The Art Directors Guild (ADG, IATSE Local 800) has instituted an innovative Production Apprentice (PA) program, the first such program by a Hollywood crafts guild, designed to provide those with the most talent, imagination and leadership qualities in the field with a clear, supervised path to full membership in the Guild.
After 260 days of participation, the PAs’ mentors/supervisors will submit formal letters of review to the ADG Council. Upon a successful review, offers of membership as an Assistant Art Director will be extended.
In tandem with their work opportunities the PAs will be required to provide 20 days of compensated community service to the Guild.
The 2013 inductees, Whitney Donald (AFI), Patrick Scalise (UCLA), Christopher Ward (UCSD) and Kate Weddle (AFI), were selected from more than 90 applicants.
Donald graduated from Brigham Young University and received her M.F.A. in Production Design from the American Film Institute. Her thesis film, First In Flight, premiered at Hollywood’s Chinese Theatre and has won many awards.
Scalise studied architecture at Parsons School of Design. He moved from New York to England to study Set Design for the Stage and Screen at London’s Wimbledon College of Art, graduating in 2010 with 1st Honors. He was a recipient of The Michael Minor and Robert Green Scholarship at UCLA.
Ward attended Stephen F. Austin State University where he graduated with honors. He had previously served in the United States Army. He earned his M.F.A. at San Diego State University’s School of Theatre, Film, and Television and has since designed more than 40 productions for theatre, film, and broadcast television.
Weddle, a writer and designer, earned a B.A. in 3-D Animation from the University of Central Florida. She has worked as a professional graphic designer and art director in print and other media, developing her skills in 3-D rendering and concept designs. She received her M.F.A. in Production Design at the AFI.
Co-chairs of the program are Jack Fisk, John Iacovelli and Tom Walsh.
Walsh said “This is the first time that a leading West Coast craft guild has instituted such a comprehensive program and in reviewing their portfolios it is easy to predict that these young designers and those who will follow them into this program are destined to be the future leaders of our profession and Guild.”
Fisk added, “The tools and possibilities in our business have advanced at dizzying speeds. To meet and understand the future demands required of designers, artists, and craftsmen for this modern incarnation, colleges and universities have replaced the studio art departments in teaching film design.
“This year’s first incarnation of the Art Directors Apprentice Training Program has provided us with a great number of talented candidates. Of all these, four have been chosen for a mentoring program to finish their education and further prepare them to advance our art in our exciting and challenging business.
“I think this program will strengthen future Production Designers and Art Directors in this widening industry and all of us will benefit.”
About the Art Directors Guild
The Art Directors Guild (IATSE Local 800) represents nearly 2,000 members who work throughout the United States, Canada and the rest of the world in film, television and theater as Production Designers, Art Directors, Assistant Art Directors; Scenic, Title and Graphic Artists; Illustrators and Matte Artists; and Set Designers and Model Makers; and Previs Artists. Established in 1937, the ADG’s ongoing activities include a Film Society; an annual Awards Banquet, a creative/technology community (5D: The Future of Immersive Design); a bimonthly craft magazine (Perspective); and extensive technology-training programs, figure drawing and other creative workshops and year-round Gallery 800 art exhibitions. The Guild’s Online Directory/Website Resource is at w
