Q&A with “Severus Snape and the Marauders” Cast
by Stephanie Bailey · May 14, 2016
In the beginning of March, director Justin Zagri debuted his fan film titled Severus Snape and the Marauders. The film has received positive feedback from Harry Potter fans. I was lucky enough to be able to chat with Justin and the cast a little bit about filming.
It took a little over two years to create the film. “Four days of shooting, a year of post-production, and a year before all that casting the film, writing it, finding resources, etc,” said Justin. For the cast, he found Paul Stanko to play Remus Lupin, Mick Ignis to play Severus Snape, Kevin Allen to portray Sirius Black, Zach David to play Peter Pettigrew, Garrett Schweighauser to act as James Potter, and Dani Jae to portray Lily Evans.
When asked about his inspiration for creating Severus Snape and the Marauders, Zagri said, “I did a poll asking people what they wanted to see next. It was almost entirely Marauders. While I love the Marauders, my second favorite character is Snape. So I thought, what would be a really important moment in time for these characters, and how can I portray them in an environment based on my limitations? I figured just after graduating Hogwarts would be best. And since they are about to join a war, the relationship between Snape and James would be much more than a bitter rivalry.”
I asked standard questions of the cast like what was the best part, what was the hardest part, and what was your favorite part. My favorite response was from Paul Stanko about the most rewarding part. He said “Okay, so there was this little girl. She was like, maybe 13 or 14 years old, and her parents had donated to the Kickstarter so that she could get a cameo role in the film. She came out and filmed with us for a day on set, and she absolutely NAILED IT. She’s the kid who walks by us talking about getting her supplies for Hogwarts in the very beginning of the film, where we’re walking into the pub. Somehow, Mick Ignis managed to get her a custom, handmade, one-of-a-kind wand, which we gave to her on the day she filmed with us. She lit up. It was absolutely perfect. That’s the most rewarding part of this for me, is being able to create something special that brings such giddy joy. That we’re all wizards and that magic is as easy as a flick of a wand.”
When watching the film, I was awed at the fight scenes. They were so intense and amazingly choreographed! The special effects added to the intensity of the battles. I was curious as to how this choreography was developed. When asked about the choreography, Kevin Allen seemed to be the man behind most of the cast’s wand work. With a background in fencing, he helped develop the battle scenes. In regard to his personal fight style, Mick Ignis said, “As to our personal styles of dueling, watch closely, and you’ll find that it truly is a battle between Gryffindor and Slytherin: The majority of my movements I specifically based on a snake, while Garrett’s form took on the energy of a lion. When you watch that 4-against-1 portion of the fight, you’ll notice that all of us have a very specific way of moving during that battle.”
After getting over my amazement at the special effects produced by this fan film, I began to wonder. What did it look like before all of the special effects? I dragged back the play bar and watched it again. Despite the seriousness of the situation they were portraying, I started laughing. The more I imagined it, the harder I laughed. Kevin Allen said, “I liked it. It was a little freeing, I think. We were just waving wands in the forest, so I’m only able to imagine what it is ‘I’m doing’ and assume I’m casting the spell correctly. There is some challenge to react to some spells appropriately, but for the most part, we just got to play wizard and imagine it all. Then once we saw all the special effects, I think we all realized our imaginations fell short of what our special effects team envisioned,” in regard to filming in the woods.
Several questions popped into my head after finishing this film. Such as, if things were different, do you think Snape would have joined Voldemort that day? Zach David responded by saying, “The way I always saw it Snape did join Voldemort, earnestly. The only thing that turned him against [H]e-[W]ho-[S]hall-[N]ot-[B]e-[N]amed was when the person he loved became a target and he was forced to evaluate his loyalties, which turned into revenge in the long run.”
One of my other questions was “Do you think Lily ever forgave Snape?” Garrett Schweighauser thought, “I think she forgave him for the name he called her, but I don’t think she could ever forgive him for giving himself over to the [D]ark [A]rts, hanging out with Bellatrix, etc., and unfortunately she would never have the chance to.” That last part absolutely broke my heart.
