Perhaps you've heard that this week marks the premiere of the final movie in JK Rowling's immensely popular fantasy series Harry Potter, perhaps you live under a rock -- either way, these Harry Potter premiere lineup photographs will either excite you (if you're a fan) or horrify you (if you're not).
Vice Magazine's UK branch sent writer Jamie Lee Curtis Taete to check out the Harry Potter premiere lineup's 'refugee camps,' which featured passionate Potter fans from across the world, including people who travelled from places as far as Toledo, Ohio and Vancouver, Canada.
Many of those in the Harry Potter premiere lineup's had been camped out for as long as a week without tents, which were banned by Trafalgar Square security. When Vice went to conduct their interviews, it had been raining for hours, leaving many of the Harry Potter revellers drenched in garbage bags and raincoats. Despite the inclement weather, it's clear that the Potter fans were just happy to be apart of history, "It’s just this great sense of community," said Scott, a Potter fan from British Columbia. "There are people here from all around the world and I feel like I’ve known them my whole life. I’m hoping I can get JK Rowling to sign me so I can get it tattooed over."
Harry Potter Refugee Camps
The Harry Potter Premiere Lineup Pictures are a Testament to Fan Fervor
Trend Themes
1. Fan-camp Tourism - A trend of passionate fans camping out for extended periods of time to attend events or see celebrity appearances presents opportunities for tourism, accommodations and attractions.
2. Community Fandom Culture - A trend of online fandoms organizing in-person events and meetups creates opportunities for niche products and services that cater to these communities.
3. Celebrity Experience Economy - A trend of consumers prioritizing unique experiences with celebrities or entertainment franchises has led to opportunities for businesses that can provide exclusive access or products related to these experiences.
Industry Implications
1. Tourism - The trend of fan-camp tourism presents opportunities for hotels, campgrounds and traditionally non-tourist destinations to capitalize on the influx of people travelling to attend events or see celebrities.
2. Event Planning - The trend of community fandom culture has created opportunities for event planners to organize and host niche gatherings that cater to specific fandoms.
3. Merchandising - The celebrity experience economy trend has led to opportunities for companies to create and sell exclusive merchandise related to specific celebrities or entertainment franchises.