vander Ark could still do his book, as long as he changed it to take less of her material.

"I never ever once wanted to stop Mr. Vander Ark from doing his own guide. Never ever," she said, before asking the judge again to block it in its current form.

Emma to Appear on 'Travels in Written Britain'

Emma Watson's official website has been updated to tell fans that Emma will appear on ITV's "Travels in Written Britain." The program will feature Emma giving a reading. The show will air at 10:45pm on ITV1.

If anyone manages to capture Emma's appearances, send it in to theowlery dot org at gmil dot com.

Reminder: My Boy Jack on PBS Tonight

Remember, My Boy Jack, starring Daniel Radcliffe, will be airing tonight on PBS (check your local listings for air time). Fans will remember that the made-for-television film aired in the UK last year.

JKR/WB vs RDR Trial: MSNBC Editorial

MSNBC has an editorial by Helen A.S. Popkin concerning the big Lexicon lawsuit; she thinks J.K. Rowling is in the wrong:

Then there’s that kid himself, Mr. Vander Ark. (Yeah, I know he’s 50, but he’s still a kid.) Dude gave up “Star Trek” for you! And now you’re playing a game of weepy mental chase with a kid who made a Voldemort reference on the stand … which of course, makes him Harry Potter. You’re suing Harry Potter!

Leaving aside the question of copyrights and the fact that your jealous guarding of the universe you created actually helped the movies (because you insisted that the cast be — well, English children rather than "90210" 32-year-old teens), the point is you're rich! Settle back and enjoy the insane power, don't horde it and ruin other people's lives.

The editorial also quotes another editorial, Newsvine, which also thinks Jo is in the wrong:

Since a Creative Commons license isn’t nearly as restrictive as a traditional copyright, it allows others to build upon or reference your original idea, within in the limits of your choosing.

I mention this mostly because this Creative Commons business is how things are going to go in the Internet’s future, like it or not. That’s just one of the reasons you might want to consider the wise words of the judge who advised that you kids, and all your lawyers, find some creative way to settle this nasty business.

The other thing is, you’ve really got to think long and hard before you sue a fan. It just never goes over well. Why? Because it’s not just about that one fan you’re suing, it’s all those other fans watching you sue that one fan who adores and supports you. Remember when Prince sent his lawyers after that one baby on YouTube dancing to his music?

Emma to Star in Napoleon Film?

The Hollywood Reporter is reporting on a possible new role for Emma Watson today. Emma is rumored to play Betsy Balcombe in "Napoleon and Betsy," written and directed by Benjamin Ross.

Watson is filling the shoes recently vacated by Scarlett Johansson, who stepped aside as the part skewed younger.

Johansson is still producing, along with Alexandra Milchan, Melanie Sloan and Gilles Arondeau.

The article also notes that the actress would film during her break between filming Half-Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows.

Keep this in the rumor bin until we receive official confirmation.

Video of Beedle of the Bard Security

Yahoo! News has a new video of the The Tales of Beedle of the Bard. The video shows the tight security measures and talks about the current essay contest to see the book. You can watch the video here.

Happy Birthday, David Tennant

David Tennant, who portrayed Barty Crouch Jr. in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, turns 37 today. Happy Birthday, David!

Visitors Book With JKR Signature Helps Church Raise £10,000

This is Gloucestershire is reporting that a Tutshill church raised more than £10,000 at a fundraising launch with help from J.K. Rowling's signature in the St Luke's visitors' book.

Fans will remember that in the ITV documentary that aired in December, Jo visited the church where she looked through the visitors book to find her name, which she had written there years ago. In the documentary, Jo mentioned that she saw a name she used for a particularly nasty character in the book, but closed it fast so the cameras wouldn't see.

Vicar the Rev Royston Grosvenor said: "The event went very well, we had a great response. We also have a first edition signed copy of her latest book which we are currently deciding what to do with. Maybe it will be used as a prize or go to auction, depending on what will raise us more money."