The last question I’m sure everyone wants to know is “What are your Hogwarts Houses?” There was a nice variety across the cast. Dani Jae agrees with some of our thoughts on the new Pottermore quiz. “I had been [S]orted into Gryffindor. With the new quiz from Pottermore that was released recently, I’ve been nervous about retaking it, for fear I may be re[S]orted. My identity is at stake here :)”
This was a great cast to interview, and I am honored to have been able to talk to them. Make sure you check out the full interviews below!!
Hi! I’m Justin Zagri, I’m the writer/director of the movie! I have lived in Los Angeles for almost 9 years now, and I’m pursuing my career as a director.
What’s your cinematic background?
I have been making movies since I was 16, and I went to school in a bunch of places before finally settling with Columbia College Hollywood where I got my bachelor’s degree in cinema. Since then I have made four short fan films, two about Batman (sort of) and two about The Wizarding World.
What unique skills did you bring to the creation of the movie?
I have been honing my skills as a director, focusing the most on composition of camera, blocking of actors, and performances of actors. Learning as much as I can on how to tell a story using all three points in a way that not only stands out but fits with the story. Every film I had a goal on what I wanted to achieve. For this, I wanted it to represent everything I’ve learned but also be able to create a tone that allows flexibility to shift from drama to excitement, to comedic elements, to tragedy, all in one shot.
How long did it take you to create the film?
Two years! Four days of shooting, a year of post-production, and a year before all that casting the film, writing it, finding resources, etc.
What was the hardest part about creating this film?
There were a lot of things that were trying to stop this film from being made. Torrential downpour rain on our final day of shooting, which almost never happens in LA, a very slow schedule for visual effects, fixing technical mistakes, etc. I think the hardest part was anticipating that rain coming in. I was in a virtual panic for a week.
What were your favorite parts?
I love editing, and I loved finding little moments from shooting to add to this film. I love putting the story together. But I also loved rehearsing with the cast. The marauders cast had brilliant chemistry and every time we practiced, they would go off on their own tangents. It allowed me to improve the script and add 3 minutes of pure adlibbing to the beginning of their scene. Finally, while shooting was incredibly difficult, at least for me, watching everyone come together and make some amazing shots, performances, and even a few surprises was very rewarding.
What was your inspiration for creating this piece? Why this memory/ segment in time?
Well, after the success of Greater Good, I did a poll asking people what they wanted to see next. It was almost entirely Marauders. While I love The Marauders, my second favorite character is Snape. He is so interesting and complicated. I knew he had to be good in the end, no matter how much of a jerk he was to Harry and his friends. So I thought, what would be a really important moment in time for these characters, and how can I portray them in an environment based on my limitations? Hogwarts was out the window. So I figured just after graduating Hogwarts would be best. And since they are about to join a war, the relationship between Snape and James would be much more than a bitter rivalry. The stakes would need to become much higher. Life or death, even. School can’t protect them from the world so their actions have real, permanent consequences.
What was the filming process like without all the special effects?
Actors swinging and pointing sticks at each other. But they loved every second of it. They got to be wizards!
Any ideas about what we could see next from you?
I want to make a feature film next! I got the idea and the treatment. It would be a romance with a sci-fi setting set in our world. Think Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind tone with a mix of Her.
Is there another specific HP moment that you would like to create or redo?
I honestly couldn't make another fan film on this level as it costs quite a bit of money and I agreed not to raise any more money per Warner Bros request. But if I did, I would love to continue the story of Snape & The Marauders as they join the wizarding war for real. The story arcs would center around James' redemption and growth into the noble man he was described as, and Snape's continuing back and forth between his involvement with the Death Eaters and his love for Lily.
I also, just for fun, would love to re-enact the scene where Harry and Hermione visited Godric's Hollow for the first time disguised as an old couple. It was such a sweet moment for me, and I'd portray it as a bit of a reveal, telling the story from a muggle couple's point of view.
If things were different, do you think Snape would have joined Voldemort that day?
Yeah, he still would have. He was always heading down that path. The Marauders just cemented his decision a little quicker, even if Lily gave him the motivation to be a better person. That piece of motivation was more like something that stuck in the back of his mind. He was ready to do it, but then he saw that Lily was still going to be with James, so he went right back to being conflicted as ever.
What is your Hogwarts House?
I’m a Gryffindor! Pottermore told me twice now.
I am from San Diego California and have been living in LA for 3 years. I am also a die-hard Tottenham Hotspur fan COYS! What’s your cinematic background? I studied performance at Chapman University. During my studies, I was mainly a theater actor, but since graduating I have slowly transitioned to film.
