The Moments of Wow award is sponsored by our industry partner EPH Studios, one of the UK’s largest manufacturers and suppliers of themed installations for events, private parties, Film & TV, leisure, retail and hospitality. This is award highlights continuous stand-out work. Creating scenic construction or props that really do make people say “WOW.”

This year it has been awarded to BA (Hons) Production Design for Stage & Screen student Charlie Poole “for hard-work and thinking outside the box. Charlie has fully immersed themselves within projects, thinking not just about the practical aspects involved in design and build, but the storytelling and experience people will get from it. The awarded student has developed a huge understanding of what it takes to work within the industry and has used their own initiative to gain wider experience.”

We caught up with Charlie about his time with our school, read on to find out more:

Why did you decide to study at The Northern School of Art?

The reason I decided to continue my studies at The Northern School of Art was down to the freedom that the course gave us, as well as the friendliness of the staff. At the time I was struggling with choosing what creative path I would like to take, but after learning more about the Production Design course from multiple visits, my decision became very clear.

Tell us about a special memory from studying here:

Over the last three years I have made many special memories that I will remember forever, but what will stick with me the most is definitely what I did for my final project. Where I built a full-size film set in collaboration with film and tv students, which was then brought to life by the camera.

What are your next steps?

For my next step I am being very open minded, although preferably I would love to be able to continue working with set dressing and decorating, whether it may be in the film and tv industry or elsewhere.

What advice would you give to a student looking to study here?

The most important piece of advice I would give to future students is to be as open minded as possible and take any opportunity you can. Also, to not be afraid, as you will never learn new skills if you always take the back seat.

If you are interested in studying Set Design on our BA (Hons) Production Design for Stage & Screen degree, find out more now!