Step inside the Art Department

A practical 4-day course that teaches you how to plan, source, and dress a film or TV set — using real props, real studios, and real industry workflows.

Dates: October · November · March · June
Cost: £495
Duration: 4 days
Location: Farley Hire, Park Royal (with visits to London prop houses)

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Course overview

This hands-on, immersive course introduces you to the world of the film Art Department. Over four days, you’ll learn how to break down a script, research period dressing, source props, and create a complete set dressing plan, just as you would on a professional production.

Working directly inside Farley Hire and visiting key prop houses across London, you’ll gain real, practical experience and a clear understanding of what a job in the Art Department involves. There are no entry requirements just curiosity, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

What you’ll learn

By the end of the course, you will understand:

  • The structure and responsibilities of the Art Department

  • How different departments collaborate on set

  • How to approach research for different periods and styles

  • How to break down a script accurately

  • How to create prop and dressing lists

  • How to source dressing from professional hire companies

  • How continuity works in reshoots

  • How to build a dressing plan using photos, layouts and references

Course Structure

Day 1

  • Meet at Farley Hire (Park Royal)

  • Analyse scenes from different film/TV productions

  • Identify design styles, periods, and visual language

  • Guided tours of Farley Hire, Lewis & Kaye, Props Galore

  • Begin your set dressing prop list

Day 2

  • Visit selected prop houses to source dressing

  • Photograph potential choices

  • Create a first draft of your set dressing plan

Day 3

  • Continue sourcing items

  • Assemble and refine your dressing selections

  • Make adjustments based on tutor feedback

  • Final prop house visits if needed

Day 4

  • Morning: Print and assemble selected dressing visuals

  • Create the final layout around the floor plan

  • Afternoon: Group discussion + guest speaker session

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Certification

Upon completion, you will receive:

  • A certificate from the Film Art Department School

  • A reference from your tutor, Claudia Parker

  • Practical experience recognised within the industry

Claudia’s 20+ years of professional experience means her course carries weight on a CV and can strengthen your early career prospects.

Guest speakers

Throughout the course, you’ll meet industry professionals who bring first-hand knowledge from film and TV productions.
Previous speakers include:

  • Humphrey Bangham

    Scenic Artist

  • Peter Young

    BAFTA-winning Set Decorator

  • Jenny Tobin

    Florist

  • Dick George

    Modelmaker