Awards information, entries & categories
British Film Designers Guild
2021 BFDG AWARDS CRITERIA & ENTRY FORMS*
Key Dates for the BFDG Awards are:
1 October 2021 – Entries open
28 October 2021 – Entries close
3 December 2021 – Entry Assets need to be uploaded and received
10 December 2021 – Entries for the Peter Lamont Award – Spotlighting New Talent,
Outstanding Contribution to the Art Dept and Lifetime Achievement close
1 January 2022 – 1st Vote to establish the finalists
21 January 2022 – 1st Vote closes
28 January 2022 – Finalist nominations announced & Final Vote opens
20 February 2022 – 2nd Vote closes
12 March 2022 – Winners Announced
To find the entry forms for each award, simply scroll down this page
*Changes this year in criteria – we are constantly trying to establish the most diverse, fair and open criteria for entry submission. Should you have any thoughts, questions or ideas about how we can do better or make changes now, simply contact the office
Entries
from 1 October 2021
On the 1st October, the BFDG awards 2021 will be launched, and members will be asked for their project entries (which they should verify against the criteria for each award) after which the committee will send out a list of checked and verified entries but ask for amendments / omissions from members.
The initial entry will can be made here. Information required will be: project title, production company, release date & HoD information.
Once these details have been checked and verified each entry will be invited to support their entry with assets …
ENTRY SUBMISSION: This year we will be inviting members to submit a larger variety of assets to support their submission. Before submitting these assets permission must have been obtained from the BFDG. Full details of the submission requirements can be sought from the office [email protected]
Members may enter a project that they have worked on.
1st Vote
From 1 January 2021 to establish the 3 finalists in each category
(except Short Film, Outstanding Contribution to the Art Dept and Lifetime Achievement)
A voting link, together with a link to the project submission details will be sent to members on 1st January – members will be asked to vote in each category on either the list of candidates or project by ranking them
Members may vote for a project they have worked on.
2nd Vote
On 28 January 2021 to establish the 3 winners
(in each category except Short Film, Spotlighting New Talent, Outstanding Contribution to the Art Dept & Lifetime Achievement)
There will be 3 finalists in each category at the awards, except for Lifetime Achievement. The Short Film, Spotlighting Talent Outstanding Contribution to the Art Dept and the Lifetime Achievement awards will not be included in the 2nd vote as these awards, will be judged by committee members.
This link will be sent to members on 28th January together with a link to the voting submission details – members will be asked to vote on their 1st choice 2nd choice and 3rd choice by ranking them. If there is a tie, the winner will be the project which has received the most 1st choice votes
Members may vote for a project they have worked on.
The fourteen awards categories for 2021 are:
1. Peter Lamont Award – Spotlighting New Talent
This award’s intention is to highlight the future stars of the next generation of filmmakers.
This award has been renamed in honour of Production Designer and BFDG member Peter Lamont, who sadly passed away in December 2020. Peter was always keen to help and support young talent in the Art Department and as this award’s intention is to highlight the future stars of the next generation of filmmakers the BFDG thought it would be a fitting tribute to dedicate this award to him.
This award is now open to BFDG members and art department juniors outside of the BFDG
Last year when this awards criteria was reviewed, and it was agreed that each BFDG HoD, should enter 1 individual that they have worked with in the last year and who fits within the criteria below.
The list of nominees would then be voted on just once by the membership and the resulting 3 finalists for this award will then be asked separately to send in a selection of specific work, and this will be judged by the committee rather than members
All candidates should at the time of entry, be a department junior
Suggested max credit junior so Jnr Draughtsman, or equivalent ie Set Dec Assist, Jnr Graphic Designer with less than 4 years working.
Each entry by an HOD should be accompanied by a paragraph of up to 100 words about why this person should be considered – a link to a form on our website will be sent to all HoDs.
Certificates will also be given to all finalist nominees
2. Commercial
Best Production Design
This award is to recognise those working in the advertising industry art departments
To qualify for this award, a commercial must be at least 30 seconds in length.
This award relates to Commercials released in the UK (from 1st January 2021 to midnight on 31st December 2021 based on data from IMDB and UK general release dates. . (Release can mean theatrical or streamed / on-demand broadcast including festival screenings).
