As someone who grew up in the era of Disney Channel magic, I can say that revisiting “Wizards of Waverly Place” has been nothing short of enchanting. The nostalgia of seeing Justin (David Henrie) and Alex (Selena Gomez) again is a feeling that transports me back to my childhood.
After 12 long years, the “Wizards of Waverly Place” are back.
The series “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” centers around an adult Justin (David Henrie), along with his human family members Mimi Gianopulos, Max Matenko, and Alkaio Thiele, residing in Staten Island. Alex (Selena Gomez) introduces Justin to a young wizard named Billie (Janice LeAnn Brown), who requires his tutelage and guidance. Naturally, Justin accepts this responsibility and invites Billie into the Russo household.
Reviving a cherished Disney series that captivated countless audiences wasn’t a simple task. Yet, the key was to reunite some of the original cast to aid in re-creating the show and restoring its enchantment.
On-screen, Henrie takes the lead role while Gomez joins as a featured actor, and they both assume executive producer duties. Off-screen, several skilled professionals reprise their roles. These individuals include director Jody Hahn, first assistant director Guy Distad, special effects artist Justin Krauss, costume supervisor Gelareh Medge, and camera coordinator Bryan W. McKenzie.
Regarding costumes, Medge collaborated extensively with the show’s costume designer, Julie Rhine. Together, they considered how the characters might appear given their current situations, while also maintaining consistency with the original series’ aesthetic.
Following the conclusion of “Waverly Place,” Selena Gomez’s influence as an actor, musician, and businesswoman has noticeably increased. Mandy Teefey, her producer, acknowledges that they initially expected to purchase high-end clothes and fashionable attire for Selena during their first fitting session. However, Selena made it clear that she preferred not to overdress, instead choosing to stay true to the character she portrayed. This was one of the key factors that stood out during her wardrobe selection for the show.
In other places, Medge and Rhine worked on preserving Justin’s preppy image, infusing a modern touch to the ’60s-inspired shirts he donned.
When outfitting their latest arrivals, Roman and Milo, it was essential to establish unique styles for each. Milo’s carefree nature resulted in a sportier appearance, while Roman, being a tad more studious, was dressed in polo shirts and Oxford dress shirts.
Billie, portrayed by Janice LeAnn Brown, proved challenging for Medge to cast and perfect due to the complex appearance required. The character Billie is being pursued by an ominous entity, with the destiny of the world resting in her hands. To achieve the right balance, Medge and Rhine worked extensively with Brown during several fitting sessions. “We didn’t want her to appear too dark, given her youthful and carefree nature, but we also couldn’t make her overly vibrant,” Medge clarified. “Our goal was to strike a balance between the worlds of wizards and mortals, making Billie relatable as a teenager.
Hahn became part of the show in its second season, serving initially as an associate director. Over time, she advanced within the team. Speaking about it, she mentioned that returning to the set amidst the fresh faces and familiar ones felt akin to rejoining her family.
She fondly remembers the times when everyone was learning visual effects together, with a special emphasis on those moments. “Everything was fresh and unfamiliar,” she admits. From swapping bodies with Alex’s mom to Alex navigating through space and a magical flying carpet, visual effects were novel for Hahn. “It was thrilling to grasp the techniques and incorporate them into our skillset,” she shares. Upon reflection, Hahn notes that this time around, things felt less daunting. “I could confidently say, ‘I know how we did that before, or I can handle it now.’ Once you’ve secured the shot and obtained the background footage, it’s become second nature to us,” she concludes.
The original series featured an abundance of special effects, visual effects, and daring stunts, which, as per Krauss, was relatively uncommon in multi-camera series intended for children. “We performed these feats live, and it was challenging because we were still figuring out the details,” explains Krauss. “However, I believe this collaborative effort created a one-of-a-kind show that stood out to viewers since such techniques weren’t typically used.
In today’s world, practical effects are commonly used, yet Krauss and his team continue to focus on visual effects. Despite the rapid advancements in technology, their methodology remains consistent. “What we create may not physically exist, but it must convincingly interplay with the real environment and actors. Thus, our role is to facilitate that interaction, making those visual effects appear as if they truly inhabit the real world.
Every Tuesday, you can catch ‘Wizards Beyond Waverly Place’ on the Disney Channel. On Wednesdays, it becomes available for streaming on both Disney+ and Disney on Demand.
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2024-11-05 21:48