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HBO Max and New West End Company plan Harry Potter Christmas lights for Oxford Street

HBO Max and the New West End Company announced a Harry Potter-themed Christmas takeover of Oxford Street, tied to the new HBO series and a flagship Harry Potter shop opening on 4 November.

2 outlets · 1L · 1C · 0R First reported Account updated
Image: The Hollywood Reporter
Image: Evening Standard

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The story, neutrally told

Mixed · 2HBO Max and the New West End Company announced on Wednesday 7 October a partnership to bring Harry Potter-themed Christmas celebrations to London's Oxford Street. Mixed · 2Specially created illuminated designs inspired by the wizarding world will appear alongside Oxford Street's usual Christmas lights. Mixed · 2The programme coincides with the Christmas launch of HBO's new original series Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, whose first season has eight episodes, and with the opening of the Harry Potter Shop Oxford Street on 4 November, described as the UK's largest official Harry Potter flagship shop.

Mixed · 2Dee Corsi, chief executive of the New West End Company, called it a "historic moment" for Oxford Street and said it would create "an unforgettable Christmas experience" and an opportunity for retailers. Mixed · 2Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, and further details, including the official light switch-on date, are expected in the coming weeks. Centre · 1The Evening Standard adds that the series stars Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Arabella Stanton as Hermione and Alastair Stout as Ron, with John Lithgow as Dumbledore, and that Oxford Street runs 1.5 miles from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road with more than 90 flagship stores.

Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on. The pill in front of each says where its sources sit: Left, Centre or Right when one side supplies at least half of them, Mixed when they are evenly split. The number is how many outlets it cites.

Left1 outlet

Framing
Trade-press business report on the partnership, closely following the partners' announcement.
Emphasis
The deal, the partners' quotes, undisclosed financial terms and the New West End Company's 800-plus members.
Leaves out or plays down
Does not give cast details or Oxford Street's size.
For example
“Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.” — The Hollywood Reporter
“Its 800-plus members include global names in retail, leisure, hospitality, real estate and business.” — The Hollywood Reporter

Centre1 outlet

Framing
Consumer and culture piece presenting the makeover as a festive attraction for London.
Emphasis
The visual spectacle, the new series' cast and creative team, and the expected busy West End season.
Leaves out or plays down
Does not mention that financial terms were undisclosed or the New West End Company's membership.
For example
“Oxford Street is set to be transformed into a Harry Potter-themed Christmas wonderland as part of a new collaboration with HBO Max.” — Evening Standard
“The first season stars Dominic McLaughlin as Harry Potter” — Evening Standard

Right0 outlets

No right outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.