Harry Putter
Harry Putter 1 Cast Surveys
Jim Westcott:
"Lord Voldemortgage"
Casting
How did you hear about the original auditions?
I 1st heard the "Harry Putter" script at a WaZoo TV meeting. Though I was not familiar with all the characters, I could tell it was witty and clever by the laughter which filled the room.
What stories can you tell about the audition experience? Were you nervous? Was it fun? Scary?
I helped with casting. I was most scared when Jeremy G asked me to do some cold reading with some of the other characters. I clearly butchered most of the character names and went quite uneasy about the experience. I was most worried that I had ruined the opportunites for those seeking to be cast.
I thought the call back method/strategy was gutsy and produced great results.
I also thought Matthew's initial speech about the background of auditions, and the fact that people had been called back made them winners was heartfelt and meaningful to all. The fact you used all the call back people in featured extra roles was wonderful.
On Set
What is your favorite memory from being on the set?
Perhaps funny but a surely story for later days: the day I used "potty" language on the "Harry Putter" set. I'm still kicking myself for the slip up.
Did you have a favorite crew person?
Quite fun and a proud moment for me was to watch Anne, my daughter, work on and off the set. The experience will stay with her forever. She will most certainly use the lessons in all her future films.
Most importantly, did you have fun?
I had a great time -- again thanks for the experience.
Are there any other stories from set you want to share?
Here are a few random thoughts:
1. Your mother was clearly proud of you and your work. The day at the pool she was clicking her camera every chance she could get. She also had a notebook with all the "Harry Putter" artciles and photos.
2. Again, my experience at the pool scene was quite rewarding. Whole families came and were used in the scene. Parents and their thespian children all got to share the experience of filmmaking. I believe for many of the families it will become a family story for years to come.
The Future
Do you plan on returning next summer to shoot Harry Putter 2?
Of course, I will help in anyway to make the film a success.
The script for Harry Putter 2 is currently in its third draft, but if you could write one special scene to be included, what would it be, and how would you make it funny?
Another "Star War" type scene between me and "my son."