Deliciously Great Movie Released Mid-December

On December 15, 2023, the long awaited Wonka movie came out, starring Timothée Chalamet, Hugh Grant, Calah Lane and more. The musical, following well-loved Willy Wonka and his chocolatier upbringing has captivated audiences and has gained a lot of popularity since its release.

Following its release in late 2023, Wonka has been all the rage among all age groups. Catchy songs, star-studded cast, enjoyable plot… What’s not to love? 

Bianca Espirito-Santo Swartz, a freelance marketing director, had the pleasure of working on marketing campaigns for Wonka and was happy to talk about her experience and background in the film industry. 

“When I was graduating high school, I knew I wanted to work in Hollywood and at the time I thought I wanted to be an editor. When I started [UC Berkeley], I realized their program was all film theory which wouldn’t give me production experience. I was disappointed but I had made great friends so I decided to get a “practical” degree (PEIS), and if the Hollywood thing was to work out, I had faith it would. I still dabbled in film studies throughout my time there,” Swartz said.

As advice for those wanting to make connections in the industry, Swartz said, “I started my career as an assistant media buyer in an ad agency, but I always jumped into conversations and I was willing to put in the work or take the projects that others weren’t interested in and I asked a lot of questions, met as many people as I could and just worked tirelessly to be the best in every position I was offered. My reputation as a hardworking, problem solver got around and doors started to open.”

Evidently, Swartz was able to make a breakthrough in Hollywood and is now a successful director; she’s worked on many marketing campaigns for projects like Dune, Barbie, The Color Purple, and of course, Wonka.

Swartz said, “Most of my days I’m in pre-production. I have a home office so pre-production is often handled there. I have multiple zoom calls throughout the day. Before a shoot I usually talk on a daily basis with the studio client to review scripts, sets, shoot day schedules and talent updates.”

Regarding Wonka, Swartz worked with Timothée Chalamet, Calah Lane and Keegan-Michael Key and speaks very highly of each.

“Timothée was very thoughtful and willing to give us whatever we needed. I had done some work with him for the original Dune but that was all virtual so meeting him in person, he was taller than I expected and extremely charismatic. He also has a lovely singing voice in person,” Swartz said.

Locally, sophomore Ryker Haas, who works at The Palms Theatre, noted Wonka tickets selling really well; “It’s still selling really well this past weekend (1/27 and 1/28). It was the most tickets sold for it even though other movies like Mean Girls are out. I would say the first week it was 75-95% full on each showing,” Haas said. 

Northwest sophomore Valerie Veraldi watched the movie and said, “I love Timothée Chalamet. I have seen all of his movies and enjoyed every single one of them. I would never have expected him to sing but I couldn’t imagine him not in it or anyone else as the modern-day Willy Wonka.” 

Veraldi says the new Wonka is her favorite among all three. Ranked, her favorites are as follows: Wonka, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and lastly, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

“I enjoyed the magical side of this movie and how it became a musical. The songs are catchy and are fun to listen to,” Veraldi said.

Since Wonka’s release in mid-December, it has gained huge success among the media. Kids, adults and high school students of all ages enjoy the sweet musical-movie.