Author: Andrea Yoo

Harry Potter fans can now see the steam train from the films. Alice Vincent climbs aboard.
For all the flying Ford Anglias, broomsticks and Floo Powder, the mode of transport which plays the biggest role in Harry Potter is the rather prosaic train.
It was on a train, from Manchester to London in the summer of 1990, that JK Rowling first thought of The Boy Who Lived. Now, seven books, eight films, millions of pounds and 25 years later, Potter’s devoted fans can walk through the Hogwarts Express: the gleaming locomotive that transported Hogwarts students between their school and King’s Cross Station.
The 78-year-old steam train that operated throughout the film franchise has been installed at a new extension of the Harry Potter tour at Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden – although those wishing to ride will be disappointed. Known, off-set, as Olton Hall, the 4-6-0 locomotive was in service between 1937 and 1963.
It was rescued from a scrapyard in 1997 and was lovingly – and controversially – repainted from Great Western Railway Brunswick Green to the crimson red of Rowling’s imagination.
When filming began on Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 2000, the newly rebranded Hogwarts Express puffed into Kings Cross, to the wonderment of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and the rest of the cast. A decade later, its white steam filled the final scene as Harry, Ron and Hermione, now adults, sent their children off to Hogwarts for the first time on Platform 9 ¾.
Mark Williams, who played Ron’s father, Arthur Weasley, remembers filming such scenes fondly – even though, as an on-screen parent, his first time on the train arrived with its installation at Warner Bros: “It was completely functional. It used to steam in and out with a driver and a fireman and everything.”
“We would film on Sundays in Kings Cross, and the rest of the station just used to carry on around us.”
As those familiar with Harry Potter will know, the only way to get on to Platform ¾ is to push a luggage trolley between platforms 9 and 10 – or 3 and 4, the architecture of which suited the film better. Tourists have been able to visit half a trolley attached to the brickwork in Kings Cross station since 1999 – some even getting engaged at the spot – but there are three dedicated trolleys for photo opportunities at the new studio installation.
Despite filming in a real location, Warner Bros have recreated a King’s Cross platform to give the Hogwarts Express context. Each brick, made from plaster of paris sheeting, has been meticulously painted to resemble that of the station, and a glass roof has been created overhead.
As if to honour the magical steam that emerges from the Express in Rowling’s books, white clouds billow from the train with convincing sound effects. It elevates the prop from being a transport museum extra. “They’ve done a brilliant job with the puffing,” Williams admires, “they’ve captured the rhythm of a real locomotive.”
The wooden-panelled corridors of Olton Hall are too narrow to capture some of the film scenes which took place there – such as Harry, Ron and Hermione’s first meeting and the dementor attack. While visitors can snoop around and spot props belonging to Hogwarts characters, the first opportunity to sit in a carriage comes at the back of the train. Here lies an adapted carriage, which faces a large space for a camera and lighting crew to capture the action taking place.
Williams delights in the attention to detail: there are old-fashioned signs, dainty light fittings and aluminium luggage racks. Radcliffe and other members of the cast sat on old British Rail model carriage seats.
Across the exhibition space, several more open carriages are awaiting visitors. Their windows open up onto a green screen, where mountainous landscapes, flying cars and more sinister things roll by.
For now, the Hogwarts Express is still under wraps: technicians tinker with the tracks and the laden sweet trolley looks gleaming and new. But in a few weeks visitors will be able to take in the train as part of their visit to the studios.
The story goes that magicians chose to use a Muggle-built train to transport their children to school to avoid being found out by the non-magical world. Now Warner Bros are attempting to do the reverse: making the ordinary the stuff of witchcraft. It’s not quite magic, but this smoke-and-mirrors concoction is still worth a visit.
Read the source article here.

New York, NY, and Santa Monica, CA — (February 6, 2015) — Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), a premier next generation global content leader, in association with Imagine Exhibitions, Inc. today announced the world premiere of The Hunger Games: The Exhibition, the highly anticipated new traveling exhibition based on the blockbuster movie franchise. Premiering July 1, 2015 at Discovery Times Square in New York City, the immersive exhibit designed by Thinkwell Group is scheduled to run through January 3, 2016.
