Trainees will be taught in Leeds at Prime Studios by a range of successful, experienced TV industry professionals. The training will consist of practical and theoretical workshops giving an overview over the basic knowledge needed to work as an art department runner, assistant, and standby art director. We will endeavour to provide a work experience module on active film or TV sets, however while best efforts will be made, placements cannot be guaranteed.

The course has been designed to match the specific needs of the region’s film and TV producers and employers at a time of great growth – so top employers are actively supporting the programme.

Screen Yorkshire and the CoSE:Y team will deliver an introduction week designed to prepare the trainees for the specific requirements of Art Direction & Props crew in film and TV, such as their role within a department, the way departments interact with other departments during production, set etiquette, sustainability training and preparation for freelance life (including CV and application writing, tax, invoicing and networking).

Furthermore, as a trainee of Screen Yorkshire, we provide a real on set experience in collaboration with Leeds MetFilm School on a large filming project at the end of your course. It will consist of a 3-day shoot in studio, with a crew, teaching you set etiquette and how to work in a professional manner. You will put into practise all the skills you have learnt throughout your duration of time training with us, providing you with the confidence to move forward with your career.

Here’s what our CoSE:Y 2022 Art Direction & Props trainee Ella Paul had to say about the course

• On completion of the certificate, you will:
• Understand how to communicate effectively with colleagues in both prep and on location/set
• Be able to develop and maintain good working relationships during the production process
• Understand hazards and risks in the workplace and be able to evaluate and minimise risks
• Understand relevant equipment, materials and related issues
• Be able to select, prepare, organise and manage relevant equipment & materials for a shoot
• Understand the unique techniques of film and television art direction & props
• Have a developed understanding of planning, drawing, model building, props sourcing and management and set continuity
• Identify art direction needs from script to screen
• Demonstrate an awareness of production issues related to sustainability and the environment
• Be able to operate effectively as a freelance worker

Find out more about the role from Art Director Shaun Clark

No previous Film & TV qualifications are required. Applicants must have been 18+ by 6th February 2023 to be able to apply for this course. The course is entry level and is specifically targeted towards trainees who have identified the goal of establishing a career path in the Art department of Film and TV productions.

A keen interest in forging a career in production design and a willingness to acquire practical skills is essential. You may have graduated in related professions like architecture, interior design or trained as a joiner, carpenter, window dresser, furniture maker, set builder in theatre, etc. Graduates and professionals from less obvious industries are very welcome to apply as long as they can clearly demonstrate their interest in this career and if possible can show samples or tell us about plans and work they have undertaken, which can be considered as relevant to this course.

Training is an investment both for the candidate and the provider and so should only be undertaken by candidates with a clear commitment to achieving a high level of proficiency and dedication to the craft. Entrants will be 18+ and some applicants may choose to undertake this award instead of going to University. Graduates are still welcome to apply, as are people looking to change career later in life.

The qualification will be assessed on the basis of technical understanding, and coursework supported by a portfolio. Successful trainees will achieve a UK Film & Television Craft Certification for Art Direction & Props endorsed by Screen Yorkshire and ScreenSkills and recognised by film and television production and production insurers.

Applicants must be 18 years old on 6th February 2023 to apply for this course. For students over this age there is a course fee of £2000 which includes an admin fee, however you may be eligible for bursary support covering the majority of the course fee. If you would like to apply for a bursary, please fill out the bursary application form linked to in the main application form when you submit. Payment plans are available for those paying their course fee.

The course will run between April – June 2023. Trainees should note that learning commitments throughout the teaching period are part-time 3 days a week (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday). Full time commitment is expected during the induction week (17th April – 21st April) and the planned work experience placement.

Applications received after this date will not be considered. If for any reason you need to submit your application by an alternative method or have any other queries, then please contact training@screenyorkshire.co.uk. To apply, please complete and submit our online application form via the button below.

You may be invited to a phone/online interview between February 20th – 10th March. Successful applicants will be offered a place by the end of March and will be expected to accept within 3 days of the offer. We will endeavour to contact everyone who applies, however due to the number of applications we receive, if you have not heard from us by then please assume you have not been offered a place on one of the courses.

The UK film & TV craft courses are part of the Centre of Screen Excellence: Yorkshire, a ground-breaking pilot delivered by Screen Yorkshire and supported by ScreenSkills using National Lottery funds awarded by the BFI as part of the Future Film Skills programme.

As part of our remit to monitor and improve access to under-represented groups in the industry, we report to our funders on the diversity of applicants to this scheme. We would be extremely grateful if you please could also fill in the diversity form on our website application page through the link below.