Tonight, the “J.K. Rowling…A Year in the Life” documentary by James Runcie was broadcast in the UK on ITV, and is now being playedon iTV’s web site.
We have early reports on some of the new things contained in the program. TLC reader Andy writes that after Jo completed writing “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” Jo “puts on the page numbers and plays Lily Allen’s “Smile.” Andy writes that new artwork “for Ollivanders at Universal can briefly be seen,” and Jo would “like to be remembered as someone who did “the best she could, with the talent she had.”
Readers will remember that we saw three preview clips from the documentary (clip one, preview clip two, and this trailer) with the media currently making much ado of a question posed in the recent Time magazine interview, and posed in this video regarding a possible eight book, but as we saw, Jo says No. Specifically, she said “I think no, it’s time to stop, it’s time to stop now. It gives me a certain satisfaction to say what I thought happened and to tell other people that, because I would like my version to be the official version still, even though I’ve not written it in a book, because it’s my world.” As we first reported several days ago, there is new information in the documentary about the second generation of students at Hogwarts, found in the form of a handwritten family tree that you can see here in our galleries, or via the office on JKRowling.com. Thanks Andy!
Thank you so much, Professor Potter. They are very good. I can catch what’s said in your files much better than in the ones (the trailers) posted during this past week.
what a fantastic documentary!! that’s definitely a side of jk rowling that fans wouldnt have had a chance to see otherwise. i was in tears by the end… she has such a wonderful and beautiful story and has created something that is truly unbelievable and bigger than anyone could have expected. thank you jo for ten amazing years!!!!!!!
Fragsteller: Yes, but many of us started watching it via the Professor before that link was available and just want to see the end. So thanks again for all the effort Professor!
Professor Potter, thank you so, so much for posting those YouTube links, (for some reason the ITV one isn’t loading.)
Jo Rowling is simply a one off. What she has achieved, not just in a literary sense but also on a humanitarian one is staggering. I was so moved by this documentary but it also made me laugh out loud. The scenes with her sister are hysterical. She appears so grounded despite the plaudits and this was a really special way to finish off the year.
Thank you Jo for what you have given us. I feel priviliged that I was here to witness and live through it.
That was the most moving programme I’ve ever seen. Nothing, with the exception of book 7 has made me cry so much. It was amazing to learn so much about Jo’s family, and really seeing the effect they all had on even the smallest aspects of the series. It was so motivating that at the very emotional point where Jo is returning to her old flat and reflecting on how much everything has changed, I had a major epiphany- I realized that I wanted to be a writer. Not to achieve the fame or wealth or respect that Jo has gained over the years, but because it’s really what I love to do. I never really realized it though. I am good at writing in class essays, but not as good in at home essays. I even started writing an editorial about how Harry Potter has influenced my life for fun- and wrote the first 4 pages in fifteen minutes. I can write extremely fast about something that I am passionate about. Anyway, this is not about me, it’s about Jo. This was an amazing thing to watch and I never thought that a documentary (no less a one-hour documentary) would change my life so drastically-or at least I hope my life will change from this.
Woohoo 7th and final part on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVY01cV6beY Now I feel bloody sleepy, its 3:30am here :( part of my idea of getting this uploaded quickly was to chat with everyone about this great insight into her life! I so love this documentary, what a great way to end this fantastic potter year. Nite all.
Posted by Professor Potter on December 31, 2007, 03:20 AM
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Just noticed Fragestella’s observation! I’m glad its available in hi-res and I didnt know ITV had a catchup TV website – will bookmark that one ;) Yawn…really got to sleep now :-)
Posted by Professor Potter on December 31, 2007, 03:27 AM
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great stuff! i have to say, the family tree thing was awesome! it was amazing and heartwrenching to see some of the middle names given to some of the kids! ex: James SIRIUS!!
Fantastic program – so well done! It’s just totally inspiring. Thanks, Jo, for doing this. I am truly inspired by your courage and tenacity and your fidelity to your vision.
Thank you Professor!