JKR/WB vs RDR Trial Summaries

Several news sources are have released summaries of the three-day-long trial that ended yesterday. So for all of you who don't feel like reading three days's worth of lengthy articles, check out The BBC, The Sydney Herald, Herald Tribune, The Times Online, and/or The Telegraph.

JKR/WB vs RDR Trial Day 3 (UPDATED)

The Wall Street Journal is continuing their coverage of the J.K. Rowling/Warner Brothers vs RDR Books, and has posted two new articles concerning the today's proceedings.

The first article reports the two parties have "reached a settlement only on the false advertising and deceptive trade practices claims. The settlement means only that neither J.K Rowling’s name nor her quote endorsing the online version of Steven Vander Ark’s H.P Lexicon will appear on the cover of the book version of the Lexicon." However, there is still the copyright infringement, the core of the case.

Judge Patterson was quoted saying: “I don’t want to be influenced by either party’s attitude toward settlement.” and “I think this case, with imagination, could be settled . . . . But don’t throw anything out because of my desire to move ahead”. Patterson also remarked that he suspects the case will be appealed, and that it could go all the way to the Supreme Court, potentially taking years to resolve.

This morning, the lead lawyer for Jo, told the judge that yesterday’s testimony concluded their affirmative case of copyright infringement. "That leaves it to the defense [RDR Books] to establish fair use, which began with this morning’s testimony."

In the second article, IP (Intellectual Property) expert Ethan Horwitz is asked for his take on the case.

Thanks for taking the time, Ethan. So you think it’s running neck and neck between Warner Bros. and J.K. Rowling on the one side, and RDR Books on the other?

It’s really pretty remarkable, in my opinion. The fair-use test has four factors and each side can find precedent to support it. The case law is really all over the map. And on the facts, too, I think it’s a really close case. It really smacks down right in the middle.

...


And what about the facts here?

They’re also very split. Each side has some strengths and some weaknesses. Another part of the fair-use test involves the effect on the published work’s market, essentially just how clearly the copyright holder has shown that the work will have a damaging economic effect on her publications. That’s a tough argument for Rowling to make here because she, in the past, has been so encouraging of fan Web sites and lexicons and the like. This is where she has her major problem.

Vander Ark’s biggest issue, I think, is that his site looks so similar to the design of the Potter books. Technically speaking, it’s a trademark issue, but it is going to affect another factor, which is the extent and value of the taking from the original work.

So your prediction?

I wouldn’t make one in this case.

UPDATE: The WSJ has posted a third entry, concluding today's proceedings, in which Slater (the article's author) says the defense "score[d] some serious points."

The plaintiff's expert witness Jeri Johnson failed to add significant evidence, causing udge Robert Patterson to interrupt, ““It’s not helpful testimony because it draws conclusions without specifics. I can’t simply take the expert’s opinion as my own”.

When the witness was cross examined by RDR's lawyers, Johnson's "testimony simply unraveled":

Hammer got Johnson to agree that what’s obvious or facile to an academic dean at Oxford might not be so to children — presumably the Lexicon’s main audience. He asked: Could a work be useful to a 10 year-old even if it’s not something she would classify as a work of academic scholarship? “Yes,” she said. “No more questions,” he said.

Next, J.K. Rowling took the stand, as the trial's final witness, where she compared the Potter books to cake saying that the Lexicon takes all the best “crumbs,” repackages them and sells them for “entertainment value.”

Judge Patterson then asked Rowling, “Can you imagine anyone reading [the Lexicon] for entertainment value?”

“No,” she replied. “But, without seeming arrogant or vain, there are entertaining things in it — and I wrote them.”

Rowling went on to say that, just because she’s been successful, the law shouldn’t grant her less copyright protection. And, if the case is decided in RDR’s favor, she argued, borrowing law school cliches, that it will be a “slippery slope,” “floodgates will open,” “a precedent will be set,” and anyone will be able to “lift an author’s work” and present it as their own.

In the closing statements, Rowling’s lawyer, O’Melveny’s Dale Cendali, emphasized that the Lexicon “takes too much and does too little.” The defense’s Anthony Falzone, argued that “Quality shouldn’t matter.”

