A new study has found that one in four secondary school students don’t see a career in film as a viable option, and there’s an understandable reason for it.
One in four secondary school students don’t see a career in film as a viable option – because they don’t have any connections in the industry. Research involving 500 young people in education aged 13 to 18 revealed 68 per cent are unaware which school subjects develop the skills needed for careers in film and television.
Seven in ten said they would never contemplate a career in the sector and a third of these (34 per cent) blamed a lack of understanding about available roles. The study was commissioned by Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, which will host a free Creative Careers Fair on 30th September.
Opening the doors of the Great Hall to schoolchildren in Years 8 to 13, the careers event follows figures from the Campaign for the Arts revealing GCSE entries in arts subjects have plummeted by 47 per cent over the past 15 years, whilst A-level entries have dropped 31 per cent.
A separate report from the British Film Institute has also spotlighted a shortage of production crew at all levels due to rapid growth in film and TV production.
Julie Green, from Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, said: “There’s a need for fresh, diverse talent behind the camera. But children cannot be what they cannot see, so we’re committed to opening their eyes to the roles available.”
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is encouraging teachers to sign their students up for the even education and learning manager at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.
This will provide pupils with the opportunity to meet professionals who worked on the Harry Potter films, including the head creature sculptor, head prop maker and costume curator.
A recent survey of 500 parents with children aged between 13 and 18 revealed that 42 per cent would encourage their offspring to pursue a career in film.
Nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of these parents believe it’s most important for their child to follow a career they are truly passionate about.
However, 18 per cent expressed concern over the lack of investment in creative education, while 27 per cent pointed out a lack of knowledge, access or resources to support their child in this direction.
They also highlighted the lack of visibility of people working in film, leading to limited awareness of the available job roles.
Among students, only 24 per cent could name one or two behind-the-camera roles. The most common answers were ‘actor’, ‘producer’ and ‘director’, despite there being thousands of other roles in filmmaking.
The survey also found that 41 per cent of these students are still unsure about their future career path. A further 17 per cent admitted they don’t know where to start when it comes to exploring potential job roles.
The Creative Careers Fair, building on the tour’s education programme, now offers creative classes for students. The event – aimed at students over 16 – will include talks from industry professionals and demonstrations of how subjects such as art, physics, English and design can lead to careers in costume, editing, effects and production.
Green added: “We want to help young people realise there’s a place for them in the industry, whether they’re interested in technology, design, movement, storytelling, or science.”