GMA Network Faces Unpaid Taxes Case?

GMA Network Inc. has denied allegations that it has unpaid taxes with the Quezon City government.

This is in response to Malaya's (Business Insight) report that GMA Network owed P823 million in overdue taxes and associated penalties for the past four years.

These unpaid taxes, according to the broadsheet, represents "business taxdeficiency/delinquency including surcharges and penalties for the period of 2006 to 2010."

In a statement to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Thursday, Ayahl Ari Augusto P. Chio, Vice President for Investor Relations and Compliance, said the company "has diligently paid the local franchise tax since the enactment of the Quezon City Revenue Code."

Chio also added that the company has yet to get a response from the City Treasurer's Office on its request for the basis of the assessment.

Glee The 3D Concert Movie Full Trailer

Yey! The Gleeks are ready to conquer the big screen via their first movie ever!Glee the 3d Concert Movie. Well, it's not really a movie, 20th Century Fox is bringing their concert/documentary in cinemas this August 12th. The whole Barkada is present plus The Warblers, Jane Lynch and Gwyneth Paltrow! I'm Über ka-Duper excited for this one, Glee will bring a wider audience with this movie. Here is the list of songs they will perform in the movie.

* Don't Stop Believin' 

* Dog Days Are Over 

* SING 

* I'm a Slave 4 U 

* Fat Bottomed Girls 

* I Want To Hold Your Hand 

* Ain't No Way

* P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) 

* Born This Way 

* Firework 

* Teenage Dream

* Silly Love Songs 

* Raise Your Glass 

* Happy Days Are Here Again/Get Happy 

* Lucky 

* River Deep - Mountain High 

* Don't Rain On My Parade 

* Jessie's Girl 

* Valerie 

* Loser Like Me 

* Single Ladies (Dance) 

* Friday (Acoustic) 

* Safety Dance 

* Empire State of Mind 

* Somebody to Love (Queen) 

* Forget You

*sigh* No Defying Gravity and Charice, a little sad...Will you watch Glee the 3D Concert Movie? See the trailer below!

Harry Shum Jr.

Heather Morris and Chris Colfer

video upload credits to YouTube:teampatatas.

mtv.com: Harry Potter World Cup: Pick The Greatest Character!

It's the best of times and it's the worst of times for "Harry Potter" fans all across the globe. On one hand, we're right on the cusp of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2," a film that's guaranteed to bring beautiful closure to one of the single greatest fantasy franchises of all time. On the other hand, there's that dirty word… closure.

Well, the doors haven't closed yet. Indeed, from where we're sitting, they're wide open — so wide, in fact, that a very important question still lingers: who is the greatest "Harry Potter" character of all time?

We're about to get to the bottom of that question right here at MTV News with the Harry Potter World Cup, a month-long tournament that will have you, the fans, voting to make your voice heard and determine who really is the greatest character in the entire Potterverse. 64 different competitors from all corners of J.K. Rowling's expansive series will enter the ring, but in the end, only one will emerge as the wizarding world's greatest champion.

As announced by James and Oliver Phelps, the real-life counterparts of the prank-happy Weasley Twins, the Harry Potter World Cup launches with first round voting opening on June 20. From there, it'll be round after round of single elimination duels between your favorite wizards and the villains you love to hate, and you'll be there every step of the way voting on which competitor deserves the grand title. The two finalists will be revealed on Monday, July 11, kicking off an intense final duel that'll play out just days before the theatrical release of "Deathly Hallows Part 2" — and the winning wizard will be revealed during MTV News' livestream coverage of the film's red carpet premiere in New York City.

So, what are you waiting for? Get to know the contestants by studying the bracket, start spreading the word on Twitter using the #mtvpottercup hashtag, and get those wands at the ready — only one wizard can be named the champion, and it's all up to you.

The Harry Potter World Cup Tournament Voting Schedule is as follows:
Round 1 – Monday, June 20th through Sunday, June 26th
Round 2 – Monday, June 27th through Thursday, June 30th at Midnight
Sweet 16 – Friday, July 1st through Tuesday, July 5th at Midnight
Elite 8 – Wednesday, July 6th through Thursday, July 7th at Midnight
Final 4 – Friday, July 8th through Sunday, July 10th at Midnight
Championship Round – Final 2 announced Monday, July 11th. Voting will continue up until the New York City premiere of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2."

