A recent study found that 25% of high school students do not consider a career in the film industry feasible due to a lack of connections. The research, which surveyed 500 students aged 13 to 18, showed that 68% are unaware of which school subjects can lead to film and television careers.
Furthermore, 70% of the students stated they would never consider a career in this field, with 34% attributing this decision to a lack of understanding about the available roles. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is addressing this issue by organizing a free Creative Careers Fair on September 30th for students in Years 8 to 13.
In light of declining arts education participation, the event aims to expose students to various roles in the industry. The Campaign for the Arts reported a 47% drop in GCSE entries in arts subjects and a 31% decrease in A-level entries over the last 15 years.
The British Film Institute’s report also highlights a shortage of production crew across all levels due to the rapid growth of film and TV production. Julie Green, the education and learning manager at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, emphasized the importance of showcasing diverse talent behind the camera to inspire children to explore career opportunities in the film sector.
Encouraging teachers to register their students for the event, Warner Bros. Studio Tour London will provide students with the chance to interact with professionals who worked on the Harry Potter films. A recent survey of 500 parents with children aged 13 to 18 revealed that 42% would support their children pursuing a career in film.
Despite parental encouragement, concerns exist regarding the lack of investment in creative education, limited access to resources, and the absence of visibility of film industry professionals. The survey also showed that only 24% of students could identify behind-the-camera roles, indicating a need for greater awareness of diverse career options in filmmaking.
The upcoming Creative Careers Fair will feature industry talks and demonstrations showcasing how subjects like art, physics, English, and design can lead to careers in costume design, editing, special effects, and production. Green emphasized the importance of helping young individuals recognize their potential in the industry, regardless of their interests in technology, design, movement, storytelling, or science.