It’s the final newsletter of 2024, a year that has been challenging for so many but also seen some real success stories. We hope production levels continue to pick up and life and work can feel more buoyant for everyone soon.
Thank you to all the talented and supportive freelancers who have worked with us and supported what we do this year, whether it’s being a guest speaker, tutor, mentor, contributor or taken part in research. It’s much appreciated.
WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO
We have been working with Film London’s Equal Access Network this year, delivering our Introduction to the Art Dept course. Three days in-person course in London for members of the EAN, looking at everything you need to know to get started in the Art Department teams. We have one more course scheduled in January – contact EAN for more details.
We also wrapped up Getting Started in Set Decorating and Props, a programme funded by ScreenSkills HETV Fund. 34 people completed the 6 sessions and now have a better idea of what the different teams and job roles do, how to go about finding work, breaking down a script and finding reference photos and props.
If your HETV production is paying into the HETV Skills Fund, you are able to take one of the trainees onto your team for up to 10 weeks and receive funding for their salary.
Both of these schemes allow people to learn more about how the industry works, where their skills and interests are best suited and if indeed it is actually for them. Their knowledge means that they have a better chance of making a good impression – no guarantees of work but definitely starting on the right path.
MOVING UP JOB GRADES - with Patrick Rolfe and Claire Richards
A very popular session, with guests Production Designer Patrick Rolfe (Malice, One Day, The Swimmers) and Set Decorator Claire Richards (House of the Dragon season 1-3, Belfast) who joined us to discuss their own experiences of moving up through various grades in the Art Department.
They talked about how and when to move up, how to do it well, and the impact of stepping up too soon.
A key take-away, "To go forward, you need to build up a reputation of being amenable, helpful and knowledgeable. And to present the very best version of you on each job requires experience."
DIGITAL GUIDEBOOK - HOW TO GET EMPLOYED IN THE ART DEPARTMENT
Our digital guidebook How to Get Employed in the Art Department is now available to download on the website. It is full of information on how the industry is structured and has advice from established professionals on CVs and Portfolios, who to contact for work and when, cold calling, interviews, what to have in your kit and first days on the job.
Perfect for anyone looking to get started in Art Dept, Set Decorating, Props, Graphics or Construction. The ideal Christmas gift!
To buy and download your copy of How to Get Employed in the Art Department click through here
COMING UP IN 2025
The 2025 Industry Sessions will kick off in style on Saturday 11th January with Set Decorator Lee Sandales talking to us about his work on Wicked – the inspiration for the sets and working with the different teams to bring the ideas to life.
WICKED - with Set Decorator Lee Sandales Saturday 11th January 10:00-11:30 Zoom
Lee will be joining us to talk about how he approaches his work, his career from being an Art Dept Asst to Head of Department and his experiences on Wicked. We will be looking at the challenges the script posed, how these were overcome and how he led his team to create the incredible sets seen in the film.
Cost £40+vat *25% discount TP Members All details and how to apply here
These sessions are a brilliant opportunity to hear from the most established and experienced industry professionals. You can examine their work, hear how they found solutions to script challenges and submit questions you would like to be asked. You can also use the opportunity to network with other film professionals.
INTRODUCTION TO SET DECORATING - Tuesday 28th January 10:00 - 12:30
Perfect for newcomers, this session examines what the Set Decorating team does, the different jobs and what you need to know to do them well. If you are looking to work in the Set Decorating team on features and HETV dramas, or you would like to know more about it before you decide where you are best suited, this session will help answer your questions.
Cost £125+vat All details and how to apply here
You may be eligible for a ScreenSkills Bursary - APPLY NOW
ONE TO ONE CAREER SESSIONS - BOOK A SLOT
“These sessions are like a secret guidebook – all the stuff that you need to know but no-one ever tells you.” This one hour session looks at where you want to be in the film and television drama industries and what you need to do to get there. We look at your CV to make sure it is industry focussed and then identify who you need to get it to and when.
Cost £125+vat. All details and how to apply here
You may be eligible for a ScreenSkills Bursary - APPLY NOW
THINGS WE HAVE BEEN ENJOYING
If you are looking for a beautiful book for children this Christmas, have a look at Annie Atkins’ Letter’s From the North Pole - which includes 5 letters to pull out. Lovely festive tale and some examples of Annie’s beautiful graphics.
If you are looking for something to do or to find some inspiration over the break, head to the National Gallery – and after seeing the art, walk for 3 minutes to the Westminster Reference Library on St Martin’s St WC2 – full of film, art and costume reference books, great place to sit for a while. They also have free lunchtime recitals and a knitting club on a Saturday!
‘Tis the season of delicious foods…..the jury is still out on where to get the best mince pie (message us with your favourites!) but if you like a spot of festive baking, look no further than Nigel Slater’s Christmas Spice Cake. If you like spices, ginger, marzipan and chocolate, you will not be disappointed…..
We will be closing the Talking Point Office on Friday 20th December and opening again on Monday 6th January 2025.
Wishing everyone a happy, restful and peaceful break and look forward to seeing you in January.
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