Harry Putter
Harry Putter 1 Cast Surveys
Shawn Bakken:
"Broom Store Clerk"
Casting
How did you hear about the original auditions?
Auditions? There were auditions? I just showed up as a member of the crew--when the guy who had originally been cast as the broom store clerk didn't show up, they asked if I'd take his place.
Before filming, had you read the Harry Potter books or seen the actual movies?
I've read the books, but haven't seen any of the movies.
On Set
What were your first impressions on your first day of shooting?
"Free food!" At one moment, I was standing in the background. The next moment, I had about five minutes to put on a robe and read the script before the camera started rolling. After that, it was a blast. Everyone was having fun and laughing between takes... definitely a blast.
What is your favorite memory from being on the set?
"The guy who was supposed to play the clerk isn't here. Want to do it?"
Aside from yourself, who was your favorite member of the cast?
Matthew Feeney, mostly because we like to torment each other behind the camera.
Did you have a favorite crew person?
Aside from myself? Tony was a piece of work.
Is this your first film project or have you worked on many other movies in the past?
I've stood in the background for a couple, but no feature roles.
Most importantly, did you have fun?
My tummy hurt from laughing so much.
Are there any other stories from set you want to share?
On the day we were filming in the school library, Tony brought an extra camera for filming some "behind-the-scenes" footage. For one scene, Nathan was in a chair facing forward, then had to snap his head around to look behind him. During one take, I snuck up behind him so when he turned around, there was a camera sitting about a foot away from his face and he lost it.
The Future
Do you plan on returning next summer to shoot Harry Putter 2?
I don't think Harry will need to shop for another broom, but if I need to quit my job at the store and work as a janitor at the school or something, I'd love to.
If you had the chance to work side by side with any actor (local, Hollywood, union or not, anyone), who would it be?
I'd like to work with Tom Cruise just because he's 5'7" and I'm 6'4" and I'd like to see what they'd do to make him seem taller. If I could work with someone for the actual acting, then Hugh Jackman or Anthony Hopkins.