How They Made Hagrid Big

[@TallSilhouette]

As a 7'0" former actor who would occasionally double for similarly sized athletes or celebrities and did his fair share of creature and sfx work, Martin must have had the patience of a saint to wear that much hot, itchy, uncomfortable gear up to 14 hours a day for 10 years. It helps knowing you're part of something special but I hope the pay was worth it, too. In any case, thanks for giving one of us a little spotlight and praise.

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

As someone who used to suit up as Darth Vader and perform LIVE as well as do fight work in the bloody thing... I resonate. 🙂 I won't bother mentioning my true height because no one would believe me (without seeing my suit up time-lapse video). But I *DID* do nearly everything alone--the suiting up, that is.

[@thomashendricks9774]

@@Novastar.SaberCombat I'm 6' 6" and dressed up as Vader as well. I've done the whole suit up by myself a few times and it really makes you miss the assistance.

[@CosmicTeapot]

Wait, did you mean a 7'0" former actor, or are you not 7'0" anymore? 🥲

[@KingJames-lm8go]

The salary kept him going

[@timlemmens1087]

​@@KingJames-lm8goAnd probably the atmosphere on set. Everyone talks about how this film series was one big family.

[@gxdpictures]

I hope you rest easy and in peace, Robbie. Thank you for this childhood.

[@ac.e8253]

HE'S NOT WITH US ANYMORE? :( I've never watched harry potter but I've always had a soft spot for Hagrid..

[@TheCodeTurtle]

@@ac.e8253 I don't think anyone else could have brought Hagrid to life the way he did.

[@halofanatiks]

@@ac.e8253 Yeah died 22nd of October 2022

[@seanmakesthings]

I always noticed Hagrid's mouth not moving when they walk through the courtyard, but I always chalked it up to post-production inserting a different/additional line VO'd by Coltrane to make the scene flow better! This is some crazy BTS, thanks for sharing!

[@mikkelbreiler8916]

I thought so too.

[@amazingfireboy1848]

I also noticed but didn't mind it; figured it was just a simple mistake somehow, the scene was like 3 seconds after all

[@W2APS]

Martin is a lovely guy. I've had the pleasure of chatting to him on numerous occasions at various rugby matches and events over the years. He'll happily accept people randomly shouting "Hello Hagrid" in passing. 😊

[@gabrielgingras814]

I guess it became a lot more profound these days when he's being called that.

[@hambone04]

@@StefanCreates Robbie Coltrane passed away in 2022

[@gabrielgingras814]

@StefanCreates Direct reminders you continue to carry a piece of the legacy of a dear friend who passed away.

[@harrypottah8889]

@@hambone04he’s talking about his body double 😊

[@AlexBoucher]

didn't expect to be giggling at an animatronic hagrid face this evening. beautiful tribute

[@garygremlin2403]

love your dog video!

[@RonLarhz]

same. idk why it made me smile...

[@joecope9935]

This comment made me realize that of all the characters that Rowling intended for me to get teary over (Snape, Fred, Collin, Harry's parents, etc) Hagrid was the only one I really cared THAT much about.

[@RonLarhz]

@@joecope9935 And she ruins it in the new castings.

[@carlchapman4053]

Another aspect of the illusion is that a lot of Hagrid's early scenes were shot alongside small children, which magnified just how big he was.

[@tanvir.m85]

nah, that wouldn't really help that much as the kids would still be regular sized

[@carlchapman4053]

@@tanvir.m85 I hope you are joking because if a child comes up to the ribs of a normal adult, then that same child only coming up to the waist of a 'Giant' would make it seem twice as large even though it is only a small difference in real size. Also since you called children 'Regular Sized' I assume that you think that they are all Mc Decendents and that they also come in 'Small, Large and Super' sizes. I am asking you to please tell everyone here that you were joking otherwise we will all laugh at how stupid you idea was.

[@akabaneaki]

ikr like usually people would try to avoid this by using cut shots but the effort they put in omg

[@Diptera_Larvae]

What I find fascinating with stories like these, the practical solutions with small touch to hide the imperfections usually hold up longer or pass completely under the radar for most people. Till just now I had no idea they used a body double and assumed it was all forced perspective. The other example is the Thing (1982) and the Thing (2011). The ‘11 is like vapourware, whereas ‘82 is a classic. I think there is a warmth to practical effects that make them more believable, a ‘lived in ness’

[@Keyecomposer]

I actually still really enjoy The Thing (2011) I think despite the fact that the practical effects made for it was CG'ed over is unfortunate but i think its still a very faithful prequel, i love watch it and '82' back to back.

