Owlcast Episode 49: Siriusly

Our episode this week was cut short due to technical diffculties, but this week Mary and I talk about the latest Potter news.

- Still no trailer.
- Potter Prequel.
- Terminus stalking.
- Wizard Rock the Vote.

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

HBP Teaser Poster?

This year's Cinema Expo featured a showcase of posters for a number of upcoming movies, including Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Now before you get too excited, the poster simply features the title logo for the film. We do not know if this is the official teaser poster. We will keep you posted. Until then you can check out a photo of the poster over at hbpmoviepics via film1.nl.

Wizard Rock the Vote

The Associated Press has an article online today highlighting the growth of Wizard Rock, specifically covering the recent Wrockstock 2008.

On a related note, The HP Alliance has launched their Wizard Rock the Vote campaign, where they will provide information about registering to vote for the upcoming US Presidential Election at select Wizard Rock concerts.

A video with information about the campaign, put together by Wrock band Harry and the Potters, can be viewed below:

Potter Prequel Receives 70,000 in First 20 Hours

Fan will remember a 800-word Potter prequel by J.K. Rowling was sold at a charity auction in London last week. The prequel has since been available to read online here and here (non-flash version). Utalkmarketing.com is now reporting that the website received more than 70,000 visitors in the first 20 hours after posting the prequel.

The prequel was among 13 submitted story cards donated by various authors, including Neil Gaiman. All 13 cards will be published along with the winners of the Waterstone’s “What’s Your Story?” competition on August 7th in a special charity book, which can be pre-ordered here. Proceeds will go to the English Pen and Dyslexia Action charities in the UK.

WB Says Special HP Theme Park Movie is FALSE

Some rumors regarding the Trio starring in a mini-Harry Potter film for the upcoming Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park have been floating around the internet. Warner Brothers has since debunked these rumors:

“J.K. Rowling continues to be very supportive and involved with the plans underway for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park at Universal’s Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida. Contrary to recent press reports, she has not written scripts for any films based on the Harry Potter ‘prequel’ (recently written and sold for charity) or otherwise, as part of the theme park or any other purpose.

We are working hard to make The Wizarding World of Harry Potter an exciting and authentic experience for all fans and guests. For more information about the park, please visit unversalorlando.com/harrypotter/.“

Potter Books Exceed 400 Million Sales Worldwide

The BookSeller.com is reporting today that the Harry Potter books have officially sold over 400 million copies worldwide. The books have also been translated in 67 languages.

The paperback version of Deathly Hallows will be released on July 10th in the UK. Still, no word yet on the US release date.

New HBP Video Game Still; August Release Date False

Electronic Arts has updated the Russian version of their website with a new video game still (no doubt from a cut scene) from the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game.

The website also notes that the came may be released in early August despite former announcements that the game would be released closer to the film's release in November. However, EA has since announced that this release date is false and that the game is still set for a November release.

Radcliffe and Griffiths Present at Tony Awards

Both Daniel Radcliffe and Richard Griffiths were in attendance at this year's Tony Awards in New York City. The pair, who acted together in the West End production of "Equus", presented the award for Best Play, a video of which can be viewed via YouTube.

Pictures of Radcliffe and Griffiths at the awards can be viewed over at Getty Images.

Both actors are set to reprise their roles in the play “Equus” this September on Broadway.

HBP Stills and Promos

Quite a few new Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince images has surfaced this evening. First up, SnitchSeeker had a chance to visit the Licensing International Expo 2008 where previews for promotional photos were displayed, including new promos for Half-Blood Prince, which you can view here. There were also several displays of Order of the Phoenix merchandise, which ou can view here.

Next, Potterish has unearthed a new shot of Harry and Ginny hugging.

Lastly, we have an image that I'll admit I've known about for awhile now but was rather selective about posting. At SuperCon earlier this month actor Dean Mitchell was giving out promos of a character he'll be playing in Half-Blood Prince, woho'll appear as a guest at Slughorn's party. The first photo of the actor in costume can be viewed here, while the newer photo can be viewed .

The BlogHogwarts also has an interview with Mitchell about his role in the sixth film. However, due to "production companies confidentiality" the interview doesn't reveal much.

Potter Prequel Online; More on Buyer

The 800 word Harry Potter prequel that J.K. Rowling wrote for charity can now be viewed online here or here.

Also, this morning Bloomsberg has some more information on the bidder who one Jo's card last night at the charity auction in London. The card sold to Hira Digpal, president of Tokyo-based investment-banking consulting company Red-33.

Digpal, who originally had a closed bid of 50,000 pounds before halving his offer, said he faxed a letter to Rowling's publisher asking for the author's cooperation to use the story in a way that would raise more money for charity. He declined to give details of the proposal.

``Here I am, owning a piece of literary history,'' said Digpal in a phone interview from Tokyo. ``I think I got a bargain. Hopefully, we can raise much more than the sale.''

Potter Prequel Sells For 25,000 Pounds

This evening, the 800 word Potter Prequel that J.K. Rowling wrote on a small storycard for charity was auctioned off for 25,000 pounds ($48,855). The short story, written on a sheet of A5 paper, was one of 13 submissions made by various authors, and was was sold to "an absentee bidder."

As for the story itself, which can be viewed online via this link tomorrow, AFP is reporting that story is set three years before Harry's birth, in which James Potter and Sirius Black are "confronted by two policemen after a high-speed motorcycle chase, and evade the authorities using their broomsticks and magic."

Furthermore, the BBC has a video of Lizo covering the auction and reading an excerpt from the card.

Not only will copies of the 13 storycards be available online and on display in Waterstone's across the UK, but a book featuring the stories can be preordered here.

Warwick Davis Speaks Up About DH Split

MTV has a new interview with Warwick Davis, who plays Professor Flitwick in the Potter films. In the interview, Davis talks about the decision to split the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows:

“I think that’s a good idea because when you try and squeeze these quite lengthy novels into a two-hour movie, a two-and a half hour film there is gonna be stuff that’s left out. There’s so much in the last book, I think it’ll make two really good films. It’s worthy of that.”

Also, when asked about what scene he looks forward to seeing played out in the final film (two films that is), Davis replied, “I very much like the scenes with Griphook. I think that’s a great character to have involved more in the film.”

Concerning, Davis's character Flitwick, the Ravenclaw Head of House continues to act as the “light relief” in Half-Blood Prince:

“My character seems to get involved in fun stuff now. I’ve had an immensely enjoyable time again. It’s a real honor to be a part of number 6.”