UPDATE #2 Yahoo! News via Reuters has some more information concerning of Day 3 of the trial.

"This case is about an author's right to protect their creation," Rowling, told the court. "If this book is allowed to be published the floodgates will open."

"Are we, or are we not, the owners of our own work? It's not just my work that is endangered."

More concerning the closing statements: Dale Cendali, a lawyer for Rowling and Warner, said the lexicon reproduced "tremendous amounts of text" without attribution. "There has been no testimony that it would add anything new or original," she said. "The lexicon is filled with errors."

But Anthony Falzone, a lawyer for RDR, said Rowling could not suppress a book just because she thought it was no good. "Copyright law does not permit an author to suppress a book because she doesn't like it."

Helen McCrory Talks Narcissa Wardrobe

The Times Online has published a new interview with Helen McCrory, in which the actress talks about her wardrobe as Narcissa Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

I play Narcissa Malfoy in the new Harry Potter film. If I told you what I was wearing, I would probably have to kill you; it's a bit like working for MI5. My costume is very couture, with beautifully sculpted silhouettes. The costumes are designed by my Parisian friend. Of course, style was battered into her at an early age.

However, the other day some set pictures of the actress in costume appeared online. They weren't the best, but they did give you the general idea.

JKR/WB vs RDR Trial Day 2

Today marks Day 2 of the media frienzied trial that is J.K. Rowling/Warner Brothers vs RDR books. USA Today (video featured) has posted a new article covering today's proceedings. Today, Steve Vander Ark, author of the book in question, took the stand:

With Rowling sitting directly in front of him with her lawyers, Vander Ark broke down in tears after more than three hours on the witness stand when asked if he still thought of himself as part of the Harry Potter fan club community.

"I do," he said, trembling with tears and struggling to continue speaking. "It's been difficult because there's been a lot of criticism, obviously, but ... it has been an important part of my life for the last nine years or so."

The Wall Street Journal has also updated their Law Blog to continue coverage on the trial:

Did Vander Ark Knowingly Infringe? Cendali tried to elicit a sense of the copyright knowledge that Vander Ark, a longtime librarian, might have, and that perhaps he knew ahead of time that RDR planned to infringe Rowling’s copyright. Cendali showed an e-mail from Vander Ark to the host of another Potter fan site. Vander Ark, apparently disillusioned with the deal he struck with RDR in August, wrote: “I am more than willing to dissociate myself with RDR. They have lied to me, misled me, taken advantage of me and in the end ruined my good standing with fans and with Rowling.”

What’s More Important to the Parties? Money or Passion? Yesterday, Rowling said the case isn’t about money, but about principle. One of RDR’s lawyers, Anthony Falzone, in his opening remarks said that for Vander Ark it was never about money, but rather passion. Today we got a sense of where things stand on both fronts. According to Vander Ark, he’s made about $6,500 off his Web site — all through advertising — between 2000 and 2008.

Jim Broadbent Talks Slughorn

Jim Broadbent has given a new interview with the Metro, in which he briefly discusses his role as Horace Slughorn in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

"It's going great. I play Horace Slughorn. He's a retired teacher brought out of retirement and drawn back into Hogwarts to tell his tale. He's got a secret that they want to get out of him."

"I'm not a massive fan, no, it's not really part of my generation. But I had read the first one and seen the films. I caught up with the sixth one, which I'm in. But I have to admit I haven't read them all."

Happy Birthday Emma and Emma

Both Emma Watson and Emma Thompson, who play Hermione Granger and Professor Trelawney, respectively in the Potter films, are celebrating their birthdays today. Miss Watson turns 18, while Ms. Thompson turns 49. Happy Birthday!

UPDATE: Emma's official website has been updated with a special birthday video, which is hidden in the main graphic. You can watch the video here. In the video Emma is in her dressing room at Leavesden (already in costume, for an upcoming scene for HBP) where she addresses her fans.