[@seigeengine]

There's definitely a certain reality to practical effects that is much harder to emulate with CGI. Real physical things behave as you'd expect in complex ways, whereas CGI only does the same with a bunch of work. That said, practical effects can also go this way, like the empty beverage cup that's been a meme. Ultimately, both are useful, and can do things the other struggles with.

[@Nthsey]

Ditto on the forced perspective misconception. Because it was made around the same time, I figured they used the same tricks that were used for Gandalf and the Hobbits in Fellowship.

[@KyleCox404]

Oh, here we go again-the worship of a guy for doing his job. Let’s not pretend this was some grueling, superhuman feat. He wore a costume. Sure, it might have been hot or itchy, but guess what? People do physically taxing jobs every day without basking in internet adoration. Construction workers bake under the sun for hours, miners crawl through literal dirt and darkness, and nurses are on their feet for endless shifts dealing with much more than an itchy suit. But yeah, let’s give this guy a parade for being "patient." And the "part of something special" angle? Spare me. Hollywood's "special" is just another way of saying "big money machine." As for the pay-if it wasn’t worth it, he could’ve walked off set and saved his martyr routine for something meaningful. Thanks for the "spotlight and praise," but maybe let’s reserve admiration for people doing actual hard work that doesn’t involve catering to Hollywood's bloated ego.

[@Diptera_Larvae]

@ cool story

[@muneeb-khan]

Love the character of Hagrid. Sad that it's taken years for me to find out there was another person integral to him coming to life. Thank you for sharing!

[@NilsFLindberg]

Did not expect to tear up at the end of a 11 minute video essay....

[@gE0013]

I'm not crying, you are crying

[@argus456]

You made it to the end?

[@lavenderflowersfall280]

Wait

[@2BigFooted]

I'm not crying, you are.

[@MichaelBurkhalter]

It took you longer than 0:41 or 1:00? 😭

[@eli_leprosy]

this is so mind blowing ive been watching an animatronic face all these years and never noticed. shows how good of a job they did.

[@Hung_Nguyen_90]

Just to be sure. The close up scenes was the real guy. The far away scenes was Bay field with animatronic head

[@eli_leprosy]

@@Hung_Nguyen_90 i also watched the video

[@Hung_Nguyen_90]

@@eli_leprosy Sorry

[@QuietGrave]

4:52 smol hagrid next to big hagrid, both holding hands is like the cutest thing ive personally ever seen.

[@NotAlterDenny]

Hagrid and his son.

[@JeremyVerburg]

I was never a big Harry Potter fan but the ending of this video made me tear up. Amazing video, dude!

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

R.I.P. Robbie Coltrane. 😕 And make no mistake, he was a diverse, talented gent. His minor role in "Goldeneye" remains one of my favorite performances of his. 😁 Plus, admittedly, it was REEEAALLY weird seeing Minnie Driver for all of 3-6 seconds in there, lol.

[@crayzmarc]

Irina, take a hike!

[@Gambit771]

I always found that cameo weird as well.

[@RetroSmoo]

I first saw him in an Alice in Wonderland movie

[@dh2032]

cracker to? not really, but if there was one, it was worth watching; no one else could play that part?

[@Bartman954]

"TELL HIM DIMITRY!" "Uh, well it depends-" "SIIILENCEEE!!!"

[@stevvvvvvv]

Robbie was the perfect casting for Hagrid. me and my family loved him, and were heartbroken when we lost him. if they ever have to find someone else to play Hagrid, there is only ONE person that we agree could even come close doing it justice. Nick Frost.

[@IQSim]

I've seen that suggestion several times by now and I love it. Nick Frost just has the same energy. He can be stern, he can be a goofball, he's a genuinely good actor and he just those same warm eyes, that same spark.

[@Gambit771]

Haven't they just announced the new Hagrid? It isn't Frost who I agree is a great suggestion.

[@theatregarbage]

I'd say he would get the accent down as well considering Hot Fuzz

[@Neko-ls8fc]

Thank you Robbie and Martin for bringing a beloved character to life.

[@MiPedoteTUMBA]

What a great video! I just learned about the fake Hagrid head earlier this year from Reddit and didn't even know there was an animatronic version too! They did a phenomenal job on it! Martin did a good job and wearing all of that must have been exhausting at the end of the day. Not gonna lie I almost cried at the end. RIP Robbie!

[@harsh-seth]

That delay to let the viewer guess if the Hagrid walking away in the last shot is Bayfield or not, and then revealing the answer? That there is proof that Paul is a master of what he does and that he knows how to play us all like fiddles Bravo sir.