Kapamilya Shows Still Lead the Nationwide TV Rating Race!

ABS-CBN TV programs continue leading the nationwide TV rating game. Their Primetime TV shows everyday conquered the national ratings. And on weekend, both the daytime and primetime were swept by the Kapamilya network.

The inspirational TV series "100 Days to Heaven" still took the No. 1 spot on Primetime. It is followed by the action-drama series"Guns and Roses."

Meanwhile for weekend, "Maalaala Mo Kaya", "Pilipinas Got Talent", and "ASAP Rocks" dominate!

Let's check out now the top 10 leading TV programs and comparative ratings of the rival shows. Here they go:

Top 10 Leading TV Programs and Comparative Ratings Nationwide
(July 8-10, 2011 by Kantar Media)


July 8, 2011 - Friday

TOP 10:

Daytime:

1. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 19.8%
2. Playful Kiss (GMA-7) - 14.4%
3. Sisid (GMA-7) - 13.7%
4. Sinner Or Saint (GMA-7) - 13.6%
5. Marry Me, Mary (ABS-CBN) - 13%
6. Slam Dunk (GMA-7) - 12.8%
7. Kapamilya Blockbusters: Shake Rattle & Roll X (ABS-CBN) - 12.6%
8. Kapuso Movie Festival: Enteng Kabisote (GMA-7) - 12.4%
9. Blusang Itim (GMA-7) - 12.3%
10. Showtime (ABS-CBN) - 12.2%

Primetime:

1. 100 Days To Heaven (ABS-CBN) - 33.4%
2. Guns And Roses (ABS-CBN) - 28.6%
3. TV Patrol (ABS-CBN) - 27.9%
4. Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin (ABS-CBN) - 25.1%
5. Amaya (GMA-7) - 23.4%
6. Mula Sa Puso (ABS-CBN) - 22.6%
7. 24 Oras (GMA-7) - 21.4%
8. Munting Heredera (GMA-7) - 20.9%
9. Captain Barbell (GMA-7) - 20.6%
10. Secret Garden (GMA-7) - 18.5%

COMPARATIVE:

Daytime:

Gising Pilipinas (1.4%) / Kape’t Pandasal (1.8%) vs. Rescue (Replay) (2.4%)
Umagang Kay Ganda (6.2%) vs. Unang Hirit (6.0%)
Spongebob Squarepants (6.6%) vs. Pokemon (7.6%)
Mr. Bean- The Animated Series (6.5%) vs. Detective Conan (9.8%)
Banana Split Daily Servings (5.7%) vs. Ghost Fighter (12.1%)
Kris Tv (10.2%) vs. Slamdunk (12.8%)
Showtime (12.2%) vs. Kapuso Movie Festival (12.4%)
Happy Yipee Yehey! (9.4%) vs. Eat… Bulaga! (19.8%)
Kapamilya Blockbusters (12.6%) vs. Blusang Itim (12.3%) / Sinner Or Saint (13.6%)
Frijolito (9.2%) vs. Sisid (13.7%)
Marry Me Mary (13.0%) vs. Playful Kiss (14.4%)

Primetime:

Mula Sa Puso (22.6%) vs. Futbolilits (17.2%)
TV Patrol (27.9%) vs. 24 Oras (21.4%)
100 Days To Heaven (33.4%) vs. Captain Barbell (20.6%)
Guns and Roses (28.6%) vs. Amaya (23.4%)
Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin (25.1%) vs. Munting Heredera (20.9%)
The Biggest Loser Pinoy Edition (16.9%) vs. Secret Garden (18.5%)
I Am Legend (12.5%) / SNN Showbiz News Ngayon (7.1%) vs. Bubble Gang (13.5%)
Bandila (4.9%) vs. Saksi Liga Ng Katotohanan (5.2%)
S.O.C.O. (a Scene of the Crime Operatives) (4.8%) vs. Tunay Na Buhay (3.2%)
Trip Na Trip (3.0%)
Urban Zone (1.9%)
M.U. Live (0.8%)


July 9, 2011 - Saturday

TOP 10:

Daytime:

