An international film producer shared both his experiences and the challenges and opportunities for young filmmakers today during a talk at St Albans School.

On Tuesday, March 29, an audience of more than 170 parents and guests gathered at the school to listen to Jan Harlan, who was executive producer for American film director Stanley Kubrick for more than 30 years.

Mr Harlan, brother-in-law of the iconic film director, worked closely with Mr Kubrick on classics such as A Clockwork Orange, The Shining, Full Metal Jacket and Eyes Wide Shut.

Mr Harlan was also executive producer for Steven Spielberg’s A.I. and directed his own documentary, Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures.

During the day, Mr Harlan gave advice to students at the school and in the evening, parents, pupils and other people living in the area were invited to a question and answer session, which focused on Mr Kubrick’s use of music in film and Mr Harlan’s experience working with the director.

The talk in the evening was followed by a concert of music from Mr Kubrick’s films, all of which were performed by St Albans School’s pupils, including We’ll Meet Again from Dr Strangelove, a Waltz from Eyes Wide Shut and one of Schubert’s piano trios.

Tom Young, head of Academic Music, met Harlan at a talk in 2015 and invited him to speak at the school.

He said: “Giving pupils the opportunity to lean from some of the masters across the arts is incredibly important and valuable.

“It was an absolute privilege to welcome Mr Harlan to the school and for our pupils to learn about filmmaking from one of the industry’s greats.

“Jan graciously shared his experience and insight into how he began his career, as well as the challenges and opportunities for young filmmakers today.

“His evening talk was particularly well received by guests, who were thrilled to hear about some of the iconic films he had worked on and to have the opportunity to ask him questions.”