[@mikosoft]

It was obvious to me after all the information given. The scene was still cool though.

[@Felipe-xt4id]

So great to see actors that did not got a lot of press because they are doubles or stuntman but are essential to make it really work in the final movie.

[@emielhasselt2518]

There's no hogwarts without you, Robbie Coltrane. R.I.P.❤

[@pamelanaylor7761]

I am 82, loved the books, loved the film, loved the expertise of the talented people in animatronics, loved Robbie R.I.P. Loved your video. Always blown away by how things are done. Thanks 🇦🇺

[@Vvardenfell_Outlander]

Great video! Great soundtrack! Really enjoyed it. Beautifully put together.

[@JoshRyO97]

RIP Robbie! Thank you for being a legendary part of my childhood ❤😢

[@RafaelLudwig]

This was a love letter to Hagrid/Robbie/Bayfield, nicely done Paul!

[@irimiriam2934]

God i wish movies would be made like this again. Its so special.

[@canadianbakn]

Great watch, thanks. Loved the commentary on top of behind-the-scenes from DVD/Bluray to tell a narrative on top.

[@Viigan]

I have friends who always like to criticize body doubles, models and the like in every film we watch no matter how perfect it's done, just because they know it's not the actors themselves. Which made me think that if there had been ANY reason 9:50 could in ANY way be a trick shot, they would jump to the chance of shouting "Oh, for crying out loud! Anyone can see that's a puppet head and not Daniel Radcliffe!"

[@RupeeRhod]

This is one of the better videos I've watched this entire year.

[@The_Orgin]

"Paul asked calmly." I had to pause the video and take 5

[@WoolyCow]

yeah that was a nice touch

[@hhjs977]

What does it refer To?

[@Delphins59]

@@hhjs977 in the original book there is written that dumbledore say somethink "calmly" but in the folm he shouted it lmao kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5XSdWVnaZx5n80

[@JBloise]

Absolutely touching video Paul. You really are a true storyteller, movies are not the only way to make good audiovisual art, this is proof of it.

[@koacado]

Master class in storytelling and documentary production

[@ZacEckstein]

Aw, what a lovely little thing you did.

[@Julian_LewisDig]

I was 20 years old when I got into Harry Potter and I’ve been obsessed ever since I’m 26 years old just turned and I am obsessed with the first two movies. I love Chris Columbus.

[@3nertia]

I didn't realize the actor that played Hagrid had died until right this moment @ 1:17 and now I'm a mess 😭

[@mikshin9825]

I will not say: do not weep; for not all tears are an evil.

[@3nertia]

@@mikshin9825 But they all hurt 😢

[@garfoonga1]

His character was great. But the dude himself was a bit of a bigot.

[@3nertia]

@@garfoonga1 Based on?

[@krlitosbond]

worst thing is that he passed away months after the hbo special, were he said "I won't be here in 50 years, but hagrid will"...

[@CosmicTeapot]

I started my day with watching your video. The last song hooked me, I did not know Bread, and now I have been on a little fluffy cloud listening to them all morning. Thank you.

[@novampires223]

They were great!

[@reedr7142]

I have one of their vinyl records

[@IV-A]

I never saw or thought of a big suit. Not when I watched the vhs and not when I watched the 4k bluray. Amazing work.

[@Ercrcrdsstff]

Thank you Mr Coltrane and Mr Mayfield. For a lonely boy in middle school it was hard to get through. The books meant so much to me and this series and the Lord of The Rings are some of the best adaptations ever done. They really made them come to life

[@TheClayMason.]

Your video style is just so cool.

[@76_SPZL]

It's both so complex but so simple at the same time. Wow, so glad they did it this way.

[@retzel1472]

i havent seen such a good movie essay in a long time, well done!

[@thomasconway95]

This is the first video I've ever seen from this channel. Emotional, touching and enjoyable!

[@nancyM1313-Boo]

Thank you for uploading. RIP 🌹 Robbie Coltrane

[@Ventilador99]

“My children had grown up during it, of course. The legacy of the movies is that my children’s generation will show them to their children, so you could be watching them in 50 years’ time, easy. I’ll not be here, sadly, but Hagrid will.” -Robbie Coltrane

[@maguszeal5818]

Prophetic.

[@ArchieMonster1]

That last part almost made me cry

[@curtisnixon5313]

Thank you my friend. Lovely video. The Bread song must have cost you a packet but it was worth it.

[@morais.online]

Beautifully composed video from start to finish. Well done, Paul.

