On Tuesday 13th December a group of Year 10 Business and Media pupils made the journey to Watford to pay a visit to Warner Brothers: The Making of Harry Potter Studio Tour. Whilst this is a regular trip as part of the Business and Media curriculum it is the first time the trip has taken place in the build up to the holiday season. This was a lovely way to start the final week of term as the tour pays special attention to Christmas with the entire attraction given a festive makeover. Pupils had the opportunity to explore the magic behind the films and look at how a simple book written by a mum in the 90’s has become one of the biggest media franchises in the world.
The pupils started with a grand introduction to the sets by entering through the great hall. Again decorated with all things Christmas it was a lovely build up to what was to come. You may remember that the films and books have many Christmas and holiday season references so it was wonderful to see these feature as part of the tour.
This year the tour have introduced a number of new features with Professor Sprouts Greenhouse from the Chamber of Secrets being the centrepiece of these changes. After this is was time to take part in workshops as the Business students explored the finance behind the films, the multi-million pound budgets and how departments would have to think on their feet to avoid going over theirs. Particularly interesting was just how much of a budget has to go into the marketing, in some cases double what the actual film costs to make! Over in Media the pupils had the chance to experience the clever tricks of the trade that the filmmakers use to get the visual effects they desire. From actors talking to vegetables on a stick to costume designers sewing three pairs of trousers together the magic we see on screen takes real magic behind it to make it work. The sessions were thoroughly enjoyed and have helped provide real life context for our pupils as they continue on their Business and Media journey’s.
Finally there was just time to visit the gift shop and enjoy a refreshing Butterbeer before getting back on the coach for the safe journey home. A big thanks to Mrs Smith, Miss Taylor, Mr Botham and Mr Watts and to all of our pupils who once again were the prime example of what it takes to be an Etone pupil. Well done all.