What unique skills did you bring to the creation of the movie?
Oddly, it was my love of making small talk that helped solidify me as James Potter. During the call back I got along with the other Marauder actors so well that when Justin asked us to improvise some stuff we went wild haha. So later when we were filming the first scene of the movie Justin asked us to improvise just like at callbacks and that's how the beginning of the bar scene was born
What was the hardest part about creating this film?
Balancing it with other projects. During our fight scene filming, we would shoot from 4 pm to 4 am, I would then go to work the next day from 7 to 3. It was grueling being a mild mannered Muggle by day and James Potter at night, but I honestly loved every second!
What was the most rewarding part?
It happened during the first day of filming sitting in the bar, looking around at everyone working their hardest to bring this thing to life with me right alongside them. It gave me this feeling “yes you are supposed to be here, this is what you will do for the rest of your life” that feeling was priceless.
Where did you draw the inspiration for your character choices? Why those choices?
For me, this movie represents how far James is willing to go to protect those he cares about. There is about to be a war and he needs to decide what his place in it is. A lot my inspiration came from the books, what other characters said about him, the few times he is described etc. Then I looked at who his close friends were, that also says a lot about him. For James to be the leader of the Marauders he needed to be able to balance everyone's traits, which to me meant that he has a little bit of every Marauders personality. Finally, I drew some inspiration from my own life, what it was like graduating college, what it feels like to have new unknown responsibilities looming in front of you. That was my James cocktail...mostly.
What was the filming process like without all the special effects?
A lot like playing with sticks in the forest. Hahaha, just kidding.....sort of.....the fights scenes were very well thought out and choreographed. Without the effects everything was still magical, just not as magical as with the effects. It was cool to imagine what the spells would look like and even cooler to be blown away by the work the special effects team did.
How did you develop your dueling choreography?
Luckily, Kevin Allen is also occasionally a pirate, so he knows how to fence and knows different styles of fencing. We worked with him developing our own style of wand fencing that was based on our character traits. James, for instance, has quick reflexes and a sturdy frame so his style was heavier hitting with spells already planned out and lined up.
Mick mentioned that he thinks James and Snape are similar (especially with arrogance). What's your opinion on this?
I think both James and Snape think it is inconceivable that they could ever fail at something they set their mind to. Whether it's protecting those they love or winning back friends. To me, it is the arrogance that makes these characters so similar.
How are you most like James?
I can be very proud at times, and am willing to do very rash things for the sake of those I love.
Do you think Lily ever forgave Snape?
I think she forgave him for the name he called her, but I don't think she could ever forgive him for giving himself over to the dark arts, hanging out with Bellatrix etc. and unfortunately she would never have the chance to.
What is your Hogwarts House?
I, Garrett Schweighauser, am a Gryffindor.
I’m an endearingly awkward guy from a rural part of Florida who is now doing his best to work as an actor in Los Angeles, California. I’m Kevin Allen, an actor from Florida, now living in Los Angeles. I’m about to start filming a comedic short next week, but right now I’m trying to keep up with the fans response from this film and catch up on several superhero-related TV shows.
What’s your cinematic background?
I first started film acting in the senior year of my high school when a friend of mine asked me to be the male lead in her final project. Up until then I only knew the musical theater magnet department of that school, and so I continued studying theater in college until eventually I was roped into being in films again by friends in that department. I did pretty much only student film and self-produced works while living in Orlando until I convinced by a Los Angeles-based film producer a friend of the family knew finally convinced me I needed to move to where the work is. Since I’ve been in Los Angeles I’ve done broadcast television, independent films, a few commercials, a handful of internet videos, and plenty more no-budget projects for friends.
What unique skills did you bring to the creation of the movie?
I’ve been involved in fencing and stage combat for almost as long as I’ve been acting. And I tend to enjoy choreographing sword fight routines. I lent a lot of my experience to young Sirius’ likely-well-educated style of dueling, and then I was asked by Justin to help him get the duel between James and Severus started by choreographing together some moments that he had envisioned for the duel. I was stoked to help Justin tell the James and Snape’s story within that duel.
What was the most rewarding part?
