Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ======Film====== =====Object Information===== * **Type:** [[Magical]] Consumable, Photographic Material * **Owners:** Used by photographers throughout the [[wizarding world]], including students like [[Colin Creevey]] and professional photojournalists such as [[Bozo]] of the //[[Daily Prophet]]//. * **Maker:** Unknown =====Description and Appearance===== The physical appearance of magical film is not described in detail in the novels, but it is known to come in rolls, similar to its [[Muggle]] counterpart. [[Colin Creevey]] mentions using up an entire roll of film when taking pictures of [[Harry Potter]]. The film is designed to be used in a [[camera]] to capture images. While it is used in specialized wizarding cameras, such as the large, black [[camera]] used by [[Bozo]] that emits puffs of purple smoke, it is also notably compatible with [[Muggle]] cameras. The magic appears to be inherent to the film itself and the subsequent development process, rather than the device used to capture the image. This allows it to function on [[Hogwarts]] grounds, where most [[Muggle]] technology is known to fail. =====Magical Properties and Usage===== The primary magical property of film is its ability to capture images that, when developed correctly, become animated. These moving pictures are a standard feature of [[Wizarding photograph]]s. * **Development:** The animation is not automatic upon exposure. A special [[developing potion]] is required to "make them move," a fact confirmed by [[Colin Creevey]]. This potion animates the subjects within the photographs, allowing them to move around within the frame. * **Compatibility:** The film's innate [[magic]] allows it to function within a standard [[Muggle]] [[camera]], as demonstrated by Colin's use of his non-magical device at [[Hogwarts]]. * **Vulnerability:** Magical film is susceptible to powerful [[Dark Arts]] and magical creatures. The film inside [[Colin Creevey]]'s [[camera]] was found "molten" after he was attacked by the [[Basilisk]]. The creature's lethal gaze, viewed indirectly through the [[camera]]'s lens, was potent enough to destroy the film completely. =====History===== The specific origin and creator of magical film are unknown. It is a commonplace and essential item in the modern [[wizarding world]], fundamental to the creation of moving images in periodicals like the //[[Daily Prophet]]// and for personal photography. It is the primary medium through which wizards document memories, historical events, and news. =====Role in the Story===== Magical film plays its most critical plot role in //[[Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets]]//. After [[Colin Creevey]] is petrified, [[Professor Dumbledore]] inspects his [[camera]] and discovers the molten film inside. This provides the crucial clue that looking at the [[Basilisk]] indirectly—in this case, through a [[camera]] lens—prevents instant death and results in [[Petrification]] instead. The destroyed film serves as the physical evidence of Colin's encounter and is a key piece of the puzzle that helps [[Harry Potter]] and [[Hermione Granger]] understand the nature of the monster in the [[Chamber of Secrets]]. Throughout the series, film is consistently used by press photographers to document major events, such as the [[Triwizard Tournament]] and the political turmoil at the [[Ministry of Magic]], shaping public perception through the animated images published in the wizarding press. =====Behind the Scenes===== In the film adaptations, the wizarding press cameras that use this film are often depicted as vintage, large-format press cameras, complete with large, explosive flashbulbs that emit puffs of smoke. This is consistent with the description of [[Bozo]]'s [[camera]] in the book (film).