JKR/WB vs RDR Trial Day 1

Several articles and news networks have reported on the J.K. Rowling/Warner Brothers vs RDR Books trial, which started today in New York City (The Wall Street Journal, The BBC, The New York Times). Today both J.K. Rowling and RDR owner Roger Rapoport took the the stand. The case is expected to last most of the week.

During Jo's testimony, during which Steve Vander Ark was told to leave the courtroom, the author said that the attempt to publish "an act of betrayal. He has simply taken it and copied it. It is sloppy, lazy and it takes my work wholesale."

According to Wall Street:

When J.K. Rowling concluded her testimony today in the case of Warner Bros. and Rowling vs. RDR Books, the Law Blog stepped outside at the recess to have a chat with Columbia copyright professor Tim Wu. “She was the definition of a star witness,” he said. “It was hard for [the defense] to get anything out of her.”

As for weaknesses in her testimony, Wu said Rowling might’ve gone too far in claiming that the H.P. Lexicon was useless. Indeed, when Dale Cendali, the O’Melveny attorney representing Rowling and Warner in the case, asked Rowling about her impression of the H.P. Lexicon, she responded: “It’s sloppy and lazy in that it takes work wholesale. And what does it add? Worryingly, given that the excuse is that it’s some kind of reference guide, there are incorrect translations. So even in the loosest sense I do not consider this a worthwhile book.”

When David Hammer, the lead attorney for RDR Books, the putative publisher of the H.P. Lexicon, cross-examined Rowling, he went after her on that point. Hammer attempted to show that other Potter companion books, though they might offer more analysis, are not as “comprehensive” as the H.P. Lexicon, and don’t purport to be complete “encyclopedias” as, he argues, the H.P. Lexicon is. After all, a major point of argument for the defense in this case is whether the value added by organizational guides is enough to qualify a reference guide for fair use.

But when Hammer tried to get Rowling to concede that the H.P. Lexicon is more comprehensive — in that it’s longer — than other books, she shot back: “Is that the best you can say for the Lexicon? That it has text?” She added, “An alphabetical rearrangement is the easiest and laziest way to re-sell my work.”

Jo also noted that she had stopped work on her new novel (not sure if it's the one for children or adults) because her legal concerns had "decimated my creative work".


The Leaky Cauldron managed to attend the trial and has posted what a decent transcript of events (no records were allowed). It's lengthy, but certainly worth the read.

Happy Birthday, Julie Christie

Julie Christie, who played Madam Rosemerta in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, turns 67 today. Happy Birthday, Julie!

REMINDER: JKR/WB vs. RDR Books Trial Tomorrow

For months now fans of the Harry Potter books have awaited the ever looming trial of J.K. Rowling/Warner Brothers vs RDR Books concerning the publication of an unofficial Harry Potter encyclopedia, entitled the Harry Potter Lexicon, written by the HP Lexicon's Steve Vander Ark. After months of hefty paperwork and a number of rescheduling, the trial will take place tomorrow in New York, with Jo in attendance.

We will update throughout the day tomorrow as information is released.

Note: This week's OwlCast recording session had been delayed so that we can record immediately after the trial tomorrow. It will be on the feed either Monday or Tuesday afternoon (PST).

JKR Signs Open Letter to Address Darfur Genocide

J.K. Rowling is among a number of famous authors who have leant their voices in an effort to raise awareness of the current genocide in Darfur. Jo and other authors, including Judy Blume and R.L. Stine, have published an open letter adressing the issue of Darfur:

