The Art Directors Guild (ADG, IATSE Local 800) has instituted an innovative production apprentice (PA) program, designed to provide those with the most talent, imagination and leadership qualities in the field with a clear, supervised path to full membership in the guild.
After 260 days of participation, each of the PAs’ mentors will submit a formal letter of review to the ADG Council. Upon a successful review, offers of membership as an assistant art director will be extended. In tandem with their work opportunities the PAs will be required to provide 20 days of compensated community service to the Guild.
The 2013 inductees, Whitney Donald (AFI), Patrick Scalise (UCLA), Christopher Ward (UCSD) and Kate Weddle (AFI), were selected from more than 90 applicants.
“This is the first time that a leading West Coast craft guild has instituted such a comprehensive program, and in reviewing their portfolios it is easy to predict that these young designers – and those who will follow them into this program – are destined to be the future leaders of our profession and Guild,” co-chariman Tom Walsh said.
Donald graduated from Brigham Young University and received her M.F.A. in production design from the American Film Institute. Her thesis film, First In Flight, premiered at Hollywood’s Chinese Theatre.
Scalise studied architecture at Parsons School of Design. He moved from New York to England to study set design for the stage and screen at London’s Wimbledon College of Art, graduating in 2010 with first honors.
Ward attended Stephen F. Austin State University where he graduated with honors. He had previously served in the United States Army. He earned his MFA at San Diego State University’s School of Theatre, Film, and Television and has since designed more than 40 productions for theater, film and broadcast television.
Weddle, a writer and designer, earned a B.A. in 3D Animation from the University of Central Florida. She has worked as a professional graphic designer and art director in print and other media, developing her skills in 3D rendering and concept designs. She received her MFA in production design at the AFI.
“The tools and possibilities in our business have advanced at dizzying speeds,” co-chairman Jack Fisk said. “To meet and understand the future demands required of designers, artists and craftsmen for this modern incarnation, colleges and universities have replaced the studio art departments in teaching film design.”