1. Eat Bulaga! (GMA-7) - 18.4%
2. Showtime (ABS-CBN) - 16.3%
3. Wish Ko Lang! (GMA-7) - 16%
4. Failon Ngayon (ABS-CBN) - 13.2%
5. Happy Yipee Yehey! (ABS-CBN) - 12.4%
6. Spongebob Squarepants (ABS-CBN) - 10.8%
7. Sabado Sineplex: The Incredible Hulk (TV5) - 10.6%
8. Amazing Cooking Kids (GMA-7) - 10.4%
9. Ripley's Believe It Or Not! (GMA-7) - 10.2%
10. Maynila (GMA-7) / Blotter (ABS-CBN) - 9.9%

Primetime:

1. Maalaala Mo Kaya (ABS-CBN) - 30.7%
2. Wansapantaym: Apir Disapir (ABS-CBN) - 29.9%
3. Pilipinas Got Talent (ABS-CBN) - 23.5%
4. TV Patrol Weekend (ABS-CBN) - 22.6%
5. Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho (GMA-7) - 18.8%
6. Imbestigador (GMA-7) - 18.4%
7. Spooky Nights: Nuno Sa Feng Shui (GMA-7) - 17.7%
8. The Price Is Right (ABS-CBN) - 16.4%
9. 24 Oras Weekend (GMA-7) - 16.3%
10. Andres de Saya (GMA-7) - 14%

COMPARATIVE:

Daytime:

Salamat Dok (2.5%) vs. Kapwa Ko Mahal Ko (1.7%) / Pinoy Md Mga Doktor Ng Bayan (4.3%)
Kabuhayang Swak Na Swak (4.4%) vs. Hanep Buhay (6.2%)
Honey Watch Out (3.6%) vs. Dragon Ball (7.8%)
Why Not? (4.4%) vs. Master Hamsters (9.2%)
The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius (6.5%) / Avatar The Legend Of Aang (8.9%) vs. My Chubby World Loaded (7.2%)
Spongebob Squarepants (10.8%) vs. Sabadabadog! (6.9%)
Boys Over Flowers Forever (9.3%) vs. Tropang Potchi (8.0%)
I Love You So (Autumn’s Concerto) (8.4%) vs. Maynila (Larawan Ng Bansa) (9.9%)
Showtime (16.3%) vs. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! (10.2%) / Amazing Cooking Kids (10.4%)
Happy Yipee Yehey! (12.4%) vs. Eat… Bulaga! (18.4%)
Startalk (7.8%)
Entertainment Live! (8.2%) vs. Misteryo (8.5%)
ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs Special Report (9.9%) / Failon Ngayon (13.2%) vs. Wish Ko Lang! (16.0%)
The Price Is Right (16.4%) vs. 24 Oras Weekend (16.3%)

Primetime:

TV Patrol Weekend (22.6%) vs. Andres De Saya (14.0%)
Wansapanataym (29.9%) vs. Spooky Nights Presents Nuno Sa Feng Shui (17.7%)
Maalaala Mo Kaya… (30.7%) vs. Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho (18.8%)
Pilipinas Got Talent (23.5%) vs. Imbestigador (18.4%)
Banana Split (11.8%) vs. Comedy Bar (8.4%)
The Bottom Line With Boy Abunda (3.9%) vs. Walang Tulugan With Master Showman (2.4%)
Sports Unlimited (1.7%)


July 10, 2011 - Sunday

TOP 10:

Daytime:

1. ASAP Rocks (ABS-CBN) - 16.2%
2. Futbolilits Ulit (GMA-7) - 15.6%
3. The Buzz (ABS-CBN) - 14.4%
4. 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifier (ABS-CBN) / Party Pilipinas (GMA-7) - 11.7%
5. Ghost Fighter (GMA-7) - 11%
6. Matanglawin (ABS-CBN) - 10.9%
7. Pokemon Battle Frontier (GMA-7) - 10%
8. AHA! (GMA-7) / Sunday Sineplex: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (TV5) - 9.4%
9. Tween Hearts (GMA-7) / Showbiz Central (GMA-7) - 9.1%
10. Good Vibes (ABS-CBN) - 8.9%

Primetime:

