Step up to supervising art director in feature films

Stepping up to supervising art director in Film is a specialised training delivered by Talking Point. This programme is aimed at established Film Art Directors who are ready to step up to a supervisor role, or for a supervisor who has recently moved up and would benefit from some additional support.

If you have any questions or access requirements in order to fill out this form, or would like the application form in another format please contact info@talkingpointfilm.co.uk.

This training is funded by the ScreenSkills Film Fund with contributions from the UK Film productions.

Who it's for

This is a nationwide programme for up to 15 participants working in feature films in the following roles:

• Supervising art director (on low budget or with less than 1 yr experience)
• Senior art director
• Art director

Applicants are expected: 

• to have a minimum of 3 credits in an art director role on features
• to be living in the UK and have the right to work here
• to attend all sessions of the programme

We always welcome applications from under-represented groups, including, but not limited to: those from global majority backgrounds; people with a disability; people from the LGBTQ+ community and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Please note, previous participants are not eligible to reapply.

The course will be delivered online, with a final in-person event at the end. 

These sessions will take place on:

Tues 6, 13, 20, 27 January from 19:30 - 21:00 online. 

The networking event would take place in the morning on Saturday 7 February in central London.

What it covers

Throughout this modular course will be looking at:

• the role and responsibilities of the Supervising Art Director
• how to collaborate effectively with a Production Designer to achieve their vision for the script
• budgeting the art department across the production
• scheduling the art department work across the production
• liaising with other departments throughout physical production
• successful team management and conflict resolution
• recruitment and ensuring inclusivity within the team

The programme consists of mandatory online sessions of up to 90 minutes each, with additional networking time at the end of each session so that participants can meet, get to know each other and share experiences. 

The lead tutor for this course is Production Designer, Patrick Rolfe (Prime Facie, One Day, The Swimmers) who has many years experience of working as an established and renowned Supervising Art Director. As a Designer, he now has an understanding of what is required of the role from a Designer’s point of view, so is perfectly placed to share his experiences. 

We will also be joined by a Supervising Art Director working on band 4 productions who will be sharing their experiences of large-scale studio films and tv dramas. 

This course is produced by Talking Point and each session will be led by Helen Johnson.  Helen set up Talking Point 15 years ago to provide upskilling opportunities for film and tv drama freelancers and consultancy work for industry stakeholders. Talking Point provides a range of training and support mechanisms for people working in physical production at all stages of their careers. 

How to apply

Please click 'apply now' to submit your application. You will need to be logged into your ScreenSkills account in order to complete an application.

The deadline for applications is Friday 12 December, 17:00. 

Places will be confirmed by Friday 19 December.

There is a small allowance for access costs for successful candidates to ensure participants get the most from the programme. Details of this funding can be discussed with the training provider once accepted onto the programme, and will be assessed on an individual basis.

Contact information

Email: info@talkingpointfilm.co.uk