Getting to meet and talk with fans. Hands down. As much of getting to shoot this film was the culmination of everything I want as an actor, I am just as excited every time we get to meet fans at panels and talk shop and Harry Potter lore. It’s just a lot of fun to hang out with other Harry Potter dorks and gush about our favorite parts of these stories.
What were your favorite parts?
Of our film? Oh man, so many cool moments. From the moment Justin mentioned it as a very thin possibility, I’ve been in love with the idea of using the animagus forms in the Fiendfyre, that’s such a cool way to work in the animagus facet of the Marauders. I’m in love with Alex’s score. The Marauders’ theme is so exciting and fun. I love a lot of moments in the whole cast’s performance, particularly the playful conversation at the top of the film, and the heart-wrenching revelations toward the end. Also, my wardrobe. I love my wardrobe.
What was the filming process like without all the special effects?
I liked it. It was a little freeing, I think. We were just waving wands in the forest, so I’m only able to imagine what it is “I’m doing” and assume I’m casting the spell correctly. There is some challenge to react to some spells appropriately, but for the most part, we just got to play wizard and imagine it all. Then once we saw all the special effects, I think we all realized our imaginations fell short of what our special effects team envisioned.
How did you develop your dueling choreography?
Like I mentioned earlier, I’ve been involved in fencing and stage combat for a while, so that supported my decision to give Sirius a more proper form to his dueling stance, but you might notice the more Marauders get involved in the fight, the more I let Sirius relax and have fun flinging spells. So, at some points, the form gives way to being showy.
How did you get into fencing?
There was a group of volunteers who were teaching Italian fencing for free in a park in Orlando that a friend of mine was interested in checking out, and she invited me to join her. And I’m the kind of person who wants to amass as many random skills as possible, and I’m also a pirate enthusiast, so I was totally onboard to learn how to sword fight.
How are you most like Sirius?
I’m a rocker at heart. One of my favorite things about ‘getting into Sirius’ as a role was deciding exactly what kind of muggle music of the 70s he would be the most into and building a Pandora station to listen to All the Time. I tend to have that fun-loving attitude, always making jokes and keeping things light-hearted, which, I think is part of what makes Sirius so endearing. And like him, I can be a bit impulsive or reckless when I don’t think things through… For me, it happens because I’m trying to react to a situation and solve a problem as quickly as possible, and that’s what we see Sirius doing in this film.
If things were different, do you think Snape would have joined Voldemort that day?
Hmmmm, ya know… I don’t think Snape did join Voldemort that day. Snape may have had an interest in the Dark Arts, for any number of reason, and consort with people like Bellatrix, but I don’t think he was getting himself ready to go join an evil regime. I think he just happened to be discovering himself and did so by trial and error, as I think a lot of us do. So after he had an especially difficult day and maybe was looking for something to change, or some grand gesture he could make to show deep down he is better than the assumptions people make about him, this mysterious stranger comes to him and offers him something new, a direction or purpose… Honestly, who knows what Snape was thinking in that moment or the days that followed. Mick probably has the best idea.. but I don’t think he decided to follow Voldemort right then and there. I think like all the other factors in his life that steered him toward that path, Voldemort’s offer planted a seed in his mind and, before he knew it, led him to one day being among the Death Eaters. Honestly, I have no idea, but Mick’s performance in that last shot Justin closed the film with feels a little more open ended. So here we are talking about it. It’s so good.
What is your Hogwarts House?
I am very much a Hufflepuff. But Pottermore sorted me into Gryffindor and I find myself thinking of the road not traveled.
I’m a young, blonde werewolf from Fort Collins, Colorado who was raised on Coors Light and the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. I decided to pursue acting after getting cut from my High School baseball team my junior year due to a lack of athletic talent, going on to earn my degree in theater from the University of Southern California. A lifelong fan of Harry Potter, I’ve been waiting for my letter from Hogwarts since 1997. Finally, after all, these years, I got to be a wizard.
What’s your cinematic background?
I’ve done a couple features. “Superior”, a coming-of-age adventure movie I was in, is currently on its festival tour, so that’s pretty exciting. And I have an extensive collection of 80’s and 90’s VHS tapes that I watch with voracity.
What unique skills did you bring to the creation of the movie?
