STEPPING UP TO SUPERVISING ART DIRECTOR - January 2026
Are you working in features or HETV dramas as an Art Director and considering moving up into a Supervising Art Director role? Or have you recently moved up and would benefit from some additional support?
This specialised training program is aimed at those looking to learn more about the role on feature films.
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
Delivery
We will be delivering this programme on Zoom and completing the learning with an in-person event.
The programme consists of mandatory online sessions of up to 90 minutes each.
Given the requirements of production schedules, these sessions will be offered in the evenings and the in-person event on a Saturday morning.
We anticipate that we will meet on the following dates:
Tues 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th January from 7:30pm - 9pm.
The networking event would take place in the morning on Saturday 7th February in London.
We will also have additional networking time at the end of each session so that participants can meet, get to know each other and share experiences.
Tutors
Our lead tutor is Production Designer Patrick Rolfe who has many years experience of working as an established Supervising Art Director. He now also has an understanding of what is required of the role from a Designer’s point of view, so perfectly placed to share his experiences.
A Supervising Art Director experienced in Band 4 productions will also join us to examine the differences in scope and scale on large scale studio productions.
Who it's for
This programme is open to those working in feature films and HETV dramas in the following roles:
● Supervising Art Director (on low budget or with less than 1 yr experience)
● Senior Art Director
● Art Director
How to apply
Applicants are expected to have a minimum of 3 credits in an Art Director role.
Applicants need to attend all sessions of the programme.
Applicants need to be living in the UK and have the right to work here.
Previous participants are not eligible to reapply.
Deadline for applications: 12th December 2025
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.
This is a nationwide programme so we welcome applications from across the UK.
Travel, accommodation and dependent care bursaries are available for those outside of London attending the in-person event.
This programme is fully funded by the ScreenSkills Film Skills Fund, made up of contributions from feature film productions made in the UK.
