The British Film Designers Guild (BFDG) launches BFDG Props For the Future: Digital Design, Making & Sustainable Production Training Programme, a new industry-led initiative generously supported by Amazon MGM Studios.

Designed for new entrants, trainees and juniors taking their first steps in props, the programme runs throughout August and September at Sky Studios Elstree. It is completely free to participants.

The programme brings together eight trainees enrolled through the BFDG Newcomer Pathway. Across six interconnected modules, participants follow a complete journey from digital concepting and technical draughting through to physical fabrication, production buying, sustainable practice, and on-set etiquette – gaining a genuine, 360-degree view of the world of props.

Sky Studios Elstree is hosting the full programme, providing classroom and meeting space, workshops, and facilities across its site. During the Set Etiquette module, trainees receive a full tour of the studio with many stepping inside a working production environment for the first time.

The programme opens with Rhino, covering 3D modelling, NURBS geometry, technical draughting, and file preparation for fabrication. That digital foundation leads directly into hands-on making modules, where trainees build a real prop from an Amazon production. The programme also covers production buying – led by Natacha Du Pont de Bie, whose credits include Sexy Beast and Secret Invasion – with a visit to Classic Prop Hire. Set Etiquette is led by Jonathan Paul Green, a Production Designer with over 33 years of experience and credits including Fleabag, Atlanta, and Sumotherhood. The making and digital modules are led by prop maker and digital specialist Gemma Gilbert, whose credits include Amazon’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

Gemma Gilbert said:

“I have a genuine passion for both making and teaching. I love sharing the skills, techniques, and problem-solving approaches I’ve developed throughout my career, helping students build confidence, think creatively, and bring their ideas to life. My goal is to create a supportive, hands-on learning environment where students leave inspired and excited to continue creating.”

The programme closes with a sustainability module delivered by Sustainable Film, embedding responsible practice as a core element of Art Department work.

“Props For the Future is exactly the kind of work our Guild exists to champion. The future of the Art Department depends on experience and this programme gives eight of them a genuine, 360-degree understanding of the craft, from digital design right through to sustainable making. Supporting junior and new entrant talent is at the heart of the BFDG’s mission, and initiatives like this turn that commitment into real opportunity. We are deeply grateful to Amazon MGM Studios for their generous support, and to Sky Studios Elstree for opening their doors and hosting the programme in full. Together, we are helping to build the next generation of British Art Department talent.”

Paul Frost, Chair, British Film Designers Guild

BFDG Newcomer Pathway members received priority access to the programme. Props For the Future is now full, but membership remains open to new entrants and juniors at britishfilmdesigners.com.