Wand twirling. I’m definitely the best wand twirler of the bunch. This grand confidence led to me breaking Kevin Allen’s (Sirius Black) wand on one of our first days of rehearsal. His girlfriend gave it to him for his birthday, I felt awful about it. He glued it back together, but it wasn’t the same.
What was the hardest part about creating this film?
For me, it was the pressure to “get it right”. I really had to work hard to shake that. We’re dealing with such iconic stories and people in this movie, I mean, c’mon this is Harry-FREAKING-Potter. Everyone who’s read the books has their own version of these wizards and these stories in their own minds, so I really wanted to do the world that JK Rowling created justice, and at the same time, bring my own personal interpretation to the film.
What was the most rewarding part?
Okay, so there was this little girl. She was like, maybe 13 or 14 years old, and her parents had donated to the Kickstarter so that she could get a cameo role in the film. She came out and filmed with us for a day on set, and she absolutely NAILED IT. She’s the kid who walks by us talking about getting her supplies for Hogwarts in the very beginning of the film, where we’re walking into the pub. She’s awesome, and you could just see the joy it was bringing her, to wear the robes, play the part, and get a chance to live in the world of Harry Potter, even just for an afternoon. Somehow, Mick Ignis managed to get her a custom, handmade, one-of-a-kind wand, which we gave to her on the day she filmed with us. She lit up. It was absolutely perfect. That’s the most rewarding part of this for me, is being able to create something special that brings such giddy joy. That makes that 13-year-old girl in all of us excited to be a part of this world, and to dream, even just for a little while, that this is real. That we’re all wizards and that magic is as easy as a flick of a wand.
What was the filming process like without all the special effects?
Still as awesome. Everyone was so invested in this story that it never felt like we were “without” anything. We just believed we were doing it all. It was like playing make believe as a kid. You just accept that there are spells flying out of the ends of these wands and carry on.
How did you develop your dueling choreography?
Personally, I took a lot of what David Thewlis (who plays Remus Lupin) did in the Harry Potter movies, and tried to make my style and casting posture look as close to his as possible, and then I filled in the blanks where I needed to. For instance, in “SS&TM” I hold my wand with a tight, closed fist grip, because that’s the way Thewlis holds his wand in the Warner Bros. movies, but when James yells “Remus!” and I cast the spell that stops Snape from begin able to apparate, that casting technique is all mine. That’s like my signature in this movie. It’s small, but it’s all me. I’m super proud of that. I got to add that little piece to Remus Lupin.
Was being the moral compass of the group hard?
I think it's always difficult to be the odd man out, no matter where morality points. Remus is in a tough position. His friends are his life. James, Sirius, and Peter gave him love, support and a sense of belonging, regardless of the dangers of his moonlit condition. In fact, they embraced him for it. So, I think Remus is first to voice reason in any given situation because he's so direly aware of the consequences of acting without thought and control--symptoms too frequently imposed on him because of his lycanthropy. Put simply, Remus doesn't ever want anyone to get hurt, especially those closest to him. He also knows what it's like to be an outcast, and I think that gives him a deeper empathy than the other Marauders--a more reasoned sense of what's going on with someone who seems to be dangerous or "bad". Remus has been there before, and he knows how hard that can be. So, yes, I think it can be very difficult to be the nay-sayer and the do-gooder, but I think it would be even more difficult for Remus not to try and reason with his friend before they charge headlong into something they might regret. It's his way of protecting James, Sirius and Peter.
How are you most like Remus?
I'm a werewolf. Honestly, I'm vastly different than Remus. We don't have a lot in common. My clothing is flashy, and I'm inclined to say things like "rad", "dope", and "dude" all the time. I'm much more foolhardy and outgoing; a joker and raconteur to the core. I rarely think before I act, often to hilarious results, and sometimes, it gets me into immense trouble. I'm the guy Remus would be shaking his head at, wondering what the hell I was thinking, and then he'd have to rush in a pull me out of the grip of the Whomping Willow before it bashed my skull in. I can grow a really cute mustache, though, so I guess we have that 😉
If things were different, do you think Snape would have joined Voldemort that day?
I don't know. I hope not. Voldemort's a super evil dude, and I think Snape was always aware of that. The better question, I think, is: "if things had been different, could Snape and the Marauders have been friends?" The answer to that is, undoubtedly, yes. Snape and Remus are kindred souls, and by all counts should be friends. If Lily hadn't been such a divide for Snape and James, I think the Marauders could have easily been five instead of four. Shame how ruinous pride can be, isn't it?
