On 5th December, award-winning filmmakers joined students from London Screen Academy, BAFTA, BFI and others for a CrewHQ Careers Day featuring Wonka, showcasing opportunities in the film industry to new entrants. Wonka tells the wondrous story of how a young chocolate-maker, armed with nothing but a hatful of dreams, manages to change the world, one delectable bite at a time. Starring Timothée Chalamet in the title role, this irresistibly vivid and inventive big screen spectacle is the latest Warner Bros. Pictures release to be featured at a CrewHQ Careers Day. With the aim to showcase behind-the-scenes roles that help make the magic happen on-screen, the programme provides insight into film careers and opportunities to meet the people who do the jobs. Timothée Chalamet was helped to bring his wonderful Willy Wonka to life on the big screen by a crew of thousands, led by the director, writers, producers’ and film artists’ vision. After sitting down to an exclusive early preview of Wonka, students enjoyed a Q&A panel with some of the filmmakers who brought the story to life on-screen; Director/Screen- and Story Writer Paul King, Costume Designer Lindy Hemming and Producers David Heyman and Alexandra Derbyshire. Hosted by broadcaster Yinka Bokinni, the panel was live streamed to over 1000 students from secondary schools around the country. After enjoying Wonka-themed snacks including candy floss, popping candy and chocolate lollipops, students joined Wonka crewmembers for breakout sessions covering the behind-the-scenes magic that went into the film’s locations, costumes, sound design and production. With authentic film props on-display, students had the chance to study Wonka’s iconic top hat and cane up-close and learn how filmmakers brought Wonka’s magical world of chocolate to life. Emily Stillman, SVP Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, commented: “It’s been amazing to bring a piece of CrewHQ here to Soho and celebrate the release of Wonka with the next generation of filmmakers. Not only those in the room but also the thousands of students across the country who tuned into the live stream.” Rico Johnson-Sinclair, Training and Skills Director for CrewHQ said: “CrewHQ brings a brand-new approach to training and development during a time where the cost-of-living crisis is having such a big impact our industry. Career days are a great way of inspiring students and showcasing the huge breadth of roles available to them in the film industry.”