BFDG Props for the future: A 360-degree view of the world of props launches today, supported by Amazon MGM Studios

The world of props is vast. Most people entering the Art Department only ever see one corner of it. This new BFDG programme goes deep into that world, across disciplines, tools, and ways of working, so that trainees leave with a genuine understanding of what the craft demands and where they want to take it.

The British Film Designers Guild is proud to announce BFDG Props for the future: digital design, making & sustainable production training programme, a new industry-led initiative generously supported by Amazon MGM Studios. Designed for new entrants, trainees, and juniors taking their first steps in the world of props, the programme represents a significant investment in the next generation of the craft and would not have been possible without Amazon MGM Studios’ commitment to that future. The BFDG is incredibly grateful to Amazon MGM Studios for their generous support of this programme.

Running throughout August and September at Sky Studios Elstree, the programme brings together eight trainees enrolled through the BFDG Newcomer Pathway, supported by some of the most respected practitioners and partners in the industry. Across six interconnected modules, participants follow a complete journey from digital concepting and technical draughting through to physical fabrication, production buying, sustainable practice, and on-set etiquette, gaining a genuine, 360-degree view of where every discipline fits and where they belong within it.

We also would like to thank Sky Studios Elstree, who are hosting the full programme at their studios and providing the classroom and meeting space, workshops, and facilities that make it possible. During the Set Etiquette module, trainees will receive a full tour of the studio, seeing a working studio environment and its behind-the-scenes operation first hand. For many, it will be the first time they have stepped inside a major studio as part of the industry. That experience, in itself, is invaluable.

Traditional craft and digital design: The Making & Digital Modules

Modern props work sits at the intersection of traditional craft and digital technology. The best practitioners move fluently between the two, from ZBrush sculpts and Rhino models to workshop benches, casting materials, and finishing for camera.

These modules are designed around that reality: software, making skills, and creative problem-solving are not separate disciplines but part of the same toolkit.

Gemma Gilbert, the tutor at the heart of this part of the BFDG programme, embodies exactly that approach. With over 13 years’ experience as a prop maker in the UK film industry, and the past five years specialising in digital sculpting using ZBrush and Rhino, Gemma brings both disciplines to the workshop in equal measure. Her most recent credits include work on The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. 

“I have a genuine passion for both making and teaching. I love sharing the skills, techniques, and problem-solving approaches I’ve developed throughout my career, helping students build confidence, think creatively, and bring their ideas to life. My goal is to create a supportive, hands-on learning environment where students leave inspired and excited to continue creating.” Gemma Gilbert, Prop Maker

The Full Shape of the Programme

The programme opens with Rhino, giving trainees a working knowledge of 3D modelling, NURBS geometry, technical draughting, and file preparation for fabrication. That digital foundation leads directly into the hands-on making modules with Gemma, where trainees move from screen to workshop and build a real prop from the

 actual Amazon MGM Studios productions. The two are designed to connect: Rhino is not taught in isolation, but as the first step toward something physical.

From there, trainees work with Natacha Du Pont de Bie an experienced production buyer and Art Department professional with credits including Sexy Beast and Secret Invasion. This module covers sourcing, budgeting, and buying side of props work. It includes a visit to Classic Prop Hire, located next to Sky Studios Elstree, giving trainees a first-hand look at how a professional prop house operates.

At the centre of the programme sits the Set Etiquette module, led by Jonathan Paul Green, recently ex-Chair of the BFDG and a Production Designer with over 33 years of experience. It covers on-set conduct, crew communication, supplier relationships, and the practical realities of finding and sustaining work in the industry. As part of this module, trainees receive a full tour of Sky Studios Elstree, a first-hand look at a working studio and the behind-the-scenes processes that keep it running.

The programme closes with sustainability, delivered by Sustainable Film – industry leaders in environmental practice across film and TV. 

Responsible material choices, sustainable sourcing, and designing for reuse are now expected of the modern Art Department and trainees leave with that embedded in how they think, not treated as an afterthought.

The Newcomer Pathway: Where Opportunities Like This Begin

Newcomer Pathway members received priority access to Props For the Future ahead of the wider Guild. This is one of the tangible benefits of BFDG membership: when opportunities like this arise, our members hear about them first.

If you are not yet a Newcomer Pathway member, now is the time to join. Becoming a BFDG Newcomer member is the clearest route to early access on opportunities like this one, and future programmes, events, and initiatives that the Guild develops for new entrants and juniors. Registration is open at britishfilmdesigners.com.

A few things that make this programme stand out:

• The programme is completely free to participants. This is made possible by the support of Amazon MGM Studios and the commitment of the BFDG’s partners such as Sky Elstree. 
• All six modules are connected. The programme is designed as a complete journey: each session builds on the last, giving trainees a genuinely rounded picture of the discipline.

A programme built on partnership

Props For the Future is a clear example of what BFDG membership makes possible. It exists because of the talent, generosity, and commitment of our members and partners: tutors who are active industry professionals, partners who open their doors and share their expertise, and supporters who invest in the next generation of the craft.

To find out more about BFDG training, membership or the Newcomer Pathway, get in touch with the team directly: [email protected]