1. Pilipinas Got Talent (ABS-CBN) - 30.5%
2. Rated K (ABS-CBN) - 24.9%
3. Gandang Gabi Vice (ABS-CBN) - 23.2%
4. Goin' Bulilit (ABS-CBN) - 22%
5. TV Patrol Weekend (ABS-CBN) - 21.5%
6. Kap's Amazing Stories (GMA-7) - 20.6%
7. Pepito Manaloto (GMA-7) - 17.7%
8. 24 Oras Weekend (GMA-7) / Mel & Joey (GMA-7) - 12.6%
9. Who Wants To Be A Millionaire (TV5) - 10.2%
10. SNBO: Spooky Encounters (GMA-7) - 10%

COMPARATIVE:

Daytime:

The Healing Eucharist (4.8%) vs. In Touch (1.0%)
Kabuhayang Swak Na Swak (5.0%) vs. Pinoy Md Mga Doktor Ng Bayan (4.9%)
Salamat Dok (6.4%) vs. Dragon Ball (7.8%)
Power Rangers Jungle Fury (5.8%) vs. Pokemon Battle Frontier (10.0%)
Matanglawin (10.9%) vs. Ghost Fighter (11.0%) / Aha (9.4%)
FIFA World Cup (11.7%) vs. Futbolilits Ulit (15.6%)
ASAP Rocks (16.2%) vs. Party Pilipinas (11.7%)
Good Vibes (8.9%) vs. Reel Love Presents Tween Hearts (9.1%)
The Buzz (14.4%) vs. Showbiz Central (9.1%) / I-Shine! Talent Camp Tv (9.0%)

Primetime:

TV Patrol Weekend (21.5%) vs. 24 Oras Weekend (12.6%)
Goin’ Bulilit (22.0%) vs. Pepito Manaloto Reality Sitcom (17.7%)
Rated K Handa Na Ba Kayo? (24.9%) vs. Kap’s Amazing Stories (20.6%)
Pilipinas Got Talent (30.5%) vs. Mel & Joey (12.6%)
Gandang Gabi Vice (23.2%) vs. Show Me Da Manny (9.6%)
Sunday’s Best (5.5%) vs. Sunday Night Box Office (10.0%) / Diyos At Bayan (1.0%)

(Data Source: Kantar Media)

All About HARRY POTTER, Worldwide Box Office and Meet His Children

Albus Severus W. Potter

Harry Potter is a series of seven fantasy novels written by the British author J. K. Rowling. The books chronicle the adventures of the adolescent wizard Harry Potter and his best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, all of whom are students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The main story arc concerns Harry's quest to overcome the evil dark wizard Lord Voldemort, whose aim is to conquer the wizarding world and subjugate non-magical people, and who seeks to destroy all those who stand in his way, especially Harry himself.

Lily Luna W. Potter

Since the 30 June 1997 release of the first novel Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (re-titled Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stonein the United States), the books have gained immense popularity, critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide.The series has also had some share of criticism, including concern for the increasingly dark tone. As of June 2011, the book series has sold about 450 million copies and has been translated into 67 languages, and the last four books have consecutively set records as the fastest-selling books in history.

A series of many genres, including fantasy and coming of age (with elements of mystery, thriller, and romance), it has many cultural meanings and references. According to Rowling, the main theme is death, although it is primarily considered to be a work ofchildren's literature. There are also many other themes in the series, such as love and prejudice.

James Sirius W. Potter

English-language versions of the books are published by Bloomsbury in the United Kingdom, Scholastic Press in the United States, Allen & Unwin in Australia, and Raincoast Books in Canada. By 2010, the first six books have been made into films by Warner Bros. Pictures; it is the highest grossing film series of all time. The seventh book has been split into two films: Part 1 was released on 19 November 2010 and the series finale on 15 July 2011.The series also originated much tie-in merchandise, making the Harry Potter brand worth in excess of $15 billion.

ALL-TIME WORLDWIDE BOX OFFICE

9.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone(2001)

$968,657,891

11.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010)

$946,080,434

12.	Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix(2007)	$937,000,866
13.	Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince(2009)	$933,956,980

17.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)

$892,194,397

21.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets(2002)

$866,300,000

30.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban(2004)

$795,458,727

THE BUZZ: Yes, it's taken ten years (!) and eight (!!) movies to reach the final climax to the Harry Potter film series, so let's take a moment to reflect upon the unprecendented achievement made by the filmmakers, cast, crew and studio, and the commitment everyone has made for the past decade to get this body of work made. Children have grown into adults, directors have come and gone, and still, the myth and legend remains as potent as ever....