Any commercial must have at least one HoD who is also a full BFDG member on the crew: production designer (PD), supervising art director (SAD) or art director (AD), set decorator (SD) or stylist. Trophies will be given to these senior members (PD, SAD, SD, AD or stylist) of the winning Commercial including non-BFDG members. Up to 6 Certificates of Excellence will be given to members of the art department (whether Guild members or not) as advised by the PD(or AD) – numbers above that can be produced but will have to be paid for.
Certificates will also be given to all finalist nominees.
3. Short Film
Best Production Design
This Award is intended to celebrate a wider group of BFDG members’ creativity, who work on smaller budget productions
This award relates to films with a max running time (incl credits) of 40 mins. Films may be fiction or non-fiction.
This award relates to films released in the UK (from 1st January 2021 to midnight on 31st December 2021 based on data from IMDB and UK general release dates. . (Release can mean theatrical or streamed / on-demand broadcast including festival screenings).
Any short film must have at least one HoD who is also a full BFDG member on the crew; production designer (PD) art director (AD) or set decorator (SD). Trophies will be given to these senior members (PD, SD or AD) of the winning Short film including non-BFDG members. Up to 6 Certificates of Excellence will be given to members of the art department (whether Guild members or not) as advised by the PD – numbers above that can be produced but will have to be paid for.
Certificates will also be given to all finalist nominees
Voting: This award will be voted on by a committee of BDFG members only (if any BFDG member would like to join this committee, please contact the office [email protected])
4. Light Entertainment TV Programme
Includes comedy and general entertainment
Best Production Design
This award relates to general television entertainment programmes released in the UK (from 1st January 2021 to midnight on 31st December 2021) based on data from IMDB and UK general release dates. . (Release can mean theatrical or streamed / on-demand broadcast including festival screenings).
Any nominated Light Entertainment TV Programme must have at least one HoD who is also a full BFDG member on the crew; production designer (PD), supervising art director (SAD), set decorator (SD) and art director (AD) if no supervising art director. Trophies will be given to these senior members (PD, SAD or AD, SD) of the winning Light Entertainment Programme including non-BFDG members. Up to 6 Certificates of Excellence will be given to members of the art department (whether Guild members or not) as advised by the PD – numbers above that can be produced but will have to be paid for.
Certificates will also be given to all finalist nominees
5. Independent TV Drama including mini series, TV movie or limited series (Max budget £ 30M)
Best Production Design
This award relates to Independent Television Dramas released in the UK (from 1st January 2021 to midnight on 31st December 2021 based on data from IMDB and UK general release dates. . (Release can mean theatrical or streamed / on-demand broadcast including festival screenings).
Any nominated Independent Television Drama must have at least one HoD who is also a full BFDG member on the crew; production designer (PD), supervising art director (SAD) or set decorator (SD). Trophies will be given to these senior members (PD, SAD & SD) of the winning television drama including non-BFDG members. Up to 6 Certificates of Excellence will be given to members of the art department (whether Guild members or not) as advised by the PD – numbers above that can be produced but will have to be paid for.
Certificates will also be given to all finalist nominees
6. International TV Drama including mini series, TV movie or limited series
Best Production Design
This award relates to International Television Dramas released in the UK (from 1st January 2021 to midnight on 31st December 2021 based on data from IMDB and UK general release dates. . (Release can mean theatrical or streamed / on-demand broadcast including festival screenings).
Any nominated International Television Drama must have at least one HoD who is also a full BFDG member on the crew; production designer (PD), supervising art director (SAD) or set decorator (SD). Trophies will be given to these senior members (PD, SAD & SD) of the winning television drama including non-BFDG members. Up to 6 Certificates of Excellence will be given to members of the art department (whether Guild members or not) as advised by the PD – numbers above that can be produced but will have to be paid for.
Certificates will also be given to all finalist nominees
7. Independent Feature Film – Period
Best Production Design (max budget £30M)
This award relates to Independent Feature Films released in the UK (from 1st January 2021 to midnight on 31st December 2021) based on data from IMDB and UK general release dates. . (Release can mean theatrical or streamed / on-demand broadcast including festival screenings).