“The Hunger Games: The Exhibition offers visitors an unparalleled experience and brings them closer to the world of Panem,” said Jenefer Brown, Lionsgate Senior Vice President of Location Based Entertainment. “Through a dynamic series of interactives, never before seen content, and immersive environments, guests will connect to The Hunger Games in a one-of-kind experience. The application of the film’s science, technology, and real world problem solving also translate to a valuable educational experience that will resonate with school groups and visitors alike. We are thrilled to be launching this first ever interactive experience that will serve our global fan base and attract a new audience to the powerful Hunger Games franchise.”
The Hunger Games: The Exhibition invites visitors to step inside and explore the world of Panem as created by the films. Hundreds of authentic costumes and props, high-tech and hands-on interactives and detailed set recreations reveal the amazing artistry and technology that brought these incredible books to life. Visitors will follow Katniss Everdeen’s inspirational journey, from her humble beginnings in District 12 to her emergence as the Mockingjay, sparking curiosity and excitement. The exhibit will feature seven galleries including District 12, Tribute Train, The Capitol, Making the Games, District 13, Fan Gallery and Katniss’s Journey.
Highlights include iconic costumes from the films such as the Girl on Fire dress, the Mockingjay dress and the Mockingjay armor; key artifacts including the Mockingjay pin, Cinna’s sketchbook and Katniss’s bow; and interactives including an explorable map of Panem, gamemaker’s control table and a stunt choreography interactive.
“As a producer and the exhibition tour operator, we are thrilled with the opportunity to represent such a meaningful exhibition and share it with the world. As global developers of travelling exhibition content, we are always prospecting opportunities that provide a truly immersive, engaging and rewarding experience for the audience. Much like the ongoing success of the film franchise and the ever increasing global fan base, The Hunger Games: The Exhibition promises to deliver a pioneering fan and audience experience,” said Tom Zaller, President of Imagine Exhibitions.
“We are thrilled to be the premiere venue for this exciting exhibition,” said James Sanna, President of Discovery Times Square. “The Hunger Games: The Exhibition will provide fans with the rare opportunity to experience firsthand the world of Katniss Everdeen and is a continuation of Discovery Times Square’s mission to connect people to the entertainment properties they love.”
The exhibition will run at Discovery Times Square through January 3, 2016 and will then embark on a global tour. Individual tickets will go on sale April 21st with prices starting at $22.50. In advance of the ticket on sale date and to service the anticipated demand for individual tickets, a ticket pre-registration window will begin on Feb 24th. In addition to receiving an opportunity to buy tickets before the general public, ticket pre-registrants will also receive exclusive exhibition content and updates and be automatically entered into a sweepstakes to attend the exhibition premier at Discovery Times Square. For information on purchasing group tickets for ten or more, for the New York engagement, please call 855-266-5387 or visit discoverytsx.com.
For more information on the exhibition, visit www.thehungergamesexhibition.com or future hosting/booking opportunities visit www.imagineexhibitions.com.
ABOUT LIONSGATE
Lionsgate is a premier next generation global content leader with a strong and diversified presence in motion picture production and distribution, television programming and syndication, home entertainment, digital distribution, new channel platforms and international distribution and sales. Lionsgate currently has more than 30 television shows on over 20 different networks spanning its primetime production, distribution and syndication businesses, including such critically-acclaimed hits as the multiple Emmy Award-winning Mad Men and Nurse Jackie, the comedy Anger Management, the broadcast network series Nashville, the syndication success The Wendy Williams Show and the critically-acclaimed hit series Orange is the New Black.
Its feature film business has been fueled by such recent successes as the blockbuster first three installments of The Hunger Games franchise, the first installment of the Divergent franchise, John Wick, Now You See Me, Roadside Attractions’ A Most Wanted Man, Lionsgate/Codeblack Films’ Addicted and Pantelion Films’ Instructions Not Included, the highest-grossing Spanish-language film ever released in the U.S.
