After spending a few days in London and New York covering all the madness surrounding the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, it has become more evident than ever that there is often a real disconnect between the way young British stars carry themselves with the press and the way many American celebrities go about their business.
Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson are some of the world's biggest movie stars right now, regardless of age. All three are poised to go their seperate ways and have long and interesting careers to look forward to.
Someone in my position can see stars at this crucial crossroads in their careers be difficult, unprofessional, late for interviews and surrounded by intrusive handlers and publicists. This could not be further from how the Potter trifecta conduct themselves behind the scenes with the media.
They are genuine, on time, gracious, sincere in their answers to questions I'm sure they have been asked hundreds of times and simply put, a joy to be around.
As Radcliffe himself told me once years ago in an interview, in the U.K. they are treated like kids first and actors/celebrities second. In the U.S. it seems to be the other way around. I've interviewed far less accomplished American stars of a similiar age (who shall remain nameless) and encountered every problem you could possibly imagine that could arise at an interview.
Point being, listen up young Hollywood! Take notes: there is no excuse for not behaving the same way as these Hogwarts alums. Trust me, it will go a long way as you continue on your journey making movies and TV.