What is your Hogwarts House?
Ravenclaw all the way. Clever 4ever.
I'm from Bradenton Florida, and grew up in a theater community, and spent any time outside of that enjoying the nerdy (i.e. wonderful) things in life; harry potter, star wars, video games, and a loooot of cooking channel.
What’s your cinematic background?
Honestly, most of my training is in theater, but I've been pursuing film for the past 2 years (though I've lived out here for 6).
What unique skills did you bring to the creation of the movie?
During production, if anyone wanted or needed a laugh, there’s a good chance they came to me to get it, and apparently I delivered.
What was the hardest part about creating this film?
For me, it was making the character not so horrible and hated... but still have a twinge of someone that has that potential.
What was the most rewarding part?
Getting to hear and see how people are responding to it. I love that it’s making so many people happy.
What were your favorite parts?
In the film? That big shot with the Feindfyre, it’s just the coolest thing, though the moment where James gets caught off-guard and blasted by Snape in slow motion is pretty fantastic.
What was the filming process like without all the special effects?
A bunch of people aggressively pointing sticks in the woods and having a blast doing it.
How did you develop your dueling choreography?
For me specifically, I thought the style at least for fighting as my character would be frantic and indirect.
What inspiration did you draw from to make Peter less hated?
Before he was a betrayer, Peter was a friend who was considered trustworthy; I was given the privilege of trying to fill that crack in a tangible way for the first time.
How are you most like Peter?
Neither of us are fighters by choice, I wouldn’t say I’m a coward like he is but I can see where he’s coming from.
If things were different, do you think Snape would have joined Voldemort that day?
The way I always saw it Snape did join Voldemort, earnestly. The only thing that turned him against he-who-shall-not-be-named was when the person he loved became a target and he was forced to evaluate his loyalties, which turned into revenge in the long run.
What is your Hogwarts House?
According to the current Pottermore, Ravenclaw, but the old one for me was decidedly Slytherin.
My name is Mick Ignis and I’m a Los Angeles based actor who portrays Severus Snape in ‘Severus Snape and the Marauders’. I’ve been a lifelong Harry Potter ever since receiving the first book back in Christmas 1999, so it’s a huge honor to get to take on one of my favorite characters in this role.
What’s your cinematic background?
‘Severus Snape and the Marauders’ isn’t my first film, but it’s the first one I’ve done where I’m in any way recognizable! I mostly specialize in other-worldly character roles that transform me using heavy makeup and prosthetics. Monsters, creatures, aliens…most people knew me before this from portraying massive characters like Apocalypse and Thanos at ComicCon! I enjoy taking on these parts immensely, as the talented artists who create these makeups allow me to explore characters I’d never otherwise be able to portray, but I’m excited to show off what I can do outside the wild prosthetics in a more complex role!
What unique skills did you bring to the creation of the movie?
Outside my performance in the film, I was able to bring in several friends of mine to supply their makeup and prop fabrication talents! Voldemort at the end was created by Keaghlan Ashley and George Troester, I brought Laney Chantal and several others onboard for makeup, Brandon LaCroix created two original wands for Lily and Peter…it was great sharing the film with all of them!
What was the hardest part about creating this film?
The last night of filming was fun…but REALLY intense. It was our third 14-hour work night and, out of nowhere, we faced a torrential downpour of rain (which is a rare thing for Los Angeles). I was exhausted, wet, freezing, AND would be filming BOTH of those extremely emotionally intense monologues with James and Lily towards the end of the night! It was painful but absolutely worth it, as I think the real life stress and intensity of those moments got a much better and more authentic performance out of me.
What were your favorite parts?
I couldn’t be happier with my monologue towards James at the end of the film. There were so many complex emotions and thoughts running through my head as Severus in that scene and the camera captured them exactly the way I’d hoped. I’m also a big fan of my final interaction with Peter Pettigrew which, honestly, I find hilarious and love watching Zachary David play that character off.
Where did you draw the inspiration for your character choices? Why those choices?
