While 53% want to get into the creative sector, just 4% think finance skills are essential within the industry, with seven out of 10 (68%) believing careers involving finance skills are boring.

Negative perceptions of the accounting sector mean that school leavers are not enthralled by a career in finance and are not aware of the variety of opportunities a career in accounting offers.

Amid a blockbuster summer of film, and Barbie fever taking the UK by storm, research conducted by AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians), reveals that despite financing, running to schedule and budget being key parts of any production process, two thirds (67%) of school leavers think the only career opportunities are acting and creative roles.

For young Brits, the opportunity to be involved in the industry is tantalisingly close. Many film franchises and blockbusters have been filmed in the UK including the latest Barbie film, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny and the latest Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Last year, a record £6.27bn was spent on film and high-end television production in the UK, giving 122,000 people a job.

However, nearly three quarters (71%) of school leavers think the film and TV sector is too difficult to get into unless you are well connected or know someone.

Sarah Beale, CEO at AAT, said: ‘Accounting jobs aren’t just in accounting firms. Every business needs to have an accounting function including film, fashion, sport, music, and marketing. There is a huge variety of sectors that accountancy professionals can work in, that offer exciting career paths and open a world of opportunity to young people.’

Millions of school leavers are not getting the advice they need to make knowledgeable career decisions; in fact, less than half (49%) say they have received good advice and guidance in how to best pursue a career in the sector they would most like to get into.

Beale added: ‘It’s worrying that so many school leavers don’t feel they are getting the advice needed to help them make informed career decisions; especially at a time when many are keen to explore alternative routes to university and avoid hefty sums of debt.

‘I started off as the equivalent of an AAT apprentice myself and know first-hand how our range of courses, qualifications and apprenticeships enable school leavers to start the next stage of their lives on a secure financial footing.’

To get a picture of the opportunities in film and TV, Holly Tarquini has extensive experience in the industry.

Tarquini is executive director of FilmBath, revered F-Rated podcast host spotlighting women in film, and visionary behind the globally acclaimed F-Rating as well as years producing and directing TV documentaries.

‘With many school leavers making decisions about their future careers, it’s really heartening to see that so many are interested in working in the TV and film industries,’ Tarquini said.

‘But we have to make it clear that there are so many valuable skills and different routes into this sector. Finance plays a central role in TV and film in every stage of production, exhibition and distribution.

‘Strong financial skills have been essential to me as a TV producer, a film festival director and as a mentor to others in the film industry. Film and TV is for everyone; not just those who act.’

AAT offers a wide range of accountancy and bookkeeping qualifications which are open to everyone across the UK, regardless of age or previous experience. To find out more and see which course is right for you.