BA (Hons) Production Design for Stage and Screen student Christy Robinson, from Middlesbrough, recently completed worked on Feature Film Kraken as a Production Designer. Written by David Gregory and produced by Becca Hirani, with the production company EMRJ Entertainment, “Kraken follows a group of pirates who try to take on the Kraken, but are shipwrecked, only to be stranded and sitting prey.”

The opportunity came from a previous work experience; “I first worked with EMRJ Entertainment as a graphics assistant for course alumni Caitlin Mills on another feature during spring time. I was asked to come on set as art department cover on a second feature for 2 days filming in Wales. Here I did some set dressing, re-set props after takes, and distributed the props before filming. This was also working with production designer, Caitlin Mills. Following this, I was asked for a full portfolio of work, then asked if I would be interested on being the production designer for an upcoming feature.”

She continued, “I had around 2 months to prepare, which started with a full script breakdown, an estimated budget and cost list and a meeting with director David Gregory. My role as production designer included sourcing all props and set dressing within a given budget. This ranged from false weapons, to animal skulls, to blankets to lamps and torches. During filming, All expenses had to be documented and submitted with receipts at the end. During filming, I was responsible for dressing a set before the director and actors were ready to begin filming and rehearsing. I did this while the actors where in costume and makeup and while the camera and lighting team where setting up their equipment in the space. Being on set comes with the responsibility of being able to solve problems fast. This ranged from batteries needing replacing in a hurricane lamp to saving a location’s set dressing and a wooden barrel from a high tide.”

When asked what her highlight of working on the production was she said “A highlight for me was at the end of set dressing every location, when I could stand back and watch the actors belong in the space. It was always lovely to see everyone’s reactions when they had been working in another location then came over just before filming. My favourite piece of set dressing was a 1800’s cast photo of 3 of the characters which sat on a side table with a it oil lamp and dried wild flowers.”

“A challenge for me on production was keeping track of which scene was filming when during a 12 hour shoot day. After a couple of days I realised sorting my tasks by the order of location made more sense to me than by working from the scene number. My script breakdown was very helpful for this as every day before filming I sat with the call sheet and the breakdown and noted in what order all props and set dressing was needed for that day. This helped me keep on top of the shooting schedule.”

Speaking of how her degree and time at the school has helped her with her time on set she said “my time as a production design student has helped me fulfil this role as set dressing is a skill I have had to build. This is not something that came naturally to me. I discovered this while dressing the level 5 big build set titled “Sleuth”. The techniques I learnt from this helped me dress the sets for Kraken. I initially learnt how to create a script breakdown in a North East Screen training bootcamp lead by Lisa Davison in my first year. This is an opportunity I was introduced through by the university and the knowledge I learnt from this  session has helped me a lot in the last 2 years.”

Further she described the university as “very specialised. I like the amount of freedom I have in my course to explore areas I am interested in. Most students in my course are going down different career paths after graduation, and the structure of the course has allowed us to explore this. The university is very small, so you get to know the other creatives in your field very quickly, this is great to begin to build a network of contacts. My course has an amazing amount of contact with the students, all members of staff are very eager to support you and give you that 1-1 time needed.”

When asked what her advice would be to students that working on their first projects she offered some practical pointers. “My advice to other degree students who are stating to gain their first experience on set is to watch their shadows and make no noise at all while the crew are filming. Always have backups of props if you can, or extra set dressing because more is more. I bought last minute blood, though I didn’t expect to use it and went though 12/15 tubes. Always keep scissors in your kit, they are ridiculously helpful, black tape also. Talk to everyone you can during brakes, you never know who is going to be your next employer. And be kind.”

As for future projects, she has a lot coming up she said “I am currently taking part in some top secret work experience in The Northern Studios which I applied to through the Talent pool. I recommend everyone signs up as it can bring really great opportunities. After this I am really trying to focus on my level 6 university work, although I am now a freelance crew member with The Princess Alexandrea Auditorium in Yarm, so hopefully I will gain some work there over Christmas.”

“Just before this film I was working as a part-time assistant stage manager cover for Elysium Theatre Company’s touring production of Othello. I worked on 5 shows with the company who I knew from 6 weeks of work experience as an assistant stage manger in June 2023 on a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Check out more of Christy’s work on her Instagram is @christylouisedesigns or her website.  See more of our Production Design for Stage and Screen course on Instagram too follow @thenorthern_productiondesign!

If you are interested in a career in production and set design look no further. Our BA (hons) Production Degree for Stage & Screen degree set’s students up for employment, with many current students working on real productions in the stage and screen industries from the first year. This practical hands-on programme produces highly skilled and confident graduates. Find out more today or book on our next open day.