[@Vogelnest77]

OMG in the very end the song goes "fade away" and in this second the text FADES AWAY!!!!

[@saullotzof]

Awesome video as usual. Your cutting and storytelling are second to none. Keep it up.

[@joepvanuden3913]

These are the realll quality making of video's. Such a fleunt montage

[@capablemaria]

Thankyou for highlighting the people behind the scenes who work their socks off, generally unnoticed, but essential. And yes I got excited as ive been to that station 😊

[@AydanM]

What a lovely video; the music, the editing choices. I've never been a big Harry Potter fan, but man, this video makes me want to go revisit those original films. Your editing is fantastic, wonderful job. Truly magical.

[@Martyste]

8:05 I was waiting eagerly to see something of the sort. As someone experienced with fullbody suiting, head covered etc, but with far, far less extra costume layers ontop, it already gets unbearably hot as you breath your own warm air inside. Drinking cold water via a tube or straw becomes a necessity. I'm also all too familiar with the reduction in vision and hearing that comes along. All of this filming under a heavy suit with animatronic parts must have required immense effort and commitment from Martin. They are often overlooked actors like those inside the costumes of C-3PO or Chewie, sadly, but have my upmost respect.

[@Joseph_Tackett]

Way more of interesting video than i expected. Great stuff. Especially the filming footage

[@theatregarbage]

Being an HP fan for many years and working in Animation I had already known these BTS facts and watched them all but kudos to your editing! Really loved it, great video as always.

[@mikkelbreiler8916]

I had no idea about this. That it was not just an optical thing or a digital thing never entered my mind.

[@schmodedo]

This was a great tribute to all of the unseen people that make the magic work. Reminds me of how I always loved watching the BTS of the original Star Wars trilogy from my own childhood.

[@blueberryjam7793]

one of the best video essays i've ever watched. this is immediately my favorite. beautifully done.

[@Willypeters-cf3mo]

This is the best KZbin video I’ve seen all year. Hell, I’ve no doubt it’s been a bit longer than that since I’ve felt like this from any form of media.

[@DoctorPhilGud]

I always kinda knew this. But seeing it in action really explains to me why hagrid felt so warm, he was literally a human muppet. I love it.

[@nimarus3118]

I hadn't bothered watching any of the Harry Potter movies until I played Hogwarts Legacy. That game got me so interested in the stories and world that I wanted more. I eventually sat down and watched all the movies. My brother did the same, but his read all the books and then saw all the movies. Hagrid quickly became a loved character for me. He reminded me so much of my uncle when I was a kid. A man who stood around 6.5 feet tall and was a very large man (over 600lbs). To me, he was a gentle giant who always had a toy for me when we came to visit (he worked at a K-Mart). Maybe that's why I liked Hagrid so much, because he reminded me of my uncle so much. RIP Uncle Leroy, I miss you.

[@rcsteveb]

Rip Robbie 😢. What a great tribute ❤ and well done for showing Martin to the world . Brilliant video. Thank you ❤

[@stussy4]

this was a beautiful video, somehow you captured a whole section of my childhood in one 10 minute big hagrid video essay, thanks man

[@nessa6859]

The good ol' days where Hollywood would go the extra mile to portray a character as accurately as possible. Ahh how I miss these days, when I read/watch something fall in love with a character. If brought to live action I want the actor to resemble the character they're playing, how is that so hard to grasp now a days.

[@DualorProductions]

Aww bless robbie, that champangne clip, I can watch it endlessly 😁 He made every scene he was in, but that mere 5secs gives off some much enthusiam :D

[@1992munster]

Beautifully constructed and edited video Paul, I'm tearing up a tad. You should be really proud of this one

[@jrichconnor2472]

Wow, this was an incredible, bite size video, with such good editing. The music, the b-roll, the story, it was like I was watching a cable documentary. Notifications are turned on!

[@mrcydonia]

In the later films, digital compositing had become much cheaper and advanced enough that almost all shots of Hagrid were Coltraine.

[@kielsonelnikos8589]

What a beautiful, unexpected little video. Just in time, actually, when the rumours of new Hagrid casting are taking place. Im really excited as a potter fan.

[@scotched9682]

I love this guy's videos. You never know what it's going to be about or when. Never on schedule. Always on time.

[@chudzinskiadrian]

What a beautiful love letter to one of cinema's most beloved actor's/characters. Def deserves a subscribe :)

[@ddc163264]

RIP Robbie. That was a great video! Did Mr. Bayfield get credits for all the movies? I loved Robbie in many movies, from Potter, to GoldenEye, to even a little film called Krull. But From movie one he brought heart and fun to the Potter movies. Now Robbie lives forever both in the movies and with a great ride at Universal.

