Creative & Marketing Apprentice Review

I work with franchises such as DC (Batman, Superman & WonderWoman), Classic Animation (Looney Tunes, Tom & Jerry, & The Flintstones) as well as the Wizarding World (Harry Potter & Fantastic Beasts.) A part of my role involves designing products for these franchises that will be used by our licensees, this could be from clothes to products such as cream. I also create window vinyls and banners that can be found in the store front as well as shelf talkers that hang where out product is stoked to act as a Call To Action to customers to stop and engage with the product! On top of all this I also edit videos that are advertised on UK social channels. as well as sponsored content I also create GIF's and other fun and engaging content that is posted to our instagram!

I learnt how to use Adobe Illustrator to create mock up designs for products through dedicated illustrator plug ins. I have also learned more about video editing and motion graphics with localising end frames for the UK Market. Due to working with set franchises I have learned to work within guidelines and restrictions - many things will not be approved due to it not being consistent with the brand. Within my college course I have learned how to build a website through coding as well as learning about marketing in a general sense with how to attract engagement on the web.

The company culture is very welcoming and accepting of Apprentices. It certainly helps that a majority of Interns and Apprentices start at the same time - you're not alone in the learning curve! My team has a very fun environment and we are a lively bunch! It certainly exceeded my expectations with Warner Bros being a large and well known company I thought it would be very corporate and serious on a day to day basis. Certainly not - it is the entertainment business after all!

The programme is very well organised with a different unit being studied every 3 months. There is a timetable with each session and what will be covered. LDN also encourage meetings with mentors and managers on a monthly basis so that we can all catch up and check in on how I am doing. This is great as if there is anything I would like to bring up, it gives me the opportunity to do so and there is no miss communication between myself, my manager and my mentor.

My team are very helpful in giving me material that I can then use as evidence for the college course. This is perfect as the material links into the company and will also tie in with my role making it easier to understand than a generic template. I also get to have weekly one to one with my manager to check in on what the priorities are for this week as well as any meetings that I can attend to get some knowledge on things that occur behind the scenes.

Every Tuesday Morning I attend a session for half the day where I can dedicate time to work on my course. A mentor is always present during these sessions and we can always ask questions easily and talk about any concerns we have before one to ones at the office. LDN also encourage that we stay connected through the messaging service called Slack. It allows for instant messaging rather than sending an email and having to wait for a response!

I feel that certain aspects of my qualification help me to perform better in my role. Most of what I have learnt from the graphics and Web Development units I have been able to use to use in my role. For units that I don't have much to do with my role such as Excel I feel that the background knowledge helps me understand more about the industry and what certain job roles require of people.

Warner Bros have their own screening room so with the release of new WB movies staff are able to see the movie at the office. We also receive red carpet tickets allowing us to attend with friends, family and colleagues. There are also social events that take place often through out the company, be it the mark of an anniversary or someone leaving there is always an event or activity that can be attended. We also have a dedicated talent team who often host sessions to learn something new, these can be in your lunch hour or throughout the day!

Yes

Warner Bros. is a fun and lively place to work, the employees are all very welcoming and don't look down on you because you're an apprentice, and nothing brings people together like being enthusiastic about movies! There is always something for everyone, if you enjoy live action, we have it. Enjoy animation, we have it. Enjoy horror, we have it.

As well as being able to do the job spec It's also good to know about the industry you plan on working in. Keeping up to date with what is being released is always a plus but if you can also confidently talk about certain brands that Warner Bros. own is even better!