HOGWARTS School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

There, are you done reflecting yet? Now onto the real meat of it: director Yates is going to need to pull out the stops on this one to make it the showstopper everyone wants it to be. Most everyone still thinks the series peaked with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, so it'll take some doing to get J.K. Rowling's rather, erm, lugubrious ending into fine cinematic form. Bonus points for making it suspenseful when practically the entire world knows how it ends!

P.S. We will indeed miss Harry being a presence in our film lives and part of almost every major feature we've done for the beginning of this young century. And if we're a mite melancholy, imagine how Warner Bros. must feel, their golden boy finally graduating!

'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2' Grosses $43M Opening Receipts Worldwide

Los Angeles (AP) — Harry Potter has conjured up a tidy sum from the first overseas debuts of his final film on its way to a potentially record-shattering opening weekend.

Distributor Warner Bros. says "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" took in $43.6 million in 26 countries outside the United States on its first day Wednesday.

Studio executives said Thursday the franchise finale had the biggest opening day ever in several countries, including Australia with $7.5 million, Italy with $4.6 million and Sweden with $2.1 million. In France, the studio said "Deathly Hallows: Part 2" had the biggest Wednesday opening ever at $7.1 million.

In the countries where the film opened Wednesday, total revenues were 82 percent higher than they were on the first day for "Deathly Hallows: Part 1" last November, according to Warner Bros.

The finale got a boost from the franchise's first 3-D installment. Admissions for 3-D screenings, which cost a few dollars more than 2-D showings, accounted for 65 percent of revenues, the studio said.

"Deathly Hallows" continues opening worldwide Thursday and Friday.

In the United States, the film is expected to put up franchise-record numbers as it debuts just after midnight Friday. "Deathly Hallows: Part 1" had the franchise's biggest opening weekend domestically with $125 million.

"The franchise record, you can consider that history. That we're going to do. It's not a question," said Dan Fellman, head of distribution at Warner Bros., which also holds Hollywood's all-time record for domestic debuts with a $158.4 million weekend on 2008's "The Dark Knight."

"The only question is 'Dark Knight,' whether we can put that together. My feeling at this time is that it's very, very do-able."

The 3-D price advantage for the "Harry Potter" finale will help, given that "The Dark Knight" and other top domestic debuts, including "Spider-Man 3" at $151.1 million and "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" at $142.8 million, played only in 2-D.

If fan frenzy is strong enough, "Deathly Hallows: Part 2" could become the first of the eight "Harry Potter" films to top $1 billion at the box office worldwide.

The record-holder remains the franchise's first film, 2001's "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," with $974.8 million globally.

By splitting the film adaptation of J.K. Rowling's seventh "Harry Potter" adventure into two parts, Warner Bros. essentially is doubling its box-office revenue. The first installment of "Deathly Hallows" pulled in $955.4 million worldwide.

"Deathly Hallows: Part 2" picks up where the first film left off, as young wizards Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint) return to Hogwarts school for a final showdown against dark Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes).

The finale generally has earned glowing reviews from critics.

Albus Severus Potter (First Slytherin in the family)

Severus Snape is the Greatest "Harry Potter" Character Says MTV Poll

Professor Severus Snape, the mysterious potions master at Hogwarts School, played on screen by British actor Alan Rickman was named the greatest "Harry Potter" character of all time in a MTV News Harry Potter World Cup poll of fans.

The poll which was conducted by MTV, also cited the death of Hogwarts headmaster Professor Dumbledore as the most unforgettable moment in the series, winning 51 percent of the almost 36,000 votes cast.

Dumbledore's demise easily outstripped the smooch between Harry Potter and girlfriend Cho Chang in "The Order of the Phoenix".

Hermione Granger's time turner was voted the magical device most fans wish really existed, with Harry's invisibility cloak coming in a close second.

Neville Longbottom topped the poll for the character that fans thought should get a spin-off movie or book, closely followed by Luna Lovegood.

