iMedia students from Years 10 to 13 spent an unforgettable day immersed in the world of film production at the Warner Bros. Studio.
The day began in the studio’s dedicated Education Centre, where students took part in a workshop on camera techniques and storyboarding. Surrounded by original props from the Harry Potter films, many of which are not on public display, they learned about the intricacies of visual storytelling. Highlights included original costumes, prosthetic masks, and marvelling at the sheer size of Hagrid’s trousers – even our tallest students were completely dwarfed standing next to them!
The session provided a fascinating insight into the amount of work involved in creating even a single minute of film. Using a short scene featuring Hagrid, Harry, Hermione and Ron as an example, the group discovered how many different sets, costumes, camera angles and body doubles were required, showing the importance of precise planning and detailed storyboarding in professional media production.
Following the workshop, students and staff embarked on the full studio tour, where they stepped into the Great Hall and were treated to a rare live performance by a troupe of Dark Arts dancers. From flying broomsticks to walking through the Forbidden Forest and boarding the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9¾, the experience brought the magic of Harry Potter to life.
The trip wouldn’t have been complete without a taste of the wizarding world’s most iconic treats! Students enjoyed Butterbeer, chocolate frogs and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans. They also explored exhibits showcasing the work of concept artists, costume designers, special effects teams and set builders, highlighting the wide range of creative roles that power the film and media industry.
Despite rapid advances in AI, the visit reinforced the fact that creative roles in film remain both vital and in demand. For students considering a future in the industry, qualifications such as Creative iMedia and Digital Media offer a strong foundation for turning their passions into a career.