For those like me who consider the ubiquitous financial success of the Harry Potter franchise to be a somewhat bewildering indictment of a culture in rapid decline- like reality TV or the Tea Party- the news that the series of Harry Potter films is set to receive a special award at the BAFTAs can come as little surprise. The films have come, not for any artistic merit they may, tenuously, be seen to hold- rather for their contribution to the film industry which, Im often reminded, is something altogether separate and more significant. Certainly, in strictly economic terms, the never-ending Rowling franchise is a modern marvel; Box Office Mojo estimates that they have earned $6.4 billion a simply staggering amount of money, and the most successful series of UK based movies in history by an insurmountable distance. And its this that, according to the academy themselves, has earned the franchise their reward:
"The Harry Potter films have not only created stars in front of the camera, but have also highlighted the expertise within the British craft and technical industries, supporting a vast array of jobs throughout production."
If series producer David Heyman is to be believed, the films have employed in the region of 2000 people since their inception, essentially making them a small industry unto themselves. So, the BAFTA will, on Thursday night, be presenting the sort of award that may be better left to politicians. And, if political awards are to be dished out at such an estimable occasion, perhaps it may have been more fitting to have recognised the moribund UK Film Council, whose successes have often been artistic as well as commercial and whom will soon be no more for no other reason than neo-liberal economic ideology. The consequence of this unmarked tragedy may mean there is a possibility that next year Harry Potter WILL be the British film industry.