The Text of the Letter

In Darfur there is a story that is being told, re-told, and told again. It is a story of loss, fear, and trauma. Of children’s fates being dictated by armed men. It is a not a story that we want to tell you. But it is a story you must hear.
Today is the Day for Darfur, which marks the fifth anniversary of one of the world’s bloodiest conflicts. Over 200,000 people have been killed and over two million have been forced to flee from their homes and villages. Children barely old enough to walk, yet alone run, have seen their homes burnt and razed to the ground, their mothers raped and their fathers killed. Most are now holed up in sprawling camps, traumatised and living in fear. Children in Darfur draw pictures of bombs and guns. It is all they have ever known. Childhood is under attack in Darfur.
It is time to change the narrative. It is time to tell a different story. This April many children in Darfur will be reaching their fifth birthdays without ever having known peace. The world needs to wake up. For too long it has let these children suffer. Our politicians need to act on Darfur. It is time they demanded an immediate ceasefire, fully supported by the peacekeepers and punished anyone who tries to block their deployment. They must also do more to support a peace process based on justice and human rights, so there can be hope of an end to the suffering.
The children of Darfur didn’t ask for this war, but are living their days caught in the crossfire of reverberating bullets. They must be allowed to be children again. Despite the daily terror they face, they still have hopes and dreams. The world needs to act now to give the children of Darfur a future.

List of Children’s Authors who have signed the Letter
Mike Berenstain
Judy Blume
Gillian Cross
Anne Fine
Cornelia Funke
Julia Golding
Michael Morpugo
J.K. Rowling
Louis Sachar
Rawya Sadek
Amanda Sthers
R.L. Stine
Tracey West
Daniel Pennac

For more information, I highly suggest checking out SaveDarfur.org.

Emma One of the Most Beautiful Faces of 2008; JKR One of the Most Powerful of 2008

Emma Watson's official website had been updated with some decoration (a candle in the graphic) in anticipation for her 18th birthday this Tuesday (my 19th birthday, just fyi). The website also mentions that the actress had been listed 27th in "100 most beautiful faces of 2008".

Speaking of lists, J.K. Rowling has has been listed among the Telegraph's 100 Most Powerful People in British Culture.

14) J.K. Rowling, 42, author. Harry Potter brought her fame and fortune, and she in turn has given a break to the British film industry, by insisting the films of her books be shot in Britain with an all-British cast. Has said: ‘I never wanted [fame] and I never expected it and certainly didn’t work for it, and I see it as something that I have to get through, really.’

Also of note, Stephen Fry, the UK HP audiobook narator, and Helena Bonham Carter (aka Bellatrix) ranked in at 44 and 99, respectively, on the list.

First Look at Helen McCrory as Narcissa Malfoy

The first pictures of Helen McCrory as Narcissa Malfoy have made their way online. The first picture shows McCrory on set with the Half-Blood Prince crew, while the second shows McCrory filming a scene.

Clearer Shots of HBP Yarn Promo Pics

Hbpmoviepics has posted some higher-res images of the yarn that the fake poster, but real HBP promo picture of Dan, was promoting. The yard features new pictures from the sixth Potter film, and while they are still small, they're still worth taking a look at.

Equus Broadway Ticket Prices

The other day we told you that "Equus" would start previews on September 5th, and formally open on September 25th, for it's 22-week Broadway run. Further information concerning ticket pricing is now available.

Tickets will go on sell April 26th via Telecharge:

Detailed Pricing Information
Orchestra: $116.50
Mezzanine (Rows A-H): $116.50
Mezzanine (Rows J-L): $66.50

Wednesday matinee:
Orchestra: $111.50
Mezzanine (Rows A-H): $111.50
Mezzanine (Rows J-L): $61.50

Premium Seat Prices:
$251.50

Saturday evening:
$301.50

Wednesday matinee:
$151.50

All prices include a $1.50 facility fee.

Tickets purchased online and by phone are subject to a per ticket service charge of $7.00 and a per order handling fee. Handling fees vary by how your tickets are delivered.

For further information about showtimes and tickets, click here.

Twilight Author Talks JKR

As, if there weren't already enough excuses for the Potter fandom to talk about Twilight, MTV has now a new interview interview with the author of the series, Stephenie Meyer, about J.K. Rowling.

When asked if the two authors had met, Meyer responded: “No. But I would love to; I would love to sit down and talk with her.”

