BA (Hons) Production Design for Stage & Screen graduate Christy Robinson ended her three years of study by receiving the newly created Drive & Determination award. Degree lecturers and Head of  The Northern Studios Nina Yoxall created the award  inspired by the amazing work ethic Christy has demonstrated over her three years on the programme. She said that “winning the Drive and Determination Award was a total surprise to me as the award is brand new and was only announced during the class award ceremony. Receiving the award felt very validating, it was a serious recognition of my extremely hard work both inside and outside the course, and the bond I had created with my class mates.”

Christy, from Middlesbrough said she chose to study at the school because “the course gave me the freedom to explore both digital and physical practices. Other universities limited the range of software I was permitted to use; however, during the interview stage, it was made clear that I could practice the software I chose. I also enjoyed the large scale opportunity to develop practical workshop skills. Both of these have been useful in my work outside of the university.” She said that “the degree program involved a lot of independent study which allowed me to cater my time at the course to my specific goals.”

Her Final Major Project was a “reimagining of the 2002 best selling novel “The Lovely Bones” by Alice Sebold. The story is of a suburban family following the disappearance and murder of 14 year old school girl Suzie Salmon, by her next door neighbour, Mr Harvey. Throughout the play the Salmon family explore intense suspicion, grief, human emotion, and connection. With supernatural themes this story explores murdered Suzie watching her family come to terms with her death, and through powerful emotion connect with her family from the afterlife. The stage set of the Salmon home is set in 1972 suburbs and shows the main rooms the family exist in throughout the play.”

She showcased this design with a full display which included “a physical 3D 1:25 scale miniature model of the set, images of rendered concept art from a 3D digital model, a walk-through animation of this 3D model, as well as technical drawings of the set created using AUTO CAD, and stills from a walk through using virtual reality.  I made large use of the university equipment by 3D printing a large part of my 3D model including a sculpture of a ribcage. I also used the VR headset to record a live walk through of my 3D environment and The 3D scanner which I used to scan in set dressing to decorate the digital model.”

Since graduating Christy has secured a job she said “currently, I am working as an Art Department Trainee for Hat Trick Productions during the filming of BBC Three, BAFTA nominated, comedy series Smoggie Queens. I plan to continue working in the North East Film & TV sector, exploring the art department as an assistant, eventually specializing in a role where I can progress to a head of department level.”

When asked what her favourite thing to do in Hartlepool was she said “trips to Seaton beach where the highlight of my time in Hartlepool. The busy atmosphere mixed with the coast and arcade machines was the best group activity.”

Check out Christy’s work on Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn: @ChristyLouiseDesigns

If you are interested in creating large-scale sets and props for stage and screen productions look no further! This degree programme offers students the skills and experiences needed to carve out exciting careers in the industry and has a long standing record of graduates that have gone on to work on exciting productions and sets, find out more here.