“James’ course is a clear and concise introduction into the structures and inner workings of
film and TV art and set dec departments, and how to navigate them.

​"For those embarking on a film career without the benefit of a film education,
this course is both informative and worthwhile.”

​David Morison - Set Decorator (Kingsman: The Secret Service)

​Items in red are bonus documents.

a. Introduction

a. 4 step guide to finding your first job in props and set design
b. How a set is created
c. Overview of the Art Department
d. Overview of the Set Decoration department
e. Overview of the Props department
f. Overview of the Construction department
​g. Timeline of a production

a. Choosing which department to work in
b. Art Department Assistant and Assistant Graphic Designer
c. Set Decoration Assistant and Petty Cash Buyer
d. Dressing Props Trainee, Trainee Storeperson and Standby Props Trainee
e. Day-to-day life in each department
f. Rates and allowances

i. BECTU Ratecard 2021-2023 – Art Department, Set Decoration and Graphics departments
ii. BECTU Ratecard 2021 – Props department

g. Flowchart – choosing which department to work in

a. Training for work
b. Art Department trainees: necessary skills and how to acquire them

i. To do list
ii. Art Department Assistant – hand draughting from home equipment list

c. Set Decoration trainees: necessary skills and how to acquire them

i. To do list
ii. Main prop hire companies

d. Props trainees: necessary skills and how to acquire them

i. To do list

e. Working as a Supporting Artist (SA / “Extra”)

i. To do list

f. Additional training resources

i. To do list

a. How to create a CV

i. To do list
ii. Example CV – generic
iii. Example CV – Assistant Graphic Designer – Helene Dollie

b. How to create a portfolio and website

i. To do list
ii. Example portfolio – Art Department Assistant
iii. Example portfolio – Art Department & Set Decoration Assistant
iv. Example portfolio – Petty Cash Buyer – James Everett
v. Example websites – Assistant Graphic Designer

c. How to find work using Kays directory

i. To do list
​ii. Example spreadsheet

d. How to find work using social media

i. To do list

e. Organisations and crew databases to help you find work

i. To do list

f. How to find work if you’re registered as a Supporting Artist
g. Interviews

i. To do list

a. Accommodation
b. Art Department Assistant: what equipment will you need?

i. Art Department Assistant: Equipment List

c. Petty Cash Buyer and Set Dec Assistant: what equipment will you need?

i. Petty Cash Buyer and Set Dec Assistant: Equipment List
ii. Example petty cash form

d. Props Trainees: what equipment will you need?

i. Dressing Props Trainee and Standby Props Trainee: Equipment List
ii. Trainee Storeperson: Equipment List

a. Art Department terminology, set etiquette, and health & safety

a. Getting paid

i. To do list
ii. Example payslip 1
​iii. Example payslip 2

b. Tax returns, pensions, and joining a union

i. To do list

a. What to do next
​​b. Ending

You will be able to ask me as many questions as you like, whenever you like.

This can be done via phone call, email, or WhatsApp message.

The course is delivered online and is self-guided.
​
​This means you can work through the content at your own pace, around your existing commitments - whatever is comfortable to you.

This also means you don't need to waste time, money and effort on travel and accommodation - in the way that you would for an in-person course.
​
Furthermore, it means you will also have life-long access to the course - so you can refer back to it whenever you wish.

For example, if you have an interview next week, you can revisit the chapter about interviews in order to prepare. 

This also means you have life-long access to detailed information - and you're not trying to decipher some hastily scribbled notes taken during an in-person course.

​“I found this course very informative and most importantly easy to read and follow.

​"I really enjoyed the pie charts and how it showed the portions of in-house and on set for each job.

​"The course demonstrates a very deep understanding of the industry and for a newbie like myself the information was invaluable. I wish every industry had a course like this and I wish I had seen this sooner!
​
​“The explaining of each role is important but I found the later parts of the course where it talks about training, CVs and when you’re in the job most interesting. For example the explanation of radio and set lingo which I have already put to good use.
​
​​"Thank you again!”
​
​Sam Graber – Greensman, Brandon Thatchers

"Given the fact that you are potentially saving someone a lot of research and providing first-hand experience and inside-industry advice, I think the course is definitely worth reading, especially as it is so thorough.

"I imagine you would get your foot in the door as a direct consequence of the course (I had no idea the directories even existed; I knew that you’re supposed to just contact people but I had no idea how to find contact details).

"Plus, it’s a lot less time consuming than doing one of the practical courses and then realising you don’t like the realities of the industry, the working hours etc."

​Sophie Haywood – TV & Film Set Design Graduate, University of South Wales

"The course is easily the most comprehensive and valuable resource I've encountered since trying to get into the industry.

"The structure is logical and easy to follow. It really helps to have the overview of the departments and roles, particularly the diagrams, then moving on to more in-depth explanations of certain topics.
​
"The "to do" lists at the end of each section work really well to summarise the content, but also to provide steps to get you prepared.

"Having James on hand to answer any questions is a real bonus, although the course was so well laid out that I didn't have many questions by the end. Having indefinite access to the content is also very reassuring knowing that I can always go back to it whenever I need to.

"From someone who is transitioning into this industry, this course has been 100% worth the cost, I'm very happy I invested the time and money.

​"Also, can't remember where you're located, but I'd like to buy you a beer or something, sometime, for all your help."

Bill Duerden – Prop Maker, Scene2