Inside the art department: Jess Bessell on growth, collaboration & production design

Ask recent BA (Hons) Production Design for Screen & Film graduate Jess Bessell what first sparked her interest in the art department, and she answers without hesitation.

“I’ve always been a massive film and TV fan,” she says. “But the moment the credits rolled, I’d be straight online, trying to figure out how everything was made – how they created that set or that prop.”

That curiosity soon found a home in her A-Level Art project, where she built a fully realised dining room scene. “After that, I knew I wanted to explore this process further at university,” she explains.

When MetFilm School Brighton launched its BA Production Design for Screen & Film course in 2022, Jess knew she’d found the right fit: the ideal combination of location, facilities, and industry-focused training to kickstart the creative career she’d envisioned for years.

“Nothing short of amazing”

Looking back over her three years at MetFilm School, she describes her experience in one phrase: “nothing short of amazing.”

“I’ve grown and accomplished so much that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to do,” she reflects. “This course has given me insight, knowledge, and real, applicable experience.”

One of the standout features for her? Collaboration.

The BA Production Design for Screen & Film course works closely with students from the BA Filmmaking, BA Film Business & Production, and BA Hair and Make-up for Screen & Film courses. Those partnerships simulate the reality of a working art department – where communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building are just as vital as creative skill.

“These interactions helped develop my networking and communication skills,” she says, “but they also created friendships that have lasted beyond university.”

Learning the craft: creativity meets practicality

While she loves the imaginative side of set and prop design, our ‘Production Logistics and Locations’ module really helped to shift her understanding of the discipline. “It really opened my eyes to the inner workings of the art department,” she explains. “Yes, creativity is important, but the work requires proper planning and preparation to be successful.”

From script breakdowns to dressing lists, intention sheets, risk assessments, and detailed art department schedules, she quickly discovered that professional design work is built on structure as much as it is on artistry.

These skills came into full force during her graduate film Rekindling, where she served as both Production Designer and Standby Art Director.

“Designing that film was the highlight of my university experience,” she says. “It brought together everything I had learned throughout the course.”

Stepping into industry: from ITV to Lapland UK

Thanks to our work placement programme, she quickly transitioned from the classroom to real industry exposure.

She spent two weeks as an art department trainee on ITV’s Grace, and later secured a week-long placement at Lapland UK, supported by the school’s Course Leader, Anna Deamer.

“Both placements provided valuable industry practice and engagement with professionals,” she says. “They helped me build my experience, confidence, and networking skills. The people I met along the way made it even more memorable.”

For many students, this ability to access hands-on experience and make genuine connections is one of the defining strengths of the Production Design course.

Beyond the art department

Her journey didn’t stop at traditional art department roles. Recently, she has been completing an internship with the PR department at Substance Global, working on campaigns for Paramount Theatrical, The True Crime Channel, and Wicked: The Musical.

“It’s not directly linked to art department work,” she notes, “but it’s been a fantastic opportunity to refine transferable skills.”

From polishing her Excel literacy to contributing creative concepts and pitch deck ideas, she’s discovered that production design training offers a versatile toolkit for a broad range of screen-based careers.

“I think it’s important as a postgraduate to remember how big the Film & TV industry is. Even if an opportunity isn’t exactly what you studied, it’s still okay to go for it. Everything is connected somehow – and you never know what you might learn or who you might meet that will help you accomplish your goal.”

Why the BA (Hons) Production Design for Screen & Film stands out

Her story is a reflection of what the course is designed to provide:

• Hands-on creative training in set design, prop fabrication, styling, and visual research
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration with filmmakers, producers, and makeup teams
• Strong grounding in industry-standard documentation and workflows
• Real work placements and industry connections
• A welcoming, creative community where you can explore, learn, and grow

For Jess, the course didn’t just teach her how to design spaces – it helped her discover where she belongs in the film industry.

“I’ve gained so much confidence in myself and my abilities,” she says. “This course truly prepared me for the creative career I always wanted.”

Ready to build your future? 

MetFilm School’s BA Production Design for Screen & Film is not just a degree – it’s an immersive three-year journey into the design-driven heart of filmmaking. With comprehensive training, hands-on experience, and real industry exposure, you’ll graduate ready to step confidently into the world of screen production.

For courses starting in September 2026, the UCAS deadline is Wednesday 14 January 2026. Don’t miss out! Make sure your BA application is submitted by this date to ensure it is considered.

Come and explore our purpose-built production design studios at our upcoming Brighton Open Day on 10 January and see firsthand where your creative journey could begin.