On Friday 14th July, the iconic BAFTA headquarters in London hosted the first ever WB100 Careers Day. The event was supported by CrewHQ, Warner Bros. Discovery’s new and industry-leading initiative launching this year to support and retain careers in the film and industry.

Over 150 students aged between 16 – 25 from four partner organisations (London Screen Academy, BAFTA, The British Film Institute’s Film Academy and Into Film) attended the event, which was designed to inspire and educate young people from all backgrounds about career opportunities in the film and TV industry.

The event gave students the opportunity to take part in talks, workshops and sessions covering a broad range of roles and departments in production. They had the unique opportunity to hear from industry experts and leading creatives, offering valuable insights into their craft as well as practical advice for starting a career in the industry.

Edith Bowman in conversation with Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer:

Broadcaster Edith Bowman opened the day in a conversation with Production Designer Sarah Greenwood and Set Decorator Katie Spencer in a session dedicated to Barbie the movie, aligning with the film’s global release this month.

“I’m a broadcaster, but I’m also a fan. I’m curious and I’m interested in how things are put together. Barbie is an extraordinary feat in collaboration and creativity.” – Edith Bowman

Throughout the discussion, Sarah and Katie talked about their creative approach to the project (having neither owned a Barbie themselves!), the mid-century modern influences behind the set designs, and the challenges of recreating such an iconic brand on screen, with Mattel’s collaboration. Their considerations included building every set to an unusual scale where everything is 23% smaller to recreate how Barbie fits in the iconic dreamhouse.

“There are no elements in Barbie land. No air, water or fire. It’s a toy town, and there’s something so magical about toys.” – Katie Spencer
“It was all tangible. This was really important for us creatively because audiences can tell if its computer generated. It was 90% in camera, and it needed to feel real.” – Sarah Greenwood

When asked about their career paths, Katie and Sarah shared how they met while working for the BBC, having previously worked in theatre, after education in art school and theatre design. Their career advice was to be open to opportunities and take risks. Closing the session, they encouraged the audience to be their authentic selves.

“There are 200 people in this audience today. Every one of you will be different – don’t hide that.” – Sarah Greenwood

The students then had the opportunity to attend four workshop breakout sessions, each lead by industry experts in different fields:

An Introduction to Post Production:

This workshop gave the students an overview of the post production process from prep all the way through to delivering final mastering passes. The panel of experts spoke about their experiences working on upcoming releases Barbie and Wonka, sharing the challenges of the different areas of post including music and VFX. The key theme of this session was how essential collaboration is between departments on a production; post production isn’t just a process that happens after shooting. The whole production team and key creatives work together from prep through to delivery to ensure the creative vision is achieved.
“We have to prepare way before the production even starts shooting and keep up because if anything changes during the shoot, we have to change it in post.” Karen Elliot, VP Music, WB

The Assistant Director Department:

Eileen Yip, Crowd 2nd AD, and Kevin Matadeen, Crowd PA, led a wonderfully engaging session with the students explaining the Assistant Director department, breaking down a call sheet, running through a day in the life of a PA, and delivering an interactive crowd casting exercise. They talked through their own career paths, the key transferrable skills required to work in production and the different pathways into the film and TV industry.
“Being a runner is not just making teas and coffees. That’s a common misconception. It can be the start of an amazing, career opportunity.” Kevin Matadeen.

An Introduction to Locations:

Locations Manager Emily Coldwell opened this session with her own inspiring journey into the industry. “I loved photography and I loved travelling, so I looked for a job where I could combine my passions. I reached out to my local film office for work experience, and it led to my name being put forward for my first job as a Locations Marshall.”
Taking the students through an overview of the locations department, this workshop session explained how the locations work on a production. Using Wonder Woman 1984 as a case study, Emily explained first-hand how location scouting works from initial visit through to final location on screen, including the creative considerations and the importance of working within budget.

Picture Vehicles on Production:

This workshop dazzled students with an insight into the production picture vehicles department. In a session focussed on The Batman, Nico Ferrari, Picture Vehicles Supervisor, shared the process involved in creating iconic vehicles from the creative concept through to the finished product on screen. Sharing cinematic secrets including the different ways cars are driven on set by the stunts team, and the logistics and practical considerations of filming on locations, the students were enchanted by the craft behind what we see on screen. The session finished with a Q&A with some empowering advice to the students looking to work in the industry.
“Whatever you like and whatever you’re good at, chances are there’s something for you in the film industry.” Nico Ferrari.

Panel discussion with Industry experts, hosted by Emily Stillman:

The day ended with a fantastic panel discussion with the speakers from the day, moderated by Emily Stillman, SVP Studio Operations, WBSL. The audience were extremely engaged and it was wonderful to see so many students coming forward asking questions. The conversation included the benefits of working in the different TV, independent and studio industry sectors, an overview of the UK film and TV industry landscape as it stands today and the opportunities on the horizon. Leaning on their own experiences, the panel shared valuable advice with the students to help them on their journeys. The key themes were to be curious, work hard, support each other and, above all, the importance of teamwork.

Bringing the day to a close, Kevin Trehy, EVP Production, WB said “It’s a very exciting time to be coming into the film industry. There will be a lot of opportunity. It you work hard and get on with people, you will progress. You’re all in a great place.”

Feedback from students:

“I learnt a lot within this event and it was an incredible opportunity. I learnt a new variety of jobs within the industry in more detail and I am very grateful.”

“Absolutely AMAZING! Such a brilliant, fun and informative event that has only made my love for films grow and helped me decide the role I would love to pursue.”

“I have had such a brilliant day! Not only have I learnt loads about the industry but I also feel a lot more confident regarding my potential role in the industry. Everyone has been so lovely, the food has been amazing, Barbie is so exciting and I honestly can’t wait to work in such an amazing industry.”