Still, Meyer insisted that if she ever did meet the “Potter” mastermind, they’d have plenty to talk about. “I’d like to hear her thoughts on her fans; I know she has this big group of people who say ‘Oh no, Harry should have ended up with another girl,’ and I wonder how she feels about that when they think they have a better ending than she does,” the writer said sympathetically. “I’d also like to hear her thoughts on the movies, and what things about them she enjoyed, and how she feels about privacy and e-mails and fan letters and that whole experience as a popular writer.”

Meyer also discussed the frequent comparison used between her books and Jo's:

“The interesting thing about the comparison is that I think you can compare my fans to her fans more easily [than me to her]. I do think that we both have people who are just really really enthusiastic, and will come miles to see you and be involved, and everybody really cares about our characters. But the [’Harry Potter’ and ‘Twilight’] stories are just so different.”

An additional interview with Meyer, mainly concerning the Twilight series, can be read here.

JKR Attends British Book Awards

J.K. Rowling attended the British Book Awards in London last night, where the author received the Outstanding Achievement award. At the ceremony Jo said she was thrilled "and quite pleased that I haven't been pensioned off just yet with a lifetime achievement award".

UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown was quoted:

“She has joined a distinguished line of British authors whose work has got the whole country reading,’’ Brown said in a presentation speech made available before tonight’s ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. Her books “will be read for many years to come by successive generations,’’ he said. He continued noting “She has been incredibly generous with her time and her money supporting some of the U.K.’s most deserving charities, but always in a quiet way,’’ he said in the prepared remarks.”

You can see pictures of Jo, with her husband Neil Murray, at the awards via Getty and Rex.

UPDATE: DH Excerpt Included in Prince Charles Birthday Book

It was reported earlier that J.K. Rowling would contribute to a book to be published for Prince Charles's 60th birthday. The Bookseller is now reporting that Jo's contribution will be an extract from Deathly Hallows with new illustrations from Quentin Blake.

Writing from Jacqueline Wilson and Philip Pullman, new pieces from Philip Ardagh and Anthony Horowitz, and further illustrations from Axel Scheffler, Posy Simmonds and Emily Gravett will also be featured in the book.

"Royalties from the book are being donated to The Prince’s Foundation for Children and the Arts, which provides schoolchildren with opportunities to visit theatres, orchestras, museums and galleries."

New HBP Set Photos of Leavesden Construction

The London Taxi Tour has posted more photos of the large scale construction taking place for Half-Blood Prince outside Leavesden. The website states that the Lightening Struck tower scene and "Quidditch has also been filmed, which might explain why the cranes are now gone. We also know that the Malfoy’s house is under construction."

No clue on why the Malfoy Manor would be in Half-Blood Prince, though the structure is certainly big enough to be a manor. It is unlikely that they are starting early for Deathly Hallows considering the script hasn't even been written yet for the last film, well two-part last film. It is more likely that the set is not the Manor, considering the plot of the sixth book.

We'll update when we know more.

New HBP Set Photo

A new photo from the set of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is now online. The image goes along with a set report from one of the winners from an Argentina contest to visit the set at the beginning of March. The photo basically shows the winner in the Great Hall with Matt Lewis (Neville) and Katie Leung (Cho). You can view the photo here, thanks once again to hbpmoviepics.

If anyone can translate the set report, make sure to send it in to theowlery dot org at gmail dot come.

Amazon Announces Contest to Read Beedle of the Bard in London

Amazon has announced a new contest, in which the winner will win a trip to London for a weekend with their copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard. The Beedle the Bard Ballad Writing Contest is open to Amazon customers 13 and older to creatively write a short, English-language submission of 100 or fewer words answering one of the following three questions:

What songs do wizards use to celebrate birthdays?
What other sports do wizards play besides Quidditch?
What have you learned from the Harry Potter series that you use in everyday life?

“Customers have been anxious to see, touch and read this rare, unique, and absolutely beautiful piece of literature,” said Russell Grandinetti, vice president of books at Amazon. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer our customers a chance to head to London, don a pair of white gloves and be one of only a handful of people in the world to have read these amazing tales. And of course, given the rarity of the book, security guards are included.”

