‘Twilight’ Director Catherine Hardwicke Addresses Fans

As the “Twilight” hysteria is far from dying down, both the people involved in the production of one of the biggest film franchises in recent years and fans are having a blast. The former are also cashing in on the franchise, as is the case of Catherine Hardwicke, who directed the first movie, “Twilight.” Her book, “Director’s Notebook,” has just made it to number 1 and Hardwicke is now taking the time to thank all the fans who have made this possible.

As we recently informed you, Hardwicke, although she left the franchise, did not do so with harsh feelings. On the contrary actually, she is still very much attached to it, in that she has just released a book that will take fans behind the scenes of the box-office hit, complete with casting, locations and wardrobe details, photos and storyboard sketches. Because “Twilight: Director’s Notebook” has just made it to the top spot, the director addresses all fans via a message for PopWatch EW.

“Dear Twilight fans, I wanted to send out a note of thanks to all of you. I recently found out that my book, ‘Twilight: Director’s Notebook,’ will debut at #1 on this Sunday’s New York Times bestseller list. I am stunned. Throughout this entire process, from pre-production on the film, to the premieres, to my book events, I have always been overwhelmed by the support the ‘Twilight’ fans have had for me, the movie and now my book. I wanted to give the fans, as well as aspiring filmmakers, a closer look at how we made the movie and I hope you enjoyed entering my world of making films as much as I have had in being part of the ‘Twilight’ world.” Hardwicke says in her special message.

Figures available as of now do not indicate clearly the number of items sold but, judging from the fans’ reaction on dedicated forums, it is very likely that all copies (500,000) issued in the first print have already run out, several movie-oriented publications are pointing out. It wouldn’t be such a big surprise if they did, they add, given the amazing interest fans from all over the world have shown both in the film in itself and in any type of merchandise associated to it. In this sense, the director’s “Notebook,” conceived in such a way as to resemble the diary Hardwicke actually kept on the set, is the closest thing to taking a peek behind the scenes of the movie.

“New Moon,” the second film in the franchise, will hit theaters on November 20, and is currently in production. “Eclipse,” the threequel, drops on June 30, 2010.