Portraying Snape at this point in his life was a very interesting challenge. The Snape we all know from the books and films has this iconically stoic, isolated, cynical nature that’s very much connected to the tragedies of his past and the weight that he carries. However, the time frame of this film takes place before the events that would shape Severus as an adult. Discovering who he was in his youth was like discovering a whole new character. Snape is right out of school, still has a youthful but dark arrogance (that I feel mirrors James in a certain way), and is extremely conflicted about where he’s going to take his life. It’s Snape at an all too important crossroad and, in the center: Lily.
What was the filming process like without all the special effects?
You know, it felt less ridiculous than you’d think! The fights were very heavily choreographed in certain segments and, for others, we really found each of our individual, personalized dueling styles and fell into the groove. We didn’t feel like we were just violently pointing sticks at each other. It was almost like some martial arts inspired dance!
How did you develop your dueling choreography?
Watch closely and you’ll find that it truly is a battle between Gryffindor and Slytherin: the majority of my movements I specifically based on a snake, while Garrett’s form took on the energy of a lion.
Do you think that the reason that James and Snape clashed so much is because they were similar?
In several ways, yes. The biggest difference between James and Severus, in my opinion, is Snape’s lack of social confidence and charisma due to his unfortunate upbringing. Both of them have a very specific set of talents and a youthful arrogance to go with them. Both have a rebellious, outside-the-box, way of thinking and are extremely clever in their innovations (Snape with his spells, James with the map). They also, clearly, have the same taste in women and I think legitimately saw each other as a threat. In a different time, a different place, with a different upbringing…I could see James and Severus being friends. Just imagine what the two of them could have accomplished together or what Snape would have added to the Marauders dynamic! There’s an interesting alternate timeline…
How are you most like Snape?
I faced a lot of bullying in school. I was awkward, felt disconnected from my peers, was still trying to figure out who I was, had a fascination for dark arts and was picked on for that…in short, most of my teen years sucked. The Harry Potter books were actually a huge escape from all of that. So, needless to say, I identified with Snape in a big way and really felt connected to his character and his struggles. We have MANY similarities but, eventually, I grew up, found my confidence, and connected with the right crowd of people. We all make mistakes, but I don’t think I would have made the same choices Severus made. I’ve never lashed out at anyone because of my own internal conflicts. I didn’t have the same self-destructive nature he had. In the end though, despite everything, I do feel that he put others before himself and made sure to do right by those he cared about. Even if it killed him.
If things were different, do you think Snape would have joined Voldemort that day?
I think that Voldemort and the Death Eaters offered a very enticing alternative to a world Severus felt highly abused by. At the same time, Snape is no fool. He also knows how extreme and dangerous these people are and was never as deeply engrained in their philosophy as most of the other Death Eaters (like Bellatrix LeStrange). It’s a major conflict for him and was one of the many things tearing him up in the pub that night, even before the Marauders confronted him. A lot of people have been arguing that if Lily HAD told Severus to show her he’s changed that he would never have joined Voldemort. My response to that is…how often do any of us actually do what we know is best for us without question? As Dumbledore once said, “Dark times lie ahead of us and there will be a time when we must choose between what is easy and what is right”. Severus has many talents, but personal decision making is not one of them.
Do you think Lily ever forgave Snape?
I don’t feel Lily held a grudge against Snape for the rest of her life, nor did she feel having him in her life as he was would be the best thing for her or her family. I don’t think it was something she took lightly and probably felt just as horrible about losing Severus as he did her. I’ve been there. I’ve had friends in the past who have gone down dark paths, who I’ve tried to help, but in the end couldn’t save. I think it’s important for everyone to understand that it wasn’t Lily’s responsibility to save Severus from himself. There was probably hope there that he would find redemption, and who knows if she ever found out that he had joined the Death Eaters…but, sadly, he never gets the opportunity to show her who he was truly capable of being. If she could have watched him from beyond, I do think she would have been proud of him in the end.
What is your Hogwarts House?
While I’ve been sporting Slytherin colors in celebration of the film (and because green in just a damn good color on me), I’m a Ravenclaw through and through. Always have been, Pottermore confirmed it twice, and I’m pretty sure the Sorting Hat would spend half a second before announcing it to the great hall.