Contest submissions will be accepted from April 9 -22, in two age categories: 13-17 and 18 and older. 10 semifinalists from each category will then be selected and announced on May 5th. Amazon will post the semi-finalist submissions from both age groups and allow Amazon customers one week to vote for their favorite entry in each of the two age categories.

The two remaining finalists will then compete for the grand prize. Amazon customers will have one more opportunity to vote for their favorite submission, in mid-May, and determine the grand prize winner of the trip to London. The grand prize winner is slated to be announced on May 22nd.

Entries can be submitted here. The deadline for submissions is 11:59 p.m. PDT on Tuesday, April 22, 2008.

Equus to Open on Broadway September 25

As most of you know by now, Daniel Radcliffe (Harry) and Richard Griffiths (Vernon) will reprise their roles in Equus when it makes it's way over the Atlantic to Broadway later this year. Playbill is now reporting that the play will open at the Broadhurst on September 25th "and the production will play a 22-week engagement through Feb. 8, 2009. Tickets will go on sale to American Express Gold Card members April 12 at 9 AM ET by calling (212) 239-6200 or by visiting www.telecharge.com."

Also, according to Broadway.com previews for the play will start on September 5th.

New Promo Shot of HBP Harry

A new promo image of Daniel Radcliffe as Harry in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince has been spotted promoting yarn. However, Warner Brothers has stated that the poster is not official. While, the poster itself is not an official poster, released by Warner Brothers, the photo is real and new. You can see the image here and here (higher res).

PPP: School Is for Losers

The infamous Neil Cicierega has released yet another infamous Potter Puppet Pals video. You can watch the flick below:

Julie Walters Talks About The Burrow

Screen Online has posted a new interactive interview with Julie Walters. In the interview the actress briefly discussed her role as Mrs. Weasley and filming scenes in the Burrow. Unfortunately she doesn't mention anything about Half-Blood PRince

In this interactive interview, you choose a category, and then a question, and then you hear the answer. To watch the segment where she talks about the Burrow, select the category “Family” and then click “In real life, my house is a bit like the house of Mrs. Weasley.”

Interview With Regulus Black Actor

The other day we reported on some new casting for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Among the new cast members was Tom Moorcroft who was cast as Regulus Black. A new interview with the actor has surface online, in which the actor confirms his role in the sixth Potter film.

In the interview, the actor revealed that he only appears in the film as a photograph in Slughorn's office (since we don't technically see Regulus in the book); he participated in a photoshoot that only last 2-3 hours at Leavesden. Moorcroft also revealed that he hasn't been cast for Deathly Hallows, but would love to come back for continuity reasons.

What other actors were present during this scene? Like Susie Shinner (young Lilly Evans) or Daniel Radcliffe.
Only Jim Broadbent.

Can you describe the details of the scenario and the clothing on the scene?
Unfortunately no real details can be disclosed at this time, as the production team said. No photographs were allowed to be taken for the case if they got leaked to the public, I suppose.

...

Do you have any information about Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, where your character has a big role during the books?
No information, yet. I gather that right now they’re concentrating on the Half Blood Prince. It would make sense to use the same actor again to save confusion, but I personally have no idea. I would like to get called back though.

You can read the full interview at Potterish

UPDATE: Another new interview with Mr. Moorcroft is now online. Maponto from Spanish fan site BlogHogwarts let us know that they have an exclusive interview with the actor along with a larger photo of the picture featured on the actor's casting page. While the interview is mostly the same, you can read the full translation below:

Had you read any of the Harry Potter books before you obtained the role?

Yes I've read the 2nd, 3rd and 4th ones, I haven't had the chance to read all of them yet!

Have you already shot scenes of Half-Blood Prince?

I shot my scenes two weeks ago, just before Easter at Leavesden Studios.

In which scenes are you present?
I'm in a very short scene which will be in Professor Slughorn's office.