Lionsgate’s home entertainment business is an industry leader in box office-to-DVD and box office-to-VOD revenue conversion rates. Lionsgate handles a prestigious and prolific library of approximately 16,000 motion picture and television titles that is an important source of recurring revenue and serves as the foundation for the growth of the Company’s core businesses. The Lionsgate and Summit brands remain synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the world. www.lionsgate.com
ABOUT IMAGINE EXHIBITIONS, INC.
Imagine Exhibitions, Inc. is the global resource for all aspects of exhibitions and attractions. From design to creation, placement to presentation, marketing and operations, Imagine has the experience and inspiration to bring the best possible experience to any venue. Imagine is currently producing and touring over 25 exhibitions in museums, science centers, aquariums, integrated resort properties and non-traditional venues throughout the world. For more information, visit www.imagineexhibitions.com or visit the Facebook page.
ABOUT THINKWELL GROUP
Founded in 2001, Thinkwell is a worldwide experience design and production agency specializing in the creation and master planning of theme parks, destination resorts, major branded and intellectual property attractions, events & spectaculars, museums & exhibits, expos and live shows around the world. The award-winning company has become a leader in experiential design by bringing a unique holistic approach to every creative engagement, delivering extraordinary results to notable clients over the years, including Fortune 500 companies, studios, museums, theme parks and destination resorts. For more information visit: www.thinkwell.staging.work
ABOUT DISCOVERY TIMES SQUARE
Discovery Times Square is New York City’s first large-scale exhibition center presenting visitors with limited-run, educational and immersive exhibition experiences while exploring the world’s defining cultures, art, history and events. More than a museum, Discovery Times Square is the destination for discovery through unique and immersive exhibitions in New York. At Discovery Times Square, events epic and rare come to life by connecting you to the greatest human stories ever told. Intelligent, exciting, and moving – it’s the experience that counts. For more information visit www.discoverytsx.com.
# # #
For more information please contact:
Discovery Times Square
Contact: Teresa Brady
646-619-8614
[email protected]
Lionsgate
Contact: Julie Fontaine
310-255-4970
[email protected]
Imagine Exhibitions, Inc.
Contact: Debbie Donohue
404-808-7578
[email protected]
Download a PDF of the press release here.

Growth in Asia, Middle East and U.S. Results in Largest Growth of Company History
BURBANK, CALIF. (Jan. 5, 2015) — Thinkwell Group, a worldwide experience design and production agency specializing in the creation of theme parks, major attractions, events, museums, exhibits, expos and brand experiences around the world, announced today the appointment of François Girard to senior vice president of global business development. Girard joins Thinkwell after serving as senior vice president of development and strategy for Belgium-based Dragone founded by renowned theatre creator/director Franco Dragone. Prior to Dragone, Girard worked as a professional consultant to Fortune 500 companies in the corporate strategy practice of Deloitte Consulting in Canada.
“As part of the overall growth strategy for the company, François Girard brings immeasurable expertise in location-based experience and entertainment projects worldwide,” said Joe Zenas, Chief Executive Officer of Thinkwell.
At Dragone, François served on the company’s executive committee and led the development and negotiation of more than €250 million in show productions value in the Americas, Asia, Middle East and Europe. Selected projects include: Le Rève at Wynn Las Vegas, House of Dancing Water and Taboo at City of Dreams in Macau, Lido in Paris, Han Show in Wuhan, Story of a Fort at Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi and the 2014 FIFA World Cup Opening and Closing Ceremonies in Brazil.
François Girard will bring his business acumen to the development of major new projects for Thinkwell Group, working with the company’s offices in the Middle East and China.
“I am truly excited and honored to join Thinkwell, an established leader in experience design with an impressive spectrum of capabilities, a dynamic creative energy and a positive culture of collaboration. I have the chance to join a company built on strong foundations with a long list of prestigious clients and projects all around the globe,” said François Girard on his appointment.
