The PDC would like to thank all the production designers who joined us for our one-day seminar this April! The seminar was attended by over 60 designers, art directors and colleagues - the attendance exceeded our expectations and cemented our belief that there's a genuine demand for such events in our community.
For those of us who couldn't be there, here's a short account of the event, complete with photos and videos.
Our one-day seminar opened with a panel called "Who's Your Agent", with the participation of agents from major Hollywood and boutique agencies. Panelists Mira Yong (WME), Ann Murphy (ICM) Hillary Cook (Murtha Skouras) and Julian Savodivker (APA) talked to designer Michael Shaw about the role of a below-the-line agent, their responsibilities and relationships with their clients.
From left to right: Designer Mike Shaw and agents Ann Murphy, Julian Savodivker, Mira Yong and Hillary Cook.
The seminar continued with the panel "Our Values @Work", where designer Kevin Lee Allen hosted Reps Beverly Miller and Susan Gammie (United Scenic Artists local 829) and Dooner (Art Directors Guild, Local 800). The lively discussion concentrated on the role of the union in protecting designers' rights, negotiating basic contracts and communicating with union members.
From left to right: Designer Kevin Lee Allen, representatives Beverly Miller, Susan Gammie and Dooner.
After lunch we reconvened to listen to a producing panel moderated by designer Inbal Weinberg and titled "Blood, Sweat and Tears". Film and TV producers Amy Kaufman (Billions, Gossip Girl), G. Mac Brown (The Departed, Australia), Jill Footlick (You Can Count on Me, Boys Don't Cry), Mary Jane Skalski (Wilson, The Station Agent) and Kyle Martin (Donald Cried, Tiny Furniture) conversed about their work process and dialogue with designers and the art department.
From left to right: producers Mary Jane Skalski, Jill Footlick, G. Mac Brown, Kyle Martin, designer Inbal Weinberg and producer Amy Kaufman.
Our closing panel, titled "Anecdotes from the Trenches", was moderated by designer Kalina Ivanov and included designers Naomi Shohan (Ben-Hur, I Am Legend, American Beauty), Mark Ricker (Trumbo, The Help, Julie and Julia), Richard Hoover (42, Dead Man Walking, Twin Peaks) and David Gropman (Fences, Life of Pie, Hairspray). The designers discussed their design process, from preparing for an interview to their post-production involvement. They shared stories from their illustrious careers and gave advice based on their experience.
From left to right: Designers Kalina Ivanov, David Gropman, Mark Ricker, Naomi Shohan and Richard Hoover.
We concluded the day with a cocktail reception, which served as an opportunity for colleagues to interact, discuss the seminar's panels and exchange professional views.
We are extremely grateful to all the participants and panelists for their enthusiasm, engagement and support! The event gave us great ideas and the positive feedback is inspiring us to create similar seminars in the future.
THANK YOU,
Inbal and Kalina
