More than 300 pupils from secondary schools across the UK were given the chance to meet stars including Warwick Davis and discover the secrets behind some of cinema’s most creative jobs
Is this Britain’s most magical careers fair? More than 300 pupils were given the ultimate Harry Potter experience as they stepped into a Creative Careers Fair in the Great Hall. Set against the spellbinding backdrop of the world-famous sets, students from secondary schools across the UK got to meet Warwick Davis – best known as Professor Flitwick – and discover the secrets behind some of cinema’s most creative jobs.
Organised by Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, students were granted exclusive access to the film’s behind-the-scenes maestros. This included an art director, head prop maker, head sculptor, special effects supervisor and sound designer who unveiled how they brought the blockbuster series to life.
From costumes and editing to special effects and production, the youngsters delved into a variety of career paths, discovering how classroom subjects like art, physics, English and design can lead to real jobs in the industry.
Warwick Davis said: “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.”
Without even realising it, a survey of 500 students in years eight to 13 found that as many as 72 per cent could already possess skills that could lead to a career in film.
Youngsters reported experience in filming (70 per cent) and editing (63 per cent) content, model making (45 per cent), and writing (61 per cent).
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, added: “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.”
Since returning to school, 48 per cent of students have joined, or plan to join, a creative club. While 60 per cent want to learn more about careers in the creative industries, film and media was the most popular area of interest.
However, 36 per cent believe media subjects are the most undervalued in schools, with 34 per cent saying the same of creative subjects such as art and design.
Despite this, 61 per cent would like more education about careers in the creative industries, and 51 per cent believe creativity will be vital to their future careers.
Julie Green, education and learning manager from Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, which launched the fair to build on its existing education programme for students aged 16 and over, said: “The future of the film industry depends on fresh, diverse talent, which means showing young people the many paths that lead behind the camera.
“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 open the doors to those hidden careers, 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 showcase the diverse careers available, and inspire the next generation, with research finding secondary school students could only name on average three positions in film, out of the hundreds of skilled roles required.
While according to a report from the British Film Institute, the sector must continue to support efforts to improve careers advice across schools and in higher and further education.