Promotional Materials 0: Intro
0. Introduction to Promotional Materials for Books,
Theatrical-Release Films, and DVD/VHS Releases
This page introduces materials from various stages in the release of the three main elements in the Harry Potter series franchise:
Included on those pages are items related to initial releases or premieres, and promotions. This may be anything from press passes, tickets, banners, pins, brochures, posters, and press kits (see the Press Kits: The Film Series page for more detailed listings of items in the paper and CD press kits). If the items happen to be in a language other than English, I will do what I can to make a reasonable translation available.
Because of the overlapping nature of these three main elements, timelines can get confusing. For the time being, I will organize promo materials into three sections: book, films, and DVD/VHS. Once I have processed my entire collection, I may change that to go film by film, or with some other means of organizing the information. Meanwhile, here is one way to look at layers in the production process involved in adapting a book into a film. (I’ve adapted it from a similar list on my Lord of the Rings Collector Notes site page on the Production Process.) Many of these layers will cross-pollinate and overlap, so this is one of many ways to cluster related activities together.
1. Book-to-Script Adaptations
2. Preliminary Film Planning
- Concept Art
- Storyboards
- Pre-Vizualization Animatics
3. Creating Realistic Characters and Cultures
- Casting
- Character and Costume Design
- Set Design, Construction, and Greenswork
- Production of Specialty Accessories and Props
4. Filming Preparation and Production
- On Location/Location Scouting
- In Studio/Stages
- Scheduling and Continuity
- Editing
5. Special Effects – Digital, Mechanical, and Practical
- Miniatures / “Big-atures”
- Stuntwork
- Digital Grading
6. Musicscapes and Soundscapes
- Music Scoring
- Music Soundtrack Production
- Sound Effects
7. Documenting the Filming Process
- Still Photography
- Video Diaries and Documentaries
- Interviews, Magazine Articles, Biographies
8. Marketing and Product Licensing
- Marketing Screeners
- Partnering/Licensing Press Packages
- “Style Guide” (to maintain design consistency in products and packaging)
9. Promotional Events
- Press Events/Junkets
- Premieres and Gala Events
- Exhibitions
- Fan Conventions
10. Theatrical Release
- Trailers and Other Key Advertising
- Critics and Their Reviews
- Awards Promotions
11. Follow-Up Promotions and Projects
- Additional DVD and soundtrack Version Releases
- Tourism and Travel
12. Assessing the Impact
- Fan Responses
- Charity Partnerships
- Social Transformation Messages and Movements Sparked by the Movies
Ultimate Editions and Film Production Details
If you have the Harry Potter Ultimate Editions, the special features will track multiple layers in the production process. As of this writing (March 2011) not all Ultimate Editions have been released and I haven’t found details on the remaining themes in the 8-part series on “Creating the World of Harry Potter.” So far, here are the film production “layers” focused on in the special features disc and companion 48-page collector’s booklet:
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone – The Magic Begins
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets – Characters
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban – Creatures
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire – Sounds and Music
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix – Evolution
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince – Magic Effects
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1) – ??
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 2) – ??
Harry Potter Notes 