A creative careers fair was held in the Great Hall of Hogwarts where more than 300 pupils were given the ultimate Harry Potter experience as they stepped into the world of film
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.
The creative careers fair, hosted by Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, gave them exclusive access to the movie’s behind-the-scenes wizards.
This included an art director, head prop maker, chief sculptor, special effects supervisor, and sound designer who revealed how they breathed life into the blockbuster series.
From costume design and editing to special effects and production, the youngsters explored a range of career avenues, learning how school subjects like art, physics, English, and design can pave the way to real industry jobs.
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 cottoning on, a study of 500 pupils in years eight to 13 discovered that a staggering 72 per cent already harbour talents that could pave the way to a film industry career.
The youngsters revealed hands-on experience in shooting footage (70 per cent) and cutting content (63 per cent), crafting models (45 per cent), and penning scripts (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.”
Following their return to lessons, 48 per cent of pupils have signed up for, or intend to enrol in, an artistic club. Meanwhile, 60 per cent are keen to discover more about creative industry careers, with film and media topping their wish list.
A third reckon media subjects get the short end of the stick in schools, whilst 34 per cent feel the same about creative subjects like art and design.
Nevertheless, 61 per cent fancy more schooling about creative industry pathways, and 51 per cent are convinced creativity will prove essential to their professional futures.
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 unveiled to highlight the varied career opportunities on offer and motivate the upcoming generation, following research that revealed secondary school pupils could identify just three film industry positions on average, despite hundreds of specialist roles being essential.
Meanwhile, a British Film Institute report suggests the sector must persist in backing initiatives to enhance careers guidance throughout schools and within higher and further education.
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