To qualify in this category, a feature film must have the majority of its sets and locations designed to portray a time period at least 20 years prior to the present awards year. * In the event that the film straddles more than one genre, we will follow the 51% or more rule noted below.
Nominated Feature Films must have at least one HoD who is also a full BFDG member on the crew; production designer (PD), supervising art director (SAD) or set decorator (SD). Trophies will be given to these senior members (PD, SAD & SD) of the winning feature film including non-BFDG members. Up to 6 Certificates of Excellence will be given to members of the art department (whether Guild members or not) as advised by the PD – numbers above that can be produced but will have to be paid for.
Certificates will also be given to all finalist nominees.
*In many cases a feature film may include a combination of two or more of the 3 categories (Period, Contemporary or Fantasy). You may specify your category choice but the Awards Committee has the right to move a film to a more appropriate category, In most cases, we will recognise the film in the category that represents 51% or more of the running time unless otherwise noted above.
8. Independent Feature Film – Contemporary
Best Production Design (max budget £30M)
This awards relates to Independent Feature Films released in the UK (from 1st January 2021 to midnight on 31st December 2021) based on data from IMDB and UK general release dates. . (Release can mean theatrical or streamed / on-demand broadcast including festival screenings).
To qualify in this category, a feature film must have the majority of its sets and locations designed to portray a places of a realistic nature within 20 years either side of the present awards year * In the event that the film straddles more than one genre, we will follow the 51% or more rule noted below.
Nominated Feature Films must have at least one HoD who is also a full BFDG member on the crew; production designer (PD), supervising art director (SAD) or set decorator (SD). Trophies will be given to these senior members (PD, SAD & SD) of the winning feature film including non-BFDG members. Up to 6 Certificates of Excellence will be given to members of the art department (whether Guild members or not) as advised by the PD – numbers above that can be produced but will have to be paid for.
Certificates will also be given to all finalist nominees.
*In many cases a feature film may include a combination of two or more of the 3 categories (Period, Contemporary or Fantasy). You may specify your category choice but the Awards Committee has the right to move a film to a more appropriate category, In most cases, we will recognise the film in the category that represents 51% or more of the running time unless otherwise noted above.
9. Independent Feature Film – Fantasy
Best Production Design (max budget £30M)
This awards relates to Independent Feature Films released in the UK (from 1st January 2021 to midnight on 31st December 2021) based on data from IMDB and UK general release dates. . (Release can mean theatrical or streamed / on-demand broadcast including festival screenings).
To qualify in this category, a feature film must have the majority of its sets and locations designed to portray places of an imaginative and inventive nature. * In the event that the film straddles more than one genre, we will follow the 51% or more rule noted below.
Nominated Feature Films must have at least one HoD who is also a full BFDG member on the crew; production designer (PD), supervising art director (SAD) or set decorator (SD). Trophies will be given to these senior members (PD, SAD & SD) of the winning feature film including non-BFDG members. Up to 6 Certificates of Excellence will be given to members of the art department (whether Guild members or not) as advised by the PD – numbers above that can be produced but will have to be paid for.
Certificates will also be given to all finalist nominees.
*In many cases a feature film may include a combination of two or more of the 3 categories (Period, Contemporary or Fantasy). You may specify your category choice but the Awards Committee has the right to move a film to a more appropriate category, In most cases, we will recognise the film in the category that represents 51% or more of the running time unless otherwise noted above.
10. International Studio Feature Film – Period
Best Production Design
This award relates to International Feature Films released in the UK (from 1st January 2021 to midnight on 31st December 2021) based on data from IMDB and UK general release dates. . (Release can mean theatrical or streamed / on-demand broadcast including festival screenings).
To qualify in this category, a feature film must have the majority of its sets and locations designed to portray a time period at least 20 years prior to the present awards year. * In the event that the film straddles more than one genre, we will follow the 51% or more rule noted below.