After seven books and with the eighth and final movie, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2" closes an era for millions of moviegoers as it opens in theaters worldwide this week.

Emma Watson Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2 Interview

Emma Watson, who plays Hermione in "Harry Potter" movie series, talks about the much-anticipated finale of the highly successful film who brought her international fame over the last 10 years and what's next for her as an artist. But warning, there are a few spoilers for those who haven't watch the movie yet.

Can you talk about your last scene as Hermione? What was it, and what were you feeling?
The last shot we did was this kind of strange moment when we dive into the fireplace at the Ministry of Magic. It was actually for Part 1, not Part 2. Dan, Rupert, and I one by one jumped onto these blue safety mats basically, and that was the shot. That was it. It seemed like kind of a strange one to go out on, but David made the point that we were like leaping into the unknown. It was kind of a perfect metaphor for what we were about to go into. It's so funny, I can't tell you how I felt when we were shooting it. I was sort of numb.

Were there any other last moments - a last scene at Hogwarts or a last scene filmed with someone - that stick out in your mind?
It's so funny. This film was obviously incredibly challenging for me. It really pushed me as an actress, but at the same time I was able to use a lot of my own genuine emotions I felt about lasts and all of it coming to an end. I was able to bring how I was feeling to the role, so a perfect example of that was the scene where we stand on the bridge after the battle before we flash forward. I remember just feeling exactly how Hermione would be feeling. Just, wow this is all coming to an end, look at everything we've achieved. The set was actually built looking out over Leavesden Studios, which is where I grew up, essentially, and spent the last twelve years. So yeah, not much acting required really, it was all just alive for me.
What character traits do you share with Hermione?
Not so much now, but I guess earnestness, an eagerness to please and to do the right thing—terrified of ever getting into trouble. I'm very heady in the same way that she is; I'm constantly thinking three, four moves ahead. I try to intellectualize a lot, which she does as well, obviously. I'm very determined as well. I like to think that I'm loyal in the same way that she is. I'm a bit of a feminist in the same way that she is. I will speak my mind. It's hard to say, really. I feel so much of me went into her and so much of her went into me. I can't really differentiate too much anymore it's all a bit of a blur.

Did you give much thought into what happened in the 19 years that passed? Because by that point, Jo said Hermione has been working for the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, but she also has two kids. As we know of the wizarding world, most of the moms are stay at home moms. Is Hermione the first one to be a working mom?
Yeah, I think that's so interesting that you brought that up. Gosh, it's so interesting. For my mum, she was the first generation that felt like, "wow, we really can work and we have choice." My mum worked when I was growing up. I feel like for my generation, not only do we have that choice but we also have the choice to stay at home, which is amazing that we do have so much choice. But I also think it's easy to feel a bit lost about what the right thing to do is. I'm going off on a bit of a tangent here, but yeah I can absolutely see Hermione working and trying to juggle kids. She has such a wonderful mind, and she is so caring about the world, and so desperate to set things right. She has a very strong sense of justice, so it makes complete sense that she's in law enforcement, and she would keep going with that part of herself.

What role do you think Hermione has in raising Rosie and Hugo?
Hermione just has so much knowledge. She thirsts for knowledge, and she loves words. I guess just being around someone like Hermione it must be infectious to want to know more and I can't imagine it was difficult to get Rosie and Hugo interested in things. I remember I used to watch my mum read and seeing her face change and all of the expressions she would go through, and seeing her enjoy books so much that you would go, "oh that's interesting, what's that?" And you would want to do the same. So I'm sure just by example.

What are your tastes in music, and now that you know - I assume - American students very well, are American tastes and British tastes very different?
They are and they aren't. I've found so much music that I like that a lot of my American friends know about, and we bridge gaps. I don't think there's too much difference in taste. In terms of my own taste, I'm very influenced by my parents. My dad collects records, and so when I was growing up he would play me Joni Mitchell and Suzanne Vega. He loves blues, so a lot of Chuck Berry. My mum would play The Pretenders, Elvis, Natalie [Merchant] and the 10,000 Maniacs. Then my brother has recently been getting me into a lot of classic rock. I've been listening to Tom Petty, the Cars, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, and White Stripes. I also love to dance, so I'll listen to like Lady Gaga, Rihanna and everyone. I love Lykke Li. I've been listening to her albums recently. Everything, really. I've been listening to a bit more classical music lately. I love music, and I think I drive my friends crazy because I always have to have music playing. My de-stressing thing is to put my iPod headphones in and just go walk and listen to music. That's what I do if I need to zone out or calm down.

