Young Performers UK Interview

Mammoth challenges face our floppy-haired hero in this fourth film in the mega-popular series, expertly directed by Mike Newell, of Four Weddings and a Funeral fame.

Boy wizard Harry, played by Daniel Radcliffe, must risk life and limb in the Tri-Wizard Tournament battling it out against broody, Bulgarian, bruiser Viktor Krum, acted by 19-year-old Stanislav Ianevski, making his big-screen debut.

In addition, Harry has a love-rival for pretty Cho's heart in the shape of Hogwarts “golden boy” Cedric Diggory, a role filled by 19-year-old Robert Pattinson, recently seen in Vanity Fair.

Here, the three movie stars in the making – Katie, Stanislav, and Robert – share their secrets about filming with Young Performer.

Katie, tell us how you beat 5,000 girls to play Cho Chang?
I'd never acted before, I didn't realise I could until auditions in London! We queued for 4 hours, they took polaroids, and I was out in 2 minutes. The rumour was there were two-way mirrors, and what attracted the directors to me was all the girls started putting on make-up and fixing their hair – but I was relaxed and didn't look in the mirror!

Cedric and Harry vie for Cho's attentions, right Robert?
The thing is, I think Cho likes me more – Cedric's not standing between anybody! He's the silent type; I tried to play him close to his sympathetic character in the book, but people hate Head Boys for no reason!

So Katie, was it fun flirting with Daniel?
Our scenes involved teasing – but no touching; shooting those was fun! Mike told about when he first met his wife, how he felt and looked at her, and said: “I want you both to do it like that.”

Stanislav, you were plucked from your North London school to play Viktor Krum, right?
It's a fairy tale, the way they found me! I was spotted at school where they ran workshops and short-listed the 30 best Viktor Krums. But I had exams, couldn't attend the second workshops and thought: “Well, my chances have gone.” Then Fiona Weir, the casting director, called and I went to see Mike Newell. He liked me – and I got it!

So what's Mike Newell like, Katie?
At the workshops I didn't know who Mike was! We were improvising, and this guy kept walking in and out, and I thought: “What's he doing, he's distracting!” Then he asked what drama school I came from and I said: “None.” He said: “Flipping monkeys!”

Stanislav, which scene are you proudest of that we should look out for?
The scene where Viktor dives off the 6-metre-high Durmstrang ship. I had to learn to dive professionally, it's not computer generated, and it was really scary because the ship tilted. So I had to balance, dive off one leg, and make it look good.

Stanislav, How do you see Viktor?
He's a superstar at Quidditch – the Durmstrang champion, so he's the best boy in the school. He's physically tough, and gives an impression of power wherever he walks. But we find out later with Hermione he's got a big heart – so he's similar to me!

Robert, how was your first day on set?
All the young actors did a bonding week, improvising, to break the ice. Then Dan and I started shooting Maze scenes. It was strange, because it was in this enclosed environment, and we were pushing each other around. But Dan's cool, we didn't have to talk – we just ripped each other apart! Hopefully it looks exciting, because it was for real – just me, Dan, and a Steadicam…that's what acting should be like!

Stanislav, you'd never acted before – was acting your dream?
Everyone has “I want to act in Hollywood” dreams, but I never thought it would happen. Last year I was just a normal guy, but now I'm sitting here and you're interviewing me!

Katie, was Daniel supportive?
Daniel kept calling me “a natural”, but honestly, he's such a great actor I felt uncomfortable. But he told me to relax, and he's so friendly. His advice was: “Don't let anything get to your head, that's the most important thing about this business…be level headed.”

Robert – any embarrassing moments while filming?
I hadn't even run for a bus before filming Harry Potter so I wasn't fit, and on the first day the costume designer said: “Are you supposed to be fit? Well, if you're playing a sissy poet – you'll be fine!” Then the Assistant Director said: “We're giving you a personal training programme.” It was run by absurdly-fit stunt guys, so that made me take it seriously!

So Robert, how did you start your acting career?
I started backstage at Barnes Theatre Company; I wasn't nervous of performing, but at 16 I thought it was arrogant! They did Guys and Dolls and I wanted Nathan Detroit – Frank Sinatra's role – but got an embarrassing Cuban dancer part. But I stayed and they respected me for doing it and gave me the lead in Thornton Wilder's Our Town – that got me an agent.

Katie, who was the joker on set?
We were having lunch once and Rupert Grint, who plays Ron Weasley, flicked peas at somebody, and she turned around and you'd never think it was him! We were all like: “It was Rupert” and she was like: “Yeah, right!” He's really funny.

Stanislav, did you step on Hermione's toes while filming the Yule Ball?
Well actually, because I'm heavy, and Emma, who plays Hermione, is light, I was concerned about stepping on her! But I didn't, so that's alright – it's a “boy thing” I guess! We had a choreographer and rehearsed for two weeks, because the waltzing was designed around special music – to look magical.

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