Testimonials
"This is essential for anyone wanting to join the Art department.”
​
Claudia Parker – Set Decorator (Game of Thrones)
“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)
“If you're looking to get into the Art Department, I think this course has value by giving you the ins and outs of a very competitive industry in a clear and concise manner.”
Pedro Moura - Art Director (The Great)
“As someone starting out in an industry as big and complex as film, this course is full of rich advice and juicy info.
​
"It really drills down into the practical stuff you need to know but are too afraid to ask, James also evaluates some of the leaders in the field of course provision for the Art department in a way which could save you a hefty sum and ensure you get the best teaching for your career goals.
"It’s a great achievement and a real treasure trove.”
Serena Murphy – Art Department Assistant (Cobra Series 2)
“This course is the guide I wish I’d had a year or two ago.
"It’s expected that in the art department you learn everything on the job, but having the knowledge and understanding this course provides could allow new people starting out to begin a new job with confidence, and save them that horrible beginning period in which you feel bewildered and confused.
"It gives a comprehensive overview of all you need to know when starting out, but most importantly in my opinion, the collation of resources for accessing not just training, but real jobs, is better than any I’ve seen before.
“This course provides an invaluable head start into the industry, and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone looking towards a future in art, set dec, graphics or props.”
Auriol Williamson – Petty Cash Buyer (Hanna Season 3)
“This is an excellent course for anyone looking for their first job in film but also for people looking to perhaps change departments.
"Having done both a Creative Media Skills course in Prop Making and James's course I found James's to be more useful and practical in terms of substantial information and direction for actually getting a job and also being prepared for the first day on the job.”
​
Liat Peleg – Greensperson, Brandon Thatchers
“This course gives an excellent insight for those trying to break their way into the wild world of Film/TV Art Departments.
"The course is well written and thought through, with tips and insight to areas spanning the entire art department. It’s well researched and gives an abundance of useful and relevant information whether you’re unsure of which area of the department is the one for you or if you know exactly what role you see yourself in, there’s something in this course that can help you.
​
“The wealth of information has been broken down and organised into manageable and logical sections that you can work through, following the advice along the way and make real progress in your career from the first instalment.
“If you’re looking for your first job in the business or are feeling unsure of where/how to start this course is perfect. It’s a whirlwind of useful information, tips and tricks taken from personal experiences within the industry, all broken down and explained in such a way that it’s easily followed and in no way overwhelming but definitely gets you feeling like you’re on the right track to your dream job.”
Anya Smith – Graduate, University of the Arts London
“This course is perfect for someone just starting out or in the early stages in their film career, it’s clear, concise and well structured.
"I found the job trees, kit lists, and prop house lists particularly helpful as I had recently relocated from Canada.
"I would highly recommend this course to anyone who is looking for an overview of the roles and responsibilities in art/set dec department or is looking for courses, websites, and advice on how to get into the industry.”
​
Caitlin Smith – Graduate, Glasgow School of Art
“This beginners’ course has given me all of the basic knowledge I need to be confident when walking onto set for the first time!
"I have a better understanding of what each role in the department are responsible for and how they all work together. I have used the advice to re-write my CV and put together my first portfolio which I have already had great feedback for from Art Directors.
It has provided me with some great ideas of how to continue developing my skills and knowledge to start building a successful career in the Art Department! Thank you so much!”
​
Paige H Smith – Architectural Technology Student, Edinburgh Napier University
“Having just graduated from a film focused degree, this course would have been very useful during the course of these years, in particular the final year.
"It acts as a practical guide for establishing yourself as a member of this department and talks you though how to get you first job, as well as what each role entails all the way through to getting paid and negotiating taxes.
"I have learnt an immense amount from this course, it is clear, concise and detail orientated, and would recommend it to anyone looking to enter the art department.”
​
Kitty Lower – Film Graduate, University of Falmouth
“This course is an incredible insight into the world of the Art Department and is not only extensive in the roles it covers, but also everything you may ever need to know about getting into the industry.
“As an aspiring Graphics Assistant, I found the sections on portfolios and equipment extremely helpful, giving me motivation to improve the work I have to show, and start working towards my dream career.
"This course also managed to ease every single worry I had about entering the industry- Where would I stay? Should I do work experience? What should I prepare for interview? Everything was answered in an easily comprehensible manner, and gave me confidence in working towards this role.
"I have no doubt this course will help countless aspiring art department workers, just as it has helped me. I feel more inspired to create a portfolio that will benefit my career, as this course has given me both direction and motivation.
“Thank you James for all the help you have given me with this course, I have not found a more helpful resource than this for the art department and I can guarantee that I will continue to return to this for advice and guidance when I see fit.
"I have previously taken the BFI Film Academy course which was a great precursor to this course for 16–19-year-olds, as it gave me a wide and varied insight into the industry. After this I studied Graphic Communication at Bath Spa University- giving me very direct and comprehensive teaching in design, however leaving me without contacts in the film and tv industry, therefore this course has been helpful in motivating me to reach out to industry professionals.”
Amber Brookes – Film & Screen Studies Graduate, Bath Spa University
“When you start in the film and TV industry, it can be a very confusing place, full of different departments, and technical jargon.
"This online course is the perfect starting place for anybody considering a career in this industry.
"It sets out with clear and concise diagrams what each department does, and the roles for each member of that team. This course includes the essentials from finding your first job, to practical information about how to write a CV, on-set etiquette, jargon and lingo, and what courses to attend, even to what to wear and take with you.