[@twotinytoes2229]

6:20 one of my favorite books of all time is the philosophers stone, movie as well, and I can’t believe I never noticed the animatronic head. Great video. Very well documented and put together!

[@randorandom]

Today is not my birthday and yet I have been given a new Paul E.T. video as a gift. Thank you.

[@QuintonLeo]

That's incredible. I honestly had no idea there was a 2nd person involved in bringing Hagrid to life. My wife & I have been introducing our kid to Harry Potter recently and she loves it. I can't wait to share this story with both of them. HP was such a massive part of my childhoold. I still remember midnight releases for the 4th and 5th book that my mom let me attend.

[@ykrgfk]

The problem is complicated because J K Rowling herself was never consistent in the books about Hagrid's size. Generally she states that he's twice the size of a normal man - but various details make him much larger - hands the size of dustbin lids, feet the size of a child's sledge or a baby dolphin; he drinks from a mug the size of a large bucket etc. At other times she seems to forget that he is a giant at all - she has other characters tapping him on the shoulder or back; she has him putting his arm around a child and entering houses and rooms that would be impossible for him even at only twice normal size. His wooden cabin is described as tiny. She also has him travelling on the tube. She has the same trouble with Fawkes the phoenix - introduced as being the size of a swan, then later described as perching on Dumbledore's shoulder and on Harry's knee and also as flying around Dumbledore's office. Nowhere is it suggested that the office is the size of a basketball pitch.

[@krakatoa4747]

incredible video ! didn't expect to be crying at the end of this ahaha

[@sylvifisthaug]

I have been wondering about this for ages. And what a video to answer it. Fantastic work.

[@Klaevin]

dammit, these behind the scenes videos of old films are really something else. does anyone else remember when you could see actors interacting with stuff, acting and having a good time? because that's all deead now. as much as possible is CGI and actors have the personality of a doorknob. nobody on set seems like they want to be there for "marvel project No.78"

[@Henriiiiiiiii]

I gotta rewatch harry potter man😭 i love this so much

[@sloth0708]

It's funny, the awkward gait that Hagrid has actually worked incredibly well in the favour of this decision

[@Dysiode]

What a wonderful love letter to Hagrid, his actors, and everyone supporting them

[@paul_et]

🫶

[@SunsD13]

This channel is a true hidden gem. Any time I get an upload notification, I know I'm in for a treat. This video did not disappoint.

[@THE_INFECTED]

How did they make that woman teacher in goblet of fire work? 8:48 this one

[@Anthony-eu7jq]

Bro the Bread classic at the end was the cherry on top. Cheers mate

[@michaelroby8389]

Excellent job at formatting this.....!!

[@The_Bean_Head_Men]

Absolutely blown away by this video, bluddy brilliant!!!!

[@hugo2898]

your videos are sooo addicting! i really enjoy them. keep up the good content

[@Camlling]

I’m never going to be able to watch the movies the same again

[@ANI_Luka]

This video is a work of art. Thank you so much for sharing this story and presenting it so beautifully!

[@galantrus7333]

One of the better videos I´ve seen in a while. Awesome, keep up the good work!

[@rabbit251]

Hats off to Paul E.T. for making a very good and interesting video. Must have taken a lot of work. Thanks!

[@Maxarcc]

This is so well done that for years it didn't even cross my mind he wasn't actually that big.

[@papayapeaks1693]

Imagine if you get springlocked in a hagrid animatronic

[@skat4388]

Whatta awesome man bringing our childhood characters to live with a great voice and stunning performance

[@lowfpsman]

Whoa. Never even thought that Hagrid was actually 2 people. This video put a smile on my face. Thanks!

[@PaulLBerriman]

Awesome video! Love all the archival footage!! What a wonderful group of techniques and people to bring an iconic character to life.

[@AlexisDouFlo]

Wow... I'm so surprised this isn't more widely known. It's incredible!!! This video was incredible :)

[@piotrekzprod]

Awesome video Paul. Love your content

[@berengerdietiker22]

Remarkable! Very different than how Hagrid will be brought to life in the upcoming HBO original series, probably. Too bad Hagrid's relevance to the plot diminishes as the story progresses.

[@Dr_Larken]

This is an awesome perspective! I always loved special effects, usually the latex, blood etc the props and other ways they do stuff in movies is still awesome!

[@kuromiscreaming7420]

this is such an excellent video ! i thought it was a clip from a documentary, super well edited and informative and engaging. keep it up !