#23: Becca Salter, Standby Art Director - Secrets to Success in the Art Department

Filmmaking Framed

Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of filmmaking with Standby Art Director Becca Salter. In this episode, Becca shares her experiences and insights from working on sets like "Still Up," "Trigger Point," and "Silent Witness." Learn about her journey into the industry, starting with work experience on "Horrible Histories" and her extensive time with the BBC, particularly on "Eastenders," where she honed her skills as a graphics assistant and later as a standby art director. Discover the day-to-day responsibilities of a standby art director, the challenges of coordinating with multiple departments, and the magic of bringing a script to life. Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker or just curious about what goes on behind the scenes, this episode is packed with valuable information and captivating stories from the heart of the film industry.

Key Lessons

• Effective Communication with Departments: Becca highlights the need for clear communication with various departments like sound, costume, and locations. She ensures props don’t interfere with dialogue, such as opting for canvas bags over noisy plastic ones, which is a crucial detail for smooth filming that’s often overlooked.

• Navigating Clearance Challenges: Becca shares the importance of understanding the legal implications for props and set decorations. For instance, a toy used in one scene couldn’t be reused in another due to clearance issues. This highlights the need for meticulous planning and coordination, especially with branded items.

• Adapting Quickly to New Sets: Becca discusses the importance of adaptability, explaining how she often joins sets for short periods. She emphasizes being prepared, doing thorough script breakdowns, and having the confidence to introduce herself and ask questions to seamlessly fit into new team dynamics.

Resources

• Networking and Mentorship: Becca emphasises reaching out to industry professionals via LinkedIn and other platforms. Building connections and seeking advice from experienced individuals can provide valuable insights and open doors to opportunities.

• Industry Schemes and Apprenticeships: Programmes like those offered by the BBC and organizations such as ScreenSkills and Skillset provide structured pathways into the industry. These schemes often include placements, mentorship, and hands-on experience in various departments.

https://www.screenskills.com/training-and-opportunities/?fundingOptions=ScreenSkills%20funded%20only#/

• Online Courses and Workshops: Becca mentions taking advantage of online courses to improve skills during downtime. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and industry-specific platforms offer courses on budgeting, technical drawing, and other relevant topics.

• Production Company Websites: Researching and reaching out to production companies directly through their websites can lead to work experience opportunities. Complimenting their work and expressing genuine interest in their projects can make your outreach more effective.

Want to get in touch with Becca? Reach out to her via LinkedIn or Instagram

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccasalterart/

https://www.instagram.com/saltyslater?igsh=N2NjM3kyd2hpMncy

Filmmaking Framed is proudly supported by Centroid Motion Capture, a leader in providing state-of-the-art motion capture technology to the entertainment industry.