Perhaps singing on Broadway?
Yes (laughs) well, I don't know if I'm...Dan is so ballsy. That kid. Amazing. I'd love to do something on Broadway, but I think I need to pluck up some more courage. But I love to sing, yeah.
How do you think you've changed the most, personally, over the last ten years?
It's hard to say, because obviously when you go from the ages of 9 to 21, most of those changes are inevitable, it's just part of growing up. It's hard to say what is part of that natural process, and what else has happened. I went from being a nine year old schoolgirl to having a job, and I've learned how to be an actress, and how films are made, and how to do interviews...hopefully. I guess I always had quite a strong sense of who I am, but it's nice coming through and feeling like I still have managed to maintain my own sense of identity away from something that potentially could have overwhelmed me. So I guess I'm glad that I had that. I was quite a stubborn young girl, so yeah.

Now that the series has ended, do you have a favorite out of all of them?
I mean the last two, Part 1 and Part 2, for me really stand apart from all of the rest. The quality is amazing, and the role and the depth and I guess how much darker they get really gave me a chance to stretch myself as an actress and really feel like I was an actress, and like I was acting. Actually for the first however many years I didn't really feel like I was doing much acting at all. I feel like I can say I'm an actress and really believe in that.

What's next for you?
I'm going to travel this summer, which I'm really excited about. It's obviously scary; change is always scary, but I feel really excited. I feel like I'm opening a new chapter and I have a fresh start. So traveling this summer, I'm going back to school in the fall. I've got two years left until I complete my degree. I have just made a film called Perks of Being a Wallflower which was just the most incredible experience. I had the best six weeks. I'm very excited about that movie. Having an experience like that outside of Harry Potter convince me that acting was what I should be doing and that I was good at it. It really solidified that for me. I guess just now reading, reading, reading, and trying to find the next thing that speaks to me and that I really care about. Also finding great directors hopefully, who will keep teaching me so I can keep learning. But I'm excited about the idea of being an actress now in a way that I wasn't so sure of when I was younger.

When was the moment that you realized you were one of the most recognizable faces in the world?
It was when I was in a shantytown in Bangladesh, and a boy stopped me in the street and said, "You're the girl from Harry Potter!" There's nowhere in the world I can go, it feels, that isn't somehow touched by this franchise. It's absolutely amazing. It reaches the furthest corners of the earth in the least expected places. So that was a moment when it was like, "Wow! You really can't go anywhere."

Now, how do you handle that fame?
It became easy to handle once I accepted it. Once I sort of came to terms with it, definitely. And I feel fortunate in that I've never known what it's like to have total freedom and anonymity. It's not as though I had it then all of a sudden taken away from me. It was something I sort of grew up knowing. I've never known anything else. In a way, I guess that's sort of a blessing.

Throughout this series, all of the characters go through tests of bravery; it's sort of an ongoing thing. What story can you tell us from when you had to put your bravery to the test?
That's a great question. You know, I feel like young girls are told that they have to be this kind of princess and be all delicate and fragile, and it's bullshit. I identified much more with the idea of being a warrior, and being a fighter. If I was going to be a princess, I would be a warrior princess, definitely. I think, I don't know, sorry to ramble on. I think women are scared of feeling powerful and strong and brave, and I think that's something they've got to embrace. It's not the absence of fear, it's overcoming it. Sometimes you've got to just blast through. A lot of moments in this last movie I made in Pittsburgh, Perks of Being a Wallflower, I was terrified. On my first day I was so nervous. Doing a different accent, being on a new movie set, in a foreign country with a crew I didn't know and a cast I didn't know. There's a scene where I have to mimic Susan Sarandon in Rocky Horror Picture Show and I'm standing in a corset in front of all of these extras trying to do this dance. I felt ridiculous. It's funny: coming out of this, I'm constantly doing things that are new, and that takes bravery. I think it's just trying to have faith in yourself and believe in yourself and know that it will come right in the end.
You had mentioned that you are doing some traveling and then going to school. Which school are you going to?
I'm going to Oxford in the fall to study English for a year. Just to explain, I haven't left Brown. I'm still enrolled at Brown, but I'm doing my third year abroad, studying at home...abroad for me (laughs). I'll be going back to the states for my last year.

