|
| |
Biography / Biographie
|
 |
Alec
Hopkins, a 20 year-old student of Newbury, is a native of Greenham.
Alec is currently attending the University of Stafford in film production.
|
Alec
was chosen in May to play young Severus Snape in "Harry Potter and the Order of
the Phoenix", especially in the Pensive scene where Harry witnesses a memory of
Pr. Snape.
The shooting took place during the summer of 2006. In his interview with "Newbury
Today", Alec said that his resemblance with Alan Rickman helped him to obtain
the part.
Alec, a former Kennet School and Newbury College pupil , was put forward for the
part by Peter Watt, the director of a local theater company « Shining Lights ».
After sending a few pictures, Alec was called in. He had to endure a
nerve-wracking 4-month wait before learning that he had gotten the part.
Alec said : « I obviously wasn’t expecting it. As soon as I heard, I had this
really big smile, and was phoning up my mum and my friends saying I’d got it.
Some people didn’t believe me, and some still don’t! »
Alec revealed that he had spent a few hours talking with Alan Rickman about
their common parts as Snape : "Obviously that was nerve wracking; there was me
as a nobody and then this famous actor. He’s very serious about acting but he
likes to joke around. It was really nice and it surprised me - I thought a big
star would be different but he was so nice."
Alec spent time studying previous Harry Potter films in order to be able to
mimic Aln Rickman's movements and gestures : "The part is pretty easy as it’s
such a small scene, but because the character has been portrayed by someone
before, it’s about taking someone’s characteristics and trying to copy them." He
also added : "I watched how he moved, spoke and the emotions he goes through. He
also gave me some pointers about the character – how he would walk and hold
himself, like keeping a straight back."
Alec was not allowed to leave the country while the movie was being shot, as he
could be called up to London at any moment for more filming. "It’s a lot harder
than people think it is. So many people are relying on you to get it right." He
also said : "Everyone is really nice but it’s very daunting. You don’t realise
how many people there are and if you messed up you’d be so embarrassed."
He finally added : "It’s been a great privilege just to be part of it. It’s not
just a film, but it’s a Harry Potter film."
Before getting the young Severus Snape's part, Alec Hopkins performed in a play
directed by Pete Watt, "Arabians Nights," on December 12 and 13, 2003 at Newbury theater. Arabian
tales are narrated in a room filled with toys : Alec told the story of Sinbad
the Sailor.
- Alec Hopkins -
| |
|