Nominated Feature Films must have at least one HoD who is also a full BFDG member on the crew; production designer (PD), supervising art director (SAD) or set decorator (SD). Trophies will be given to these senior members (PD, SAD & SD) of the winning feature film including non-BFDG members. Up to 6 Certificates of Excellence will be given to members of the art department (whether Guild members or not) as advised by the PD – numbers above that can be produced but will have to be paid for.
Certificates will also be given to all finalist nominees
*In many cases a feature film may include a combination of two or more of the 3 categories (Period, Contemporary or Fantasy). You may specify your category choice but the Awards Committee has the right to move a film to a more appropriate category, In most cases, we will recognise the film in the category that represents 51% or more of the running time unless otherwise noted above.
11. International Studio Feature Film – Contemporary
Best Production Design
This award relates to International Feature Films released in the UK (from 1st January 2021 to midnight on 31st December 2021) based on data from IMDB and UK general release dates. . (Release can mean theatrical or streamed / on-demand broadcast including festival screenings).
To qualify in this category, a feature film must have the majority of its sets and locations designed to portray a places of a realistic nature within 20 years either side of the present awards year * In the event that the film straddles more than one genre, we will follow the 51% or more rule noted below.
Nominated Feature Films must have at least one HoD who is also a full BFDG member on the crew; production designer (PD), supervising art director (SAD) or set decorator (SD). Trophies will be given to these senior members (PD, SAD & SD) of the winning feature film including non-BFDG members. Up to 6 Certificates of Excellence will be given to members of the art department (whether Guild members or not) as advised by the PD – numbers above that can be produced but will have to be paid for.
Certificates will also be given to all finalist nominees
*In many cases a feature film may include a combination of two or more of the 3 categories (Period, Contemporary or Fantasy). You may specify your category choice but the Awards Committee has the right to move a film to a more appropriate category, In most cases, we will recognise the film in the category that represents 51% or more of the running time unless otherwise noted above.
12. International Studio Feature Film – Fantasy
Best Production Design
This award relates to International Feature Films released in the UK (from 1st January 2021 to midnight on 31st December 2021) based on data from IMDB and UK general release dates. . (Release can mean theatrical or streamed / on-demand broadcast including festival screenings).
To qualify in this category, a feature film must have the majority of its sets and locations designed to portray places of an imaginative and inventive nature. * In the event that the film straddles more than one genre, we will follow the 51% or more rule noted below.
Nominated Feature Films must have at least one HoD who is also a full BFDG member on the crew; production designer (PD), supervising art director (SAD) or set decorator (SD). Trophies will be given to these senior members (PD, SAD & SD) of the winning feature film including non-BFDG members. Up to 6 Certificates of Excellence will be given to members of the art department (whether Guild members or not) as advised by the PD – numbers above that can be produced but will have to be paid for.
Certificates will also be given to all finalist nominees
*In many cases a feature film may include a combination of two or more of the 3 categories (Period, Contemporary or Fantasy). You may specify your category choice but the Awards Committee has the right to move a film to a more appropriate category, In most cases, we will recognise the film in the category that represents 51% or more of the running time unless otherwise noted above.
13. Outstanding Contribution to the Art Department
Supported by Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden
Up to 5 winners for this award will be chosen from the membership (not an HoD) of the Guild and will be nominated by BFDG members
With this Award, the BFDG aims to celebrate the broad spectrum of Art Department talent within our industry. From Storyboard Artists to Art Directors and all the others in between, this is your chance to nominate a fellow member who you feel has made a positive impact on the Art Department and deserves to be recognised. It could be through their craft skill or talent, mentorship of a colleague, or perhaps their kindness and thoughtfulness of others.
Each entry by a member should be accompanied by a paragraph of up to 100 words about why their candidate should be considered – a link to a form on our website will be sent to all members.
Judging for this award will be made by the BFDG committee and a representative from Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden
14. Lifetime Achievement
This person will be chosen from both the BFDG membership & the wider art department
This award is for Art Department members who we would like to honour, having had a long and extensive career and who have made their creative mark on this industry, benefiting their department as a whole.
Each entry by a BFDG member should be accompanied by a paragraph, of up to 100 words about why their candidate should be considered – a link to a form on our website will be sent to all members.
Judging for this award, will be made by the committee
