Warwick Davis, famed for his role as Professor Flitwick in the original Harry Potter film series, opened the first-ever Creative Careers Fair at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, where he inspired students with behind-the-scenes stories and words of advice for the next generation of budding filmmakers.
Set against the spellbinding backdrop of the iconic sets, hundreds of secondary school students in years 8 to 13 from different schools across the UK, stepped into the Great Hall for a night of expert insights and inspirational guidance for future careers in film.
With exclusive access to film professionals who worked on the Harry Potter film series, the experts shone a light on the craftsmanship, skills and aptitudes required for a host of exciting careers in the industry.
Students had the opportunity to speak to with Head Prop Maker, Pierre Bohanna, Head Sculptor, Julian Murrary, Art Director, Gary Tomkins and Set Decorator, Rosie Goodwin to hear all about their roles in bringing the Harry Potter film series to life, in the place where it all began.
Attendees explored a variety of career paths and heard real-world stories from professionals including Sound Director Glen Gathard, Special Effects Supervisor John Richardson, Costume designer, Laurent Guinci and Chief hairdresser, Lisa Tomblin on how they got into their creative careers. The event also offered a valuable opportunity to learn how subjects like art, physics, English and design can translate into careers in costume, editing, effects, production and more.
Warwick Davis, who attended the fair, inspired the students with his nostalgic stories from his time as Professor Flitwick, saying:
“For the film industry to prosper, it’s really important that young people have access to creative careers education so they can understand what roles are open to them. Many of those I spoke to today, hadn’t realised the number of people it took to bring my characters to life on these very sets, but after the Careers Fair and chatting to the people who run the education programme, a world of possibilities has opened up.”
The new initiative builds on Warner Bros. Studio Tour London’s existing education programme, which is now offering a new lesson for screenwriting, media and film students aged over 16.
“The future of the film industry depends on fresh, diverse talent, which means showing young people the many paths that can lead to careers behind the camera,” said Julie Green, Education and Learning Manager, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. “Whether their passion lies in technology, design, movement, storytelling, or science, there’s a place for them in this industry. Through our Education Programme, we shine a light on the many careers that exist giving students a first-hand look at the skills, creativity, and innovation that power the films they love.”
Earlier this month, the fair was announced to highlight the diverse careers available, and inspire the next generation, with research by Warner Bros. Studio Tour London finding that secondary school students could only name on average three positions in film, out of the hundreds of skilled roles required.
According to latest reports from the British Film Institute*, the sector must continue to support efforts to improve careers advice across schools and in higher and further education.
Alice Henderson aged 16 who attended the fair said: “It was magical, I never realised there were so many careers in filmmaking. It felt like a whole new world of possibilities opened up before my eyes.”
Jo Zanetti, Head of Careers at Parmiter’s School said: “The fair was truly inspiring, it opened our students’ eyes to the vast and varied careers in filmmaking, sparking imaginations and ambitions we can’t wait to see grow. Events like this remind us just how important the arts and creative industries are in shaping futures and nurturing talent.”
Many students could aim for a career in film – without even realising it. A new study of UK students in secondary school years 8-12 found that 72% may already possess a skill to step into the industry.
The students surveyed actively enjoy pastime passions, that include filming content (70%), editing (63%), model making (45%), or writing (61%) – all of which are transferable skills that can be applied into various filmmaking departments.
These hobbies are especially relevant at the start of the academic year, when students are exploring extracurricular activities and setting new personal goals. Since returning to school, 48% have joined or plan to join a creative club or activity and 60% want to learn more about careers in the creative industries, with film and media (53%) being the greatest area of interest.
The students surveyed believe that media subjects are the most undervalued in schools (36%) with creative subjects including art and design close behind (34%). Meanwhile 61% would like more education about careers in the creative industries.
To find out more about the year-round Warner Bros. Studio Tour London Education Programme and access free resources visit https://www.wbstudiotour.co.uk/schools/
