BFI NETWORK Southwest Director Lab 2025

Between early May and late June, I had the pleasure of working on The BFI Director Lab, a collaboration between BFI Network South West and Bournemouth Film School - as a multi-disciplinary member of the art department.

Alongside a talented group of graduates and the AUB scenic team, I helped build a derelict wharf set, expanding my skills in scenic techniques such as emulating rust with Flintex and Rosco paints, and creating concrete textures using render and dottling methods. I also revisited vac form brickwork, achieving a more professional finish than in previous projects.

In addition to scenic work, I sourced props and created graphic elements for set dressing. The production required alternating between 1930s and present-day settings, with the art team redressing the set scene by scene, often hourly.

Though demanding, the project was incredibly rewarding. I’m deeply grateful to the wonderful art department whose energy and teamwork kept everything on track and spirits high.

Student Art Team

Maddy Rabey
Kai Popham Lithgow
Matty Robins
Dee Watson
Ryder Pomerleau
Flynn Laban



Professional photography taken as part of the BFI x BFS Director Lab 2025
Photos by Dan Bowhay