Newcomer Member Application

Newcomer applications are processed twice per year as part of the Guild’s bi-annual intake structure. Places are limited to support a high-quality cohort experience and structured induction.

• Spring Intake (up to 45 places total)
• Autumn Intake (up to 20 places, external applicants)

All Newcomers follow the same structured two-year programme framework, regardless of intake timing (intake dates determine the start point, not the programme content or expectations).

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

• Early Career Applicants: Individuals who are beginning their careers in the Art Department (e.g. runners, trainees, assistants) and have limited professional experience.
• Industry Transferees: Individuals moving into film and television from related creative professions such as architecture, theatre, interior design, exhibition design, fine art, or illustration.
• Recent Graduates: Individuals who have completed a relevant Production Design or related course at a recognised institution. *NB – We take Graduates from the BFDG’s educational partners who automatically get upgraded to Newcomer on approval and have shown their commitment to the art department following their 3-year courses

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and eligible to work in the UK.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate at least two of the following:

• A credit or verifiable work placement on a film, television, or commercial production.
• A portfolio showing relevant creative, technical, or design skills.
• Participation in recognised industry training (e.g. ScreenSkills, NFTS, BFI, Production Guild, FDI or equivalent)
  NB – We take Graduates from the BFDG’s educational partners who automatically get upgraded to Newcomer on approval and have shown their commitment to the art department following their 3-year courses.
• Evidence of related professional experience in another design-led industry (transferees from Architecture, Theatre etc).

Each applicant must provide one written endorsement or reference from a senior Art Department professional or equivalent for industry transferees.

• The endorser should preferably be a BFDG member, but a non-member HoD or senior colleague may be accepted where appropriate.
• The endorsement must confirm the applicant’s professional attitude, reliability, and readiness to pursue a career within the Art Department.

Applicants are required to submit a brief hand-drawn and/or digital portfolio or showreel demonstrating their creative ability, technical understanding, and potential for growth.

Acceptable materials include:

• Coursework or student projects (for graduates);
• Personal design or draughting work;
• Evidence of practical or digital design skills relevant to Art Department roles.

Applications are assessed against the following criteria:

• Demonstrated commitment to the Art Department career pathway
• Portfolio strength
• Relevant training or qualifications
• Professional conduct and readiness
• Alignment with Guild values
• Consideration of diversity and inclusion
• Endorsement from a suitable industry professional

• The Newcomer membership category is held for a maximum of two years.
• Members are encouraged to take an active role in Guild membership by participating in events, networking opportunities and, where possible, volunteering. This engagement helps demonstrate commitment to the BFDG. Newcomers should keep a record of their involvement during their two-year membership period, which will be submitted as part of the 2-Year Review.
• Upon achieving sufficient experience and screen credits, members may apply to upgrade to the relevant professional category (e.g. Art Department Assistant, Junior Draughtsperson, or equivalent), with an endorsement from an HoD who is ideally a BFDG member and if not, a recognised HoD with a verifiable IMDb profile- from the applicant’s most recent project, confirming their work at the level for which they are applying to upgrade to.
• A month before reaching the two-year Newcomer membership milestone, members will be contacted and asked to complete a review form as part of the 2-Year Review. This will include providing information about professional progress and supplying an up-to-date CV and portfolio, along with career goals and including a reference from a BFDG HoD or recognised HoD with a verifiable IMDb profile, from the applicant’s most recent project, confirming their work at the level for which they may be able to upgrade to.
• Extensions beyond two years may be considered in exceptional circumstances and on an individual basis, subject to committee approval.

The Newcomer Manager and Membership Manager will assess Newcomer applicants based on the following principles

• Commitment: Demonstrated intent to pursue a long-term career in the Art Department.
• Professional Conduct: Evidence of reliability, teamwork, and engagement with the industry.
• Potential: Clear signs of creativity, adaptability, and growth.
• Inclusivity and Standards: The category is designed to be accessible yet selective, ensuring that all admitted members represent the Guild’s professional values.

• The Newcomer Manager and Membership Manager will review the Newcomer membership criteria annually to ensure relevance and fairness.
• Feedback from educational partners, business partners, and current members will be taken into account when refining the pathway.
• The Membership Manager will track annual intakes of graduate and non-graduate newcomers to ensure balanced representation and manageable cohort sizes.