"Everything you need to know from somebody who has worked and knows the industry!”
Richard Townsley – Technical Advisor (1917)
"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
“I really enjoyed reading James’ course. It’s very clear and doesn’t try to be overly clever.
"It answers a lot of those questions that you don’t like to ask – you know, the obvious ones you feel you should already know but don’t.
"Covers very practical stuff like what you should get paid and how to get paid. I feel sure the course will pay for itself.”
​
Tina Warren – Art Department Assistant
“James has done an incredible job designing this course to cover absolutely everything someone starting in the art department should know.
"I honestly haven’t seen a more comprehensive course that offers advice in everything from making a portfolio, to writing a good CV, as well as a clear idea of the roles of each department, what skills are needed to work there and how to actually find work.
"It’s a rare insider’s view into the industry, presented in a friendly and informative way which makes the idea of working in film way less intimidating for beginners.
"It will definitely be an invaluable help to anyone wishing to start out in the art department, set dec or props. It helped me a lot in gaining a clearer understanding of the industry and I now feel more confident taking my first steps in the film industry.”
Electra Pappa – Theatre Studies Graduate
“James' course is a well-structured and easy-to-follow guide on finding your first job in the film industry.
"With a comprehensive breakdown of roles and departments, it offers valuable insights into skill development. The curated web sources, examples, and templates make it the most in-depth resource for building a portfolio.
"Focusing on practical skills, particularly in the art department, set decoration, and props, the course provides unique insights into set etiquette and includes helpful to-do lists.
"It's a must for anyone serious about a career in the film industry.”
​
Martin Avotins – Greensman, Brandon Thatchers
“James has put together a thorough, well laid out and very comprehensible guide to getting started in the industry.”
​
Francoise Thompson – Set Decoration Co-ordinator (Avenue 5)
“What James has written is pretty brilliant.
"It's efficient, specific and will possibly tell you quite a few things your teacher, tutor or mentor missed out.
"For those who need that specificity and prefer an understanding of the real world then this is perfect.”
​
Archie Cameron – Film Graduate, Access Creative College
“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
"James’ course has given me an understanding of how the Art Department works and roles and responsibilities within it.
"As a Fine Art student with little previous knowledge about the film industry, it has taught me so much and has helped me to consider the possibility of a future in the Art Department.
"The information is delivered clearly, and the inclusion of to-do-lists makes the next steps feel manageable and accesible.
"I would definitley recommend this course to anyone who is interested in working in the Art Department!"
​
Mae Warner – Fine Art Student, Norwich University of the Arts
"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
"I found this course extremely useful, due to the well thought out style, making the course itself readable, approachable and confident/reassuring.
As a film student, who specialises in craft within film, I found the level of detail to be highly satisfactory, since my educational experiences still feel quite broad, I think this course is perfect for informing you on the nuances of the industry, and it has been really insightful in making my own decisions about my future career in the art/props/set dec departments.
"James adds his own personal experiences and stories, which add a sense of realism and rawness, so that you can understand the content better and so you can feel a sense of excitement about creating your own memories within this area of the industry."
​
Layla Neale – Craft Pathway Student, London Screen Academy
"The course is wonderfully practical, and I have to say that reading it has increased both my confidence and my positivity about my young person embarking on a career in the film industry, and in the art department sector in particular.
​
"What I love about the course is that it has a really clear logical flow; it answers questions that I would not have known to ask; it provides insights from both research and lived experience, and it feels thorough and comprehensive.
​
"The tone of the course is great, it's straightforward, pragmatic and realistic, while remaining positive. It addresses a lot of the concerns I had about how my young person will manage and progress. The diagrams are clear and easy to follow; and the example CVs, forms, payslips, are all really useful in terms of anticipating the sort of thing a young person may not have experienced before. I really like the way that the course goes into detail of how these practical considerations are different depending on which specific role/pathway you take in the industry. I also felt that the to do lists were a really helpful tool in this course - as there is a lot of information to take in and the to do lists give you a guide to next steps.
​
"Some of the parts that I found particularly useful were in the thoughtful details; such as learning about set etiquette, finding accommodation, business insurance and here to get thermals for old days on outdoor shoots, the need for s car. These are the sort of realities that a young person who is dreaming of a creative lifestyle needs to be aware of, and the course is really reassuring in that it gives resources, examples and signposts. Things like the industry jobs boards, facebook groups, whatsapp groups, and how to access and approach them, where to get work experience, these are all enormously useful as I would not have known where to start looking, and what was a legitimate way in.
​
"I think of the most useful and interesting parts of the course for me as a parent was the rich catalogue of further courses and onward study. As this really helped to fill my blank spaces about what the future pathways could be for my young person to consider. Although they are in year one, this will go quickly, and the need to prepare for life after LSA comes before the end of the course. I will definitely be researching the options and encouraging my young person to look into them. I think as a parent, this course has given me invaluable resources to help my young person to know what to do with their holiday time in order to build on their dream.
​
"I think that for my young person that this will be useful on an ongoing level as a reference point as they take their first steps and progression on their journey into the industry. I feel it would have taken me an age, or maybe not have been possible to research and gather all of this insight and information by myself. It's really nuts and bolts, and I like the way that it encourages informed consideration of what type of role in the art department suits people with different working preferences. I also think it answers some of the questions that you might be too shy to ask someone you meet, like around pay levels and how the interview process works.
​
"Really glad to have found this course."
​​
Emma Neale – Parent of Craft Pathway Student, London Screen Academy
