Drone technology to make modern Hogwarts spectacle
Harry in the sky with drones
Drones as weapons of modern warfare have been part of far too many news bulletins in recent years – but drone technology has a benign use in the world of entertainment.
You’ll see this at Newcastle Racecourse in August when a mighty flock of drones will be used to mark 25 years of Harry Potter on screen.
Entertainment tech platform Fever has joined with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences to create DroneArt Show: Harry Potter™, which is touring this year billed as “a first-of-its-kind open-air drone spectacle”.
The show, we are told, “will blend advanced drone choreography with the unforgettable music and iconic moments from the Harry Potter film series”.
It will feature 1,200 illuminated drones “soaring across the night sky”.
As darkness falls, audiences will see a violinist and “a stunning canvas of light” as key moments from the films are “reimagined through breathtaking aerial displays set to the iconic soundtrack and dialogue from the films”.
Those who attend will also wear LED wristbands that will allow them to interact with the performance.
The show is off on a global tour taking in America, the UK (Newcastle and Manchester are two of the select cities) and Europe to emblazon JK Rowling’s well-loved characters across the night sky.
Potter fever will be stoked, meanwhile, with food, drink and Harry Potter merchandise.
Can JK Rowling have even begun to imagine, when she first put pen to paper, where her story of magic and muggles would take her?
“DroneArt Show: Harry Potter™ represents another major milestone in Fever’s global mission to bring impressive cultural experiences for broad audiences,” said Isabel Solano, the company’s global vice president of original experiences.
“Through this collaboration, we continue to merge cutting-edge technology, artistic direction and powerful storytelling, transforming one of the world’s most iconic cinematic universes into an unforgettable large-scale live spectacle that brings fans together in a truly unique and magical way.”
Kathleen Wallis, vice president at Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, said “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (as the 2001 film, the first in the franchise, was called in the US; here it’s known as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone) has captivated generations of fans around the world for 25 years, and DroneArt Show: Harry Potter™ offers a spectacular new way to experience its magic.
“We are thrilled to collaborate on this innovative experience that celebrates the legacy of the world of Harry Potter through music, technology and storytelling, creating a shared moment of wonder for audiences around the world.”
DroneArt Show: Harry Potter will take place at Newcastle Racecourse on August 28 and 29.
Tickets go on sale on Wednesday, April 29 at 3pm but there’s a waiting list you can join here.