John Richardson
Biography
John Richardson (born 1946 in England) is a British special effects supervisor. He is best known for his work on the James Bond film series (at least Casino Royale, Moonraker, Octopussy, A View to a Kill and Die Another Day), all the Harry Potter film series (2001-2011), A Bridge Too Far (1977) and Aliens (1986). For the latter, he won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects at the 1987 ceremony.[1] He won the BAFTA Award for Best Special Visual Effects for his work on the film Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011), for which he was also nominated for an Academy Award at the 2012 ceremony. In 2019, he published the book "Making Movie Magic" which detailed his career in film.
Known For & Full Filmography11 Titles
Movie - 2011, 2h 15m • as Self
BAFTA award-winning filmmaker Morgan Matthews was given unprecedented access to the behind-the-scenes of the final days of the final two Harry Potter films, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 1 and 2. Hear the personal stories of the faces we know, and those we don't, as we come to the end of one of the most successful eras in cinema history. Special feature on select editions of Deathly Hallows 1 & 2.
Movie - 2000, 2h 15m • as Self
Documentary looking at the production of the James Bond movie 'Moonraker'. Narated by Patrick Macnee.
Movie - 1998, 2h 15m • as Self
His world is full of glamour, mystery and intrigue and now you get to be a part of it! Let gadget wizard Q (Desmond Llewelyn) be your guide to the ubiquitous lifestyle and thrilling adventures of the world's most notorious secret agent. The undercover team will take you behind-the-scenes as they infiltrate the highly classified worlds of the man everyone knows as Bond -- James Bond. Hosted by Desmond Llewelyn who plays Secret Service gadget master Q. Boasts rare behind-the-scenes footage of spectacular stunts and explosive action sequences. Reveals the special effects magic behind the remotely-driven BMW, the rooftop motorcycle chase and death-defying skysrcaper jump. Interviews with Tomorrow Never Dies' director Roger Spottiswoode and stars Pierce Brosnan, Jonathan Pryce, Michelle Yeoh, Teri Hatcher and Judi Dench.
Drama Series - 2026, 16 episodes • as Self - Special Effects Supervisor
Hosted by acclaimed film critic and broadcaster Rhianna Dhillon, this podcast offers a thoughtful rewatch experience that balances high‑level film recaps with in-depth discussion of the moments that matter most by revisiting key sequences and themes and diving deeper into standout scenes, performances and creative choices. Each episode explores the whimsy, heart and cinematic craft behind the films, while reflecting on why Harry Potter continues to resonate so powerfully with audiences around the world, and appeals to fans and newcomers alike.
Movie - 2002, 2h 15m • as Self
A documentary about Die Another Day.
Movie - 2000, 2h 15m • as Self
A behind the scenes look at the James Bond film 'Licence to Kill'.
Movie - 2000, 2h 15m • as Self
Documentary looking at the production of the James Bond movie 'Octopussy'. Narrated by Patrick Macnee.
Movie - 2000, 2h 15m • as Self
A behind the scenes look at the James Bond film "The Living Daylights"
Movie - 2001, 2h 15m • as Self
The true stories that spawned the serie tale of Damien, a small boy with an angelic face, whose very name still conjures up thoughts of Satan. This documentary shares spine-tingling information about the the all-too-memorable flick that has terrorized film audiences since 1976.
Movie - 2003, 2h 15m • Main Cast Role
A documentary about the process of creating a scene for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002).
Movie - 2000, 2h 15m • as Self
Inside the lab of Q.