Hope the summer is treating everyone well so far and the cooler weather is more bearable on productions!
UPCOMING SESSIONS PROPS COURSE September/October We will be running a new Props Course this Autumn. This will run on Zoom during September and October, with a practical workshop session at the end of the programme.
We will cover everything you need to know to work successfully in Props – how the department is structured, the skills and kit you need, what you can expect and what will be expected of you. It will help you get onto your first job and understand what you need to do to get asked back. It is ideal for anyone looking to start in Props, as well as those who have recently joined the department on features and tv dramas but would benefit from more knowledge and some support. Cost £375+vat. More info and Application Form here “this course made such a difference to how I started on my first film job. It helped me get onto it in the first place and then really helped when I was there. ” (props trainee, summer 2022) Prop Masters – please share with anyone you think would benefit from the training. INTRODUCTION TO SET DECORATING Wednesday 17th August 10:00 - 12:30 Are you looking to work in the Set Decorating team on features and HETV dramas? Or would you like to know more about it before you decide where you are best suited? This Introduction to Set Decorating session will help answer your questions. Cost £75+vat. Details here
INDUSTRY SESSIONS We are looking forward to relaunching the Industry Sessions programme in August with two fantastic guests. These are informal workshops where we learn about the role and specific aspects of the job. They are small, friendly groups with questions submitted in advance so that you get to hear what you need to know. A great way to learn from the best. Standing By with Mat Bergel Saturday 20th August 10:00 – 11: 30 zoom Mat is an experienced Standby Prop and Standby Art Director with nearly 30 years experience on features and tv dramas. His recent credits including Sam Mendes’ Emipire of Light, All Quiet on the Western Front and Riviera. He will be discussing the role of Stand By, his process and breakdowns and working with cast and directors. Cost £30. Apply here Working in Locations with Amie Tridgell Saturday 24th September 10:00 – 11:30 zoom Amie is a Location Manager with over 15 years experience. Her recent credits include Matilda, Cruella andThe King. Amie will be discussing the role, and how it changes across different budget levels, the importance of negotiation and how she collaborates with the art department. Cost £30. Apply here
INDUSTRY TOP TIP Don’t let one bad day ruin your week. Everyone has bad days but if possible, try and draw a line at the end of it and focus on the many other positives that there are – and that you bring! It makes the following day much more bearable and keeps everything in perspective. Always a good thing.
THINGS WE HAVE BEEN ENJOYING
Prima Facie – if you missed this at the theatre, NT Live is screening performances over the next week. It is a phenonemal performance from Jodie Comer and a production that has broken all previous records of event cinema – rightly so. Go and see.
BECTU/PACT negotiation You will have seen updates on social media about the proposed deal from PACT on crew working hours for the TV drama agreements. This proposal has a lot of loopholes and will have a direct impact on crew deals going forward. If you haven’t already done so, please join BECTU (currently offering a reduced rate) and vote to reject the proposal. If you don’t engage, you can’t complain!
Ikea oat and chocolate biscuits - these were recommended and swerved us away from the traditional Dime choice. Definitely worth putting in the trolley next time you petty cash buyers are there!