Stanislav Ianevski, the Bulgarian-born star from "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire", answered the questions of international media hours before the movie's premiere in Bulgaria.
SNA presents to you an account of the press conference and Ianevski's opinion on Bulgaria, love, sports and more.
Q: How did Stanislav Ianevski become Viktor Krum?
A: It happened by accident, I was found. I was late for registering for my college where I studied and while I was trying to explain why I had been late when I met Fiona Weir, one of the casting directors of the movie, and she noticed me and invited me for a casting the same afternoon. I went and they tested me for about half and hour. We talked about the movie and about Bulgaria a lot. Afterwards I received a callback for two more casting sessions, but I couldn't attend neither because I had exams, so I had no real expectations. However I received a call, and not a very nice one, because they were mad at me for not showing up. I went to see them again and I met Mike [director Mike Newell], and got the part.
Q: How did you feel in the first shooting days among the three stars, who have already made three successful movies?
A: At first we were introduced to the world of Harry Potter in a very special and warm way, we had two weeks of playing together in order to get to know each other. As for the first shooting day, we were in the labyrinth and everything there is very scary, everything moves and you live it exactly the way you see it in the movie. I wanted to impress Mike and prove to him that I was really the best for the part, so naturally I was worried.
Q: And what about the stars and their attitudes towards the rest?
A: The movie is very special because it works with a lot of kids. So every actor from every age goes down to a level where everybody understands each other that helps a lot and creates an atmosphere of a family. We helped each other, and all the newcomers, naturally had lots of questions for the ones that had already taken part in the movies. They are great professionals at what they do and helped us a lot.
Q: Was there something in the movie you were especially proud of?
A: Firstly, I am most proud of the fact that there is a Bulgarian presence in the movie. Also Viktor Krum is the best quidditch player in Harry Potter's world, which is also something to be proud of.
Q: Was there something that didn't make it to the movie?
A: I had training for a special dive in the water from a very high cliff, which was very hard, because I've never trained diving before. However it is understandable, as movies frequently get cut for time issues, and in this one there are a tremendous amount of new characters that have to be introduced, many things were cut out. When the DVD comes out these things will be there so everyone could see them.
Q: How did shooting the movie change you?
A: Personally I think I am the same as I was two years ago but with small changes. Being famous is one thing, but representing Bulgaria to the world is quite a big responsibility. I assumed this responsibility by starring in the movie. I hope that I did it justice.
Q: You must feel like a star already. How do you handle security measures and the fans' attention?
A: I wouldn't say I'm feeling like a star yet. I have no problems with the security and hope not to have them in the future. I feel comfortable around the bodyguards.
Q: Yesterday you met your Bulgarian fans, was it exciting?
A: It was incredible, I felt like I was at the London premiere among Bulgarian fans, which is a great honor to me. Knowing that I am supported by the Bulgarians is important. There were over 2,500 children there and that was great.
Q: How many fans are you expecting at the premiere in Sofia?
A: I hope they'd be more than in London, where there were about 7,000.
Q: Do you intend to pursue a career in movies and do you have any other offers?
A: Naturally, after having tasted the movie world, I would like to continue and build a career in the field. I like it a lot and I think it is very important to love your job. Since I enjoy making movies I would like to continue forward. So far I haven't had any offers, but I there are several premieres left, if I'm not mistaken, and afterwards I'm hoping for some interesting offers.
Q: Would you star in a Bulgarian movie?
A: I would love to.
Q: Being a Bulgarian, how did you get along with the people in England?
A: I am a Bulgarian and I am proud to be one. Each country has its own culture. I lived in England for five years and I still live there and in Bulgaria. You get used to it except for the weather. They are just regular people.
Q: It is known that your character has been inspired by soccer player Hristo Stoitchkov. What is your opinion of him, have you watched him?
A: In my opinion Hristo Stoitchkov is a great Bulgarian and he has represented our country with much dignity it is true that there is a version that my character was inspired by Bulgaria's marvelous performance in the World Cup of 1994 and I think that Stoitchkov plays an important role in the creation of Viktor Krum, something that I appreciate.
Q: Do you watch soccer and if yes, what is your favorite team?
A: As for my favorite team, I'd say the Bulgarian national team.
Q: What about a favorite in England?
A: Even in England, I still support the Bulgarians.
Q: How about soccer player Trifon Ivanov, he was quite scary during the 94 World Cup, do you remember him?
A: Of course I do. He was a tremendous defender who saved us in many situations.
Q: Do you believe in magic and is there magic in your life?
A: I believe that there is magic in this world, especially the way I was cast as Viktor Krum was, in a way magical. Yes, I do believe in magic. In good magic.
Q: We say that love is the biggest magic, are you currently in love?
A: No, to my regret.
READ Tuesday director Mike Newell's stories about the making of the movie, Stanislav Ianevski, and life on the set.
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Stanislav Ianevski. Photo by Yuliana Nikolova (Sofia News Agency)