Thinkwell also announced today the hiring of the company’s 200th employee, a significant achievement for the independent experience design and production company. “We’re fortunate to have experienced such substantial growth and stability with new projects in the museum, zoo, theme park, and corporate branding center sectors,” said François Bergeron, Thinkwell Chief Operating Officer. “With the opening of our business entity and office in Beijing, the promotion of Kelly Ryner to president of Thinkwell Asia, and our operations in the United Arab Emirates, we are expanding and investing in Thinkwell’s future in a major way.”
About Thinkwell Group
Founded in 2001, Thinkwell is a worldwide experience design and production agency specializing in the creation and master planning of theme parks, destination resorts, major branded and intellectual property attractions, events & spectaculars, museums & exhibits, expos and live shows around the world. The award-winning company has become a leader in experiential design by bringing a unique holistic approach to every creative engagement, delivering extraordinary results to notable clients over the years, including Fortune 500 companies, studios, museums, theme parks and destination resorts. For more information visit: www.thinkwell.staging.work
Media Contacts:
Ariana Jarvis
[email protected]
Bess Benhamou
[email protected]
# # #
Download a PDF of the press release here.

Thinkwell is honored to have been “selected” to create the Minecraft theme park as reported in the popular parody website National Report.
Minecraft creator Markus “Notch” Persson made headlines recently for his purchase of an outlandish $70 million palatial mansion in Beverly Hills, but it turns out the most expensive residential property sale in Los Angeles history isn’t actually the most eccentric thing the Swedish game developer is doing with his recent $2.5 billion windfall. That honor belongs to the $290 million Minecraft-inspired theme park Notch is trying to build in upstate New York.
According to numerous realtors in and around Binghamton, New York, Notch has been buying up commercial and industrial properties in the city of Binghamton itself, as well as approximately 9 square miles of land a few miles north of Binghamton, not far from Interstate 81. His goal for this property is to build a massive theme park inspired by the hit indie game “Minecraft” for which Notch is famous, where players of all ages explore an Earth-sized planet fighting zombies and building cabins and castles out of 1-meter cubes of dirt, stone, wood, and other resources.
Notch will be putting up $150 million of his own money to build the park, with $140 million coming from other investors, who have not yet been identified. He’s already hired Thinkwell Group, a theme park design company, to oversee the project, and a slew of construction companies in the Binghamton area have been put on notice to allegedly break ground on the park as soon as August of 2015, which Notch reportedly wants to see open by 2018.
Thinkwell staffers claim Notch’s vision is to build a park where “visitors get to live out a Minecraft experience in real life.” It will feature three distinct zones, the biggest of which will be the “Overworld.” This will make up the bulk of the park, where visitors will take in countless rides, live shows, and other attractions, and can even build things with specially-built life-sized blocks. At night, the park will fill up with performers acting out the roles of zombies, skeletons, and even exploding “creeper” monsters, prompting guests to return to their hotel rooms when the park begins to close.
The park will also feature a zone called “The Nether,” where visitors can explore “a subterranean zone filled with lava,” and several more rides. Guests can also explore a third zone, called “The End,” where they’ll team up to battle it out with a life-sized holographic Ender Dragon. But these zones will “only be available to those guests who manage to find `portals’ hidden throughout the park.”
Famous Minecraft Youtuber Direwolf20 will be contributing by designing “The Direwolf Inn,” an on-property 5-star hotel where everything in the building, and the building itself, is built out of 1-meter blocks inspired by the game. Freddie Wong, another famous Youtuber best known for creating the popular “Video Game High School” online TV series, will be designing a ride for the park, though details regarding that ride are unknown.
Thinkwell employees say Notch chose to build the park near Binghamton because the city “has the infrastructure to support something of this magnitude, and it’s an easily-accessible location as well, with airports and highways converging in the area.” However, Notch still has needs approval from Binghamton’s City Council and from New York State itself for the project, though experts say the region’s economic struggles over the past decade and the promise of major tourism dollars will most likely prompt a swift positive vote.
Read the source article here.