- Source

After Harry Potter, Tom Felton Stars in “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”

Harry Potter’s Tom Felton a.k.a. Draco Malfoy will next be seen in his post-Harry role in the upcoming event-movie “Rise of the Planet of the Apes.” His work in the “Rise of the Planet of the Apes” marks another inventive villainous turn following his role as the bullying Malfoy for which he was recently awarded an MTV Movie Award for Best Villain.

Will Rodman (James Franco) is a scientist working within a large pharmaceutical corporation conducting genetic research to develop a benign virus that restores damaged human brain tissue. He is committed to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s, a disease that afflicts his father, Charles (John Lithgow). Will’s relentless focus has precluded personal relationships, but the connection between his research and Charles’ illness brings the two together, albeit under difficult heart-rending circumstances. Just prior to the drug company’s commencement of human trials of a promising and potentially lucrative new drug, Will’s simian test subjects suddenly display bizarrely aggressive behavior. Management deems the research a failure and Will must shut down his program.

Amidst the confusion of the study’s sudden termination, Will finds himself charged with an overlooked newborn infant chimpanzee – a male, the newly orphaned offspring of his most promising test subject. That young chimp, destined for greatness, is named Caesar, played by capture-performance actor Andy Serkis, marks his greatest art-rending performance ever in CGI.

Will secretly raises young Caesar as his own, at home, while caring for his ailing father. “Will must now be a caretaker, not only to Charles, but to this baby chimp,” says Franco. “As the story progresses Will becomes more of a person and less of a scientist, and starts to care about Caesar more than the success of the drug.”

Over time, with the help of the drug, the chimp exhibits incredible cognitive skills and intellect. At the same time, Charles’ symptoms of Alzheimer’s miraculously go into remission. Will’s bending the rules of laboratory trials seems to have worked beyond his hopes.

However, as Caesar matures, his highly-developed intelligence is countered by the aggressive and dangerous protective instincts typical of adult male apes. Caesar soon becomes too much for Will. Though reluctant to part with Caesar, who has become like a son, Will takes Caesar to live among other apes within the confines of the San Bruno Primate Sanctuary. But unknown to Will, the “sanctuary” is more like a shoddily run prison – a dumping ground for unwanted or abandoned apes. It is run by Landon (Brian Cox, who starred in director Rupert Wyatt’s debut feature, the acclaimed The Escapist), and Landon’s son, Dodge, portrayed by Tom Felton.

In addition to presenting emotionally-engaging photo-realistic apes, the film’s setting is instantly recognizable and relatable. The movie is an origin story in the truest sense of the term. Set in present day San Francisco, the film is a reality-based cautionary tale, a science fiction/science fact blend, where man’s experiments with genetic engineering lead to the development of intelligence in apes and the onset of a war for supremacy.

The powerful and emotional battle that streamed out of the sanctuary’s abuses became a platform for the film’s most climactic scenes. Rupert Wyatt shares: “We wanted it be a ‘world-stops-spinning’ moment that plays into the whole idea of evolution and where that can take a species.” That defining instant leads to a daring escape, an epic confrontation at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, a wrenching and fateful reunion between Will and Caesar – and a revolution that will forever change the planet.”

In a recent chat with Total Film, Felton revealed he’s keen to further expand his range, to join Serkis in CGI circles. “I bored Andy for hours about how he got into it and how he came to be the godfather of it all,” said Felton “He talked me through a lot of it, and it’s something I’d like to look into.There’s so many scripts that you could have read 20 years ago and you’d have said ‘You can’t physically make that’ but now it’s an option - you can do things that weren’t really achievable.

“In this film you’re going to see such advances in the CGI that you’re going to look back at the old apes costumes and really think ‘that’s history’,” Felton shares.

“Rise of the Planet of the Apes” opens August 4 in theaters from 20th Century Fox to be distributed by Warner Bros.