Hollywood Zenith

Warner Bros Studio in Leavesden was where the majority of the scenes for the movie will be shot. This set was for significant locations like the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and the Forbidden Forest.

Coupled with green screen technology and digital art that went into creating the Harry Potter world, as well as the models, costumes, and props that brought it all to life.

Today's scene was about the students' first visit to the great hall, where there will be a coalition of every year students having the welcoming party for the first year. Hundreds of people gathered outside the studio, where the instructor gave them the direction of how the scene would play out.

Amelia acted as Samuel's guardian as it was his first day, others parents were also present with their children listening to the man in the front. Rowling had a solid creative influence when choosing the cast for the film. It was a prerequisite and was explicitly mentioned in the contract.

Rowling insisted that the cast be kept British. Ella Figgins was appointed as casting director, working with both Columbus and Rowling in auditioning for the lead roles of Harry, Ron and Hermione. But they need someone recognizable to appeal to the audience.

Alan Rickman and Richard Harris were in final talks to play Severus Snape and Albus Dumbledore, respectively; both were famous for their acting and fit perfectly for their respective roles.

Rowling's favourites Maggie Smith and Robbie Coltrane were cast as Minerva McGonagall and Rubeus Hagrid after that.

These legendary actors were set to appear during this scene, which made everyone excited. Some were only extras hired to fill in the people, but at least they could make some connections for their future roles.

" Everyone, please head inside the studio. Get dressed first, then we will rehearse before the scene." The man said as he ended his long-winded explanation. It was mainly to stay cordial and for parents to stay calm during the shoot.

These were just children, which usually means they would be active around the set as they had infinite energy. It may disrupt the scenes or needlessly disturb other actors.

It was Samuel's first time meeting his colleagues. He wore ordinary clothes, but his charm was unmatched compared to other people around him.

It was to the point that people were intimidated by his presence, and no one approached him. But after the orientation, Rupert and Emma met up with him as they headed toward the dressing room.

The three of them were in the leading role, which made other older children jealous. They were beating themselves up because they could have applied for prominent roles if they were a little younger.

Younger ones were oblivious to the industry; most were not from wealthy families, so they were more busy observing the intricate set design while being accompanied by their guardians.

After dressing up, everyone went to do their makeup. As per the director's instructions, Samuel had a poor kid look. His hair looked flawless, so the artist had to mess it up slightly.

There was also the iconic scar; although it would not be noticeable during every scene, They had to make it as authentic as possible.

Director called every actor on set and explained a few of the scenes. Columbus, the director of this movie, had been in the industry for a decade and was known for his children's movies.

He had interacted with Samuel on various occasions and liked the little kid. He wildly applauded Samuel's mannerisms and intellect which was abnormal for a kid his age.

Everyone was fond of Samuel on the set, and Rowling was especially elated when she first saw Samuel. The selling point for her was Samuel's deep green eyes; it was exactly as she envisioned her character.

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" Now that everyone is ready. We will begin. I want everyone to group up in the middle for the first scene. My people will place you, and we will do a quick rehearsal." Columbus addressed the actors.

He called the main character and other adult supporting actors to one side.

" I hope you have read the script. We will do the scene where Harry and his friends go through the house sorting ceremony."

Everyone gave a positive answer and nodded in affirmation.

" Richard and Maggie, you can coordinate your delivery during rehearsal. Alan, I want an intense look from you. You will also be a focal point in the scene.

Emma, She will be leading some of the scenes. You have to deliver the lines like you know the personal history of the place. Rupert, I want the nervous kid for this one. You will also meet your brothers, I mean Ron. So, be mindful of that. I want authenticity.

Sam-- " He paused.

" Just do you. Like we did in the audition." Columbus was very critical of Samuel initially, but after several rounds of screening to test his potential, he was lost for words.

Seeing the confident look in Samuel's eyes was enough for him. They did three rehearsal scenes before the production crew approved the actual filming.

Scene start.

Harry met Draco and his teacher, McGonagall, at the stairways.

She led everyone through two large doors and into the Great Hall, where there were four long tables with thousands of students and floating candles. The roof appears to be the sky.

Hermione: It's not real, the ceiling. It's just bewitched to look like the night sky. I read about it in Hogwarts: A History.

Samuel looked around with a fantastic expression, along with other first-year actors. They had to make it as believable as possible.

McGonagall leads the first years to the front, where the Sorting Hat lies on the stool. Twenty or so people waited while Samuel, Emma and Rupert grouped together at the front of the crowd.

McGonagall: Will you wait along here, please? Before we begin, Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few words.

Richard as Dumbledore rises from the main table.

Dumbledore: I wish to announce a few start-of-term notices. Please note that the dark forest is strictly forbidden to all students in the first years. Also, our caretaker, Mr Filch [shows a ragged old man, called Mr Argus Filch, with his cat with red eyes, called Mrs Norris.] has asked me to remind you that the 3rd-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a most painful death. Thank you.

He sits back down after the speech.

McGonagall: When I call your name, you will come forth, I shall place the sorting hat on your head, and you will be sorted into your houses. Hermione Granger.

Hermione: [to herself] Oh, no. Okay, relax.

She goes up

Ron: Mental that one, I'm telling you.

Harry nods in agreement. Hermione sits on the stool, and McGonagall places the sorting hat on her head.

Sorting Hat: Ah, right then...hmm...right. Okay...Gryffindor!!

The students cheer; Hermione jumps off with a smile.

McGonagall: Draco Malfoy.

Draco saunters up proudly. The tattered hat nearly freaks before touching down on Draco's head.

Sorting Hat: SLYTHERIN!

The students cheer, but not as loudly.

Ron: There isn't a witch or wizard who went bad who wasn't in Slytherin.

McGonagall: Susan Bones.

A petite redhead goes up. Harry looks around and notices a black greasy haired, pale man called Severus Snape, giving him sinister looks. His scar hurts.

Harry: Ahh!

He puts his hand on his forehead in pain

Ron: Harry, what is it?

Ron asked with a concerned look.

Harry: Nothing... nothing, I'm fine.

Sorting Hat: Let's see...I know...Hufflepuff!

McGonagall: Ronald Weasley.

Ron gulps and walks up. He sits down, and the hat is put on.

Sorting Hat: Ha! Another Weasley. I know just what to do with you... Gryffindor!!

The students cheer as Ron sighs in relief.

McGonagall: Harry Potter.

Everything goes silent. Harry walks up and sits down on the stool. The Sorting Hat is placed on his head.

Sorting Hat: Hmm...difficult, very difficult. Plenty of courage, I see, not a bad mind, either. There's talent, oh yes, and a thirst to prove yourself. But where to put you?

Harry: [whispering to the hat] Not Slytherin. Not Slytherin.

Sorting Hat: Not Slytherin, eh? Are you sure? You could be great, you know. It's all here in your head. And Slytherin will help you on the way to greatness! There's no doubt about that. No?

Harry [still whispering] Not Slytherin...anything but Slytherin.

Sorting Hat: Well, if you're sure... better be... GRYFFINDOR!!

There is immense cheering, and Harry goes to the Gryffindor table.

Fred and George: We got Potter! We got Potter!

Harry sits down at the table. He looks at Dumbledore, who lifts up his goblet and slightly waves it as if he wishes congratulations.

Scene end.

This scene took several different shots that were mashed up together. The Sorting hat was only a regular hat which will be replaced by CGI in post-production.

It was a weekend which was ideal for such a long scene. Often times it would be hard to call this many actors on a typical day. Their parents would also be concerned.

All in all, it was an excellent first day of filming but he didn't know that there were some people waiting outside.