The British Film Designers Guild (BFDG), Helix Set Construction and one of London’s newest film studios, Indie-Zero have joined forces on Art Department Takeover, a day-long event to educate and celebrate the craft of production design in film and television.
Art Department Takeover is being held at Indie Zero Film Studios in the London Borough of Greenwich on Saturday 28 October as part of International Production Design Week 2023.
The event organisers note that as the SAG-AFTRA strike rolls on, many UK crew members have been out of work since July. The Art Department Takeover VER will offer an opportunity for fellow creatives to meet, socialise and share knowledge and ideas at this challenging moment in film and TV.
Through the generosity of its volunteer guests and speakers, ticket prices have been kept low at £10 each and all proceeds will be donated to support groups helping those most affected by the lack of work in the UK.
With a feast of Art Department related events to choose from throughout the day, the festival will attract talent already working in the Art Department and those looking at it as a future career option.
As well as informal bitesize workshops devised and delivered by the production design community the day includes panels, tours and masterclasses, networking and creative workshops to supplier showcases and skills shares. The event will culminate in an evening screening and social get-together with drinks.
Commenting on the pioneering event, Blair Barnette, BFDG Chair said: “This is an important event to promote the craft, skills and talent it takes to be part of our department. Participants can learn more about AI, sustainability and the future of the Art Department. It’s a rare open-door opportunity to get a holistic view of the Art Department and to see what other people’s jobs entail.”
Chloe Fitzgerald, who heads up Helix Set Construction, is keen to encourage more women into the field of construction and she will provide an insightful view on what the role offers. “The construction department has historically been seen as a male domain,” Fitzgerald said. “In these sessions, I’ll debunk this age-old myth and champion this as a role where talented women from all walks of life can thrive.”
To book tickets, head to this link
Michael Burns
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