What other Harry Potter actors or actresses did you perform with?
Jim Broadbent, who will be playing Professor Horace Slughorn.

How do you feel about being in a Harry Potter film?
It's certainly an experience I must say. I would definitely not to have to think, if I was asked to be in the Deathly Hallows. It would be a very firm yes.

Have you met other actors or actresses on Harry Potter Set?
The only actor I met was Jim Broadbent as he was the only main actor involved in my scene.

JKR Trust Donates to Women's Refuge

The Volant Charitable Trust, founded by J.K.Rowling in 2002, has donated £25,000 to Stirling Women’s Aid in England to help furnish its new local refuge. An additional £5000 was also donated by an anonymous source. The trust was named after J.K. Rowling's mother, whose maiden name was Volant, who died from Multiple Sclerosis. The charity was set up to "support charitable causes and projects, nationally or community-based, at home or abroad, which alleviate social deprivation, with a particular emphasis on women’s and children’s issues."

New Scarlett Byrne Photo

A&J Management has release new photo of actress Scarlett Byrne, who will play Pansy Parkinson in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. You can view this photo here thanks to the Snitchseeker.

Two New HBP Castings

Two new castings have reportedly been made for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. First up, Spotlight has listed Tom Moorcroft as the actor who will play Regulus Black in the sixth Potter film. Secondly, Charlie Bennison has been listed as playing Sanguini the Vampire (from Slughorn's party) by Casting Call Pro.

While these actors are being confirmed by casting agencies, remember not to treat as anything more than a rumor until official confirmation is received from Warner Brothers.

Thanks, Leaky

New JKR Interview: Dumbledore and Snape Plot Lines

Back in February, J.K. Rowling was in attendance at James Joyces Awards in Dublin. A new report is now online from a question and answer section conducted with Jo at the awards ceremony. In the interview Jo talks about a number of things. When asked she thinks of any of the actors when wrting the books, Jo said:

“To be honest no, the only actor or actress who has ever, ever intruded while writing was Evanna Lynch, who is absolutely perfect as Luna. And I must admit I have heard her voice in my head when I wrote the book.”

Jo also was asked about the construction of the plot lines throughout the series:

“But the big ones, the Dumbledore storyline, the Snape storyline were always there because you — the series is built around those.

"With Dumbledore quite deliberately, you find out little about Dumbledore’s own private life because his interactions with Harry are always about Harry, which sets up the fact that in the seventh book Harry thinks “but why did I never ask ?” He’s gone now and he’s never even thought of saying : “so how about you ?” you know, at the end of one of those conversations which I think is something that happens after the grief, the regret that he didn’t ask. And I think also that Dumbledore had always been such an almost god-like figure to Harry in some ways, that he felt he couldn’t ask him personal questions.

Snape, on the other hand, I had to drop clues all the way through because as you know in the seventh book when you have the revelation scene where everything shifts and you realize why Snape was… what Snape’s motivation was. I had to plot that through the books because at the point where you see what was really going on, it would have been an absolute cheat on the reader at that point just to show a bunch of stuff you’ve never seen before, you know… “Oh by the way, in the background this was happening.” So I did know. It was a complicated plotting process but by the time Philosopher’s Stone was finished, I definitely knew all the big things about Snape and Dumbledore because in many ways they’re the two most important characters in the seventh book… Well, other than the trio, Harry, Ron and Hermione.

You can read the whole and lengthy interview here (scroll down for English translation).

Second and Third WB Emma Watson Photos Online

The second and third of the pictures from Emma Watson's recent WB photoshoot have been posted on the actress's official website. Unfortunately, none of these pictures are related to Half-Blood Prince.

My Boy Jack Preview Clips

With "My Boy Jack", the UK television movie starring Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), set to be released on DVD on April 22nd in the US, Warner Bros has released some new video clips from the movie which will also be air on PBS on April 20th.

You can watch these clips here.

Happy Birthday Gred and Feorge

The calendar on J.K. Rowling's official website has been updated to with everyone's favorite twins a happy birthday. Happy Birthday, Fred and George!