Hello! I'm Dani. Originally from Houston, TX., started modeling in high school and began acting in small productions shortly after, which snowballed into larger things and eventually led me to pursue film as my chosen career path. I work with kids of all ages when I'm not involved in a project, teaching improvisation skills and building self-confidence through a variety of methods. I'm energetic, overly-analytical, easily-conversational, and usually aim to turn most adventures into a comedy. 🙂 And my favorite color is teal.
What’s your cinematic background?
The bulk of my education is from studying at the Baron Brown Studio for the Dramatic Arts in Santa Monica, CA, which specializes in the Meisner Technique, and is the backbone of my skillset on set! Many moons ago, I began working in music videos and more student films than I can count, and now work primarily in independent films, short films, and do hosting for red carpets and film festivals. I perform in stage/theatre productions once or twice a year, and am currently writing/working on performing stand-up comedy.
What unique skills did you bring to the creation of the movie?
The main conflict my character undergoes in the film is something I've personally had a very similar experience to - minus the magic and wands, of course! While not projecting my own life onto Lily, it made the bridge of empathy easier to cross for me. The peer structure and the emotions she had leading up to this I can understand entirely and jump into without hesitation.
What was the hardest part about creating this film?
The umbrella of the "hardest part" for creating this was undoubtedly the importance of staying true to the books/characters, and giving the fans what they would expect from us. Quality, accuracy, and professionalism are huge! While the books lend themselves entirely to the imagination, we all realized we had an enormous amount of expectation and a high bar of standard to meet. HP fans are devout, so we all needed to be on point!
What was the most rewarding part?
Personally, the reward has been most at two moments: when we were filming in the pub last year - having HP fans as our extras - and then when we had the premiere/release this past week - having fans come up and say how pleased they were about the film, the quality, and our performances. It has shown me how communal the Harry Potter universe really is, how much it brings people (strangers) together and creates this fantastic platform where everyone sees each other with genuine eyes and true appreciation. The love and comradery felt on both of those occasions made my heart swell, and is something I'll never forget.
What were your favorite parts?
Favorite parts before shooting were the times we all met as a group, for promo photoshoots and meetings. Everyone clicked, there was zero awkwardness, and the Marauders all seemed to have known each other for years instead of just being cast together. It was a tell-tale sign that this was headed in the best direction. My favorite part of shooting was Justin's least favorite part 🙂 We only had 3 nights for filming in the forest, and when it started to rain on the last night, everything was thrown into jeopardy. Tunnel vision was now everywhere! It was the part of the movie where you wonder if the hero succeeds or fails trying. The rush of the crew putting their heads together, and actors bringing their very best to the front lines so that we could all walk away winners - it was invigorating. Extreme challenges make you or break you; so when we all left that night, having accomplished what was thought to be the impossible, it was like climbing a mountain.
What was the filming process like without all the special effects?
Hilarious. It tested your acting ability on several fronts: magic isn't typically used in film, so you have to rely on what "will be", requiring your imagination to work double-time. And you must take yourself 1000% seriously when waving a stick around in the forest in the middle of the night. 🙂 No laughing, or making other people laugh, or making jokes when the crew instructing you doesn't know how to pronounce "Fiendfyre". It's a task!
If things were different, do you think Snape would have joined Voldemort that day?
Who's to say he didn't? 🙂 But I think that Snape being tempted and enticed in one of his weakest moments would've caused him to stumble that direction - but not fall entirely. After all the terrible experience in the forest that night, he was left with one last olive branch from Lily. Combined with her demand of, "Show me, Severus", being part of that, I believe it was just enough to hold him back a moment longer from jumping into the Dark.
Do you think Lily ever forgave Snape?
From what he called her originally, yes, eventually. Though I think she saw little things as stepping stones towards the Dark Arts, which he had a bend towards, and that was ultimately what kept her at a distance from Snape. From the events in the SSATM film, yes. I think that when James owned up to his/the Marauders actions, it put things into perspective for her. She was able to see both boys on level playing fields, recognize both of their errors in this, and accept Snape's apology because it came with a parallel explanation from James. It's ironic, but I think James is the one that made the forgiveness possible here! Her final line is the gesture of leaving the emotional door open with an aim at remedying their relationship in the future.
What is your Hogwarts House?
I had been sorted into Gryffindor. With the new quiz from Pottermore that was released recently, I've been nervous about retaking it, for fear I may be resorted. My identity is at stake here... 🙂
