WHO WE ARE
ArtCraft NYC was founded by active Production Designers in the New York film industry. Our program aims to demystify the craft, and provide entry-level individuals with the knowledge and skills to become successful workers in the professional field. We are a fully accessible program to support diversity in the incoming class of filmmakers.
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PROGRAM OUTLINE
Students receive prompts for their program-long design project which simulates the realities of bringing a script to life on screen. Each student will work with a partner to develop their designs while completing templates to stay organized and communicate with core creative peers. Each week the students will learn skills that build on the previous week. This includes* :
WEEK 1
PRODUCTION DESIGN,
ART DIRECTION, &
LOCATION SCOUTING
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Basic filmmaking terminology
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Roles and responsibilities of the Art Dept.
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Script analysis and creative design approaches
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Scouting and surveying locations
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Collaborating with Directors, Cinematographers, and Location Managers
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Research and mood boards
WEEK 2
DRAFTING, BUDGETING,
& BUILDING
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Photoshop & Illustrator basics
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Reading and drafting furniture plans and elevations
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Budgeting for materials and labor
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Translating 2D drawings to a 3D world with Construction & Scenic Depts.
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Considering Post-Production (VFX, color grades) during Pre-Production
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Collaborating with Costume Designers & Hair / Make-Up Dept. Heads
WEEK 3
SET DECORATION,
SET DRESSING, & PROPS
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Sourcing set dressing and props at local industry vendors
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Sourcing and swatching fabrics, linoleum flooring, and carpet
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Communicating with teams to execute designs
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Temporary installation techniques
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Designing custom window treatments
WEEK 4
PRODUCTION,
SCHEDULES, & PRE-VISUALS
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Reading production documents including schedules
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Creating work calendars for art dept prep and strike crews
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Bringing 2D drawings to digital 3D models to full renders
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Integrating technology on sets
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Public speaking and presenting ideas to peers, producers, and studios
WEEK 5
THE UNIONS, SUSTAINABILITY, & FINAL PRESENTATIONS
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Giving and receiving peer feedback during practice presentations
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Creating a resume
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Unions and how to join
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Sustainable practices on set
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Portfolio Review with industry professionals
*course details subject to change
MEET THE TEAM
FOUNDER | PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Cheyenne Ford is an accomplished Production Designer whose education has been a hodge-podge of experiences. Her personal journey as a college dropout fuels her commitment to providing accessible support for disadvantaged students. One of her key inspirations for Art Craft was the Summer Interior Design Workshop she attended in 2019 at Paris American Academy. Where traditional colleges failed, PAA succeeded in engaging students with one-on-one feedback and a city-is-your-classroom approach. Most of Cheyenne’s education in the Art Department began with reading the Production Designers Collective forum and recommended book list in between learning-by-doing on actual film sets. Now, she works closely with the PDC to support emerging designers through panels, networking events, and workshops. She has also been on both sides of mentorship programs as a mentor for the Local 829 union’s Equity Through Design initiative as well as being selected to participate in BAFTA Breakthrough USA's mentorship program. Cheyenne hopes to continue providing interested newcomers with support through the foundation of Art Craft.
CRAFT COORDINATORS
Craft Coordinators guide course planning, noting the most essential skills needed. Coordinators develop lectures, group activities, field trips, and hands-on demonstrations. They bring their personal expertise from the field directly into the program.
COLLEEN RUSHTON
Colleen’s (she/her) Set Decorator career is deeply rooted in her lifelong interest in crafts such as sewing, printing, furniture design, and interiors. In her more than a decade of film work she has worked at every level of production budget and in every position of the decoration department. Colleen has a true passion for bringing sets to life with character driven focus and authentic texture.
DENEICE O'CONNOR
Deneice O'Connor, (she/her) is a member of New York Local 52 since 2017. She has a BA in communications, and has been a Prop Mastered for A24 and HBO (High Maintenance, Ramy, Past Lives). Her favorite project has been Safdie Brothers', Uncut Gems. In her spare time, she enjoys mentoring and sharing all the ins and outs of the business while strategizing how the film industry can be more inclusive and equal.
Image was created using generative AI.