In conversation with BA Production Arts (Design Realisation) students on creating a 'Pirates of the Caribbean' inspired film set
In conversation with Design Realisation students on creating a 'Pirates of the Caribbean' inspired film set
In conversation with first-year BA Production Arts (Design Realisation) students who are working on creating a Pirates of the Caribbean inspired film set.
Course Leader Vanessa Cass reflects on the significance of this project for new Production Arts students:
“The Design Realisation project acts as a bridge between the construction, props and scenic art lessons that our first years undertake in term one and the productions they work on in year 2. It’s a lovely way to showcase all the skills they’ve learned, in a set designed by Design Realisation staff and put together in the paintshop. It’s the first time they work together as a whole team and have a creative input into how the final set looks. Some of their peers from the Theatre Technology pathway help with the sound and lighting and we run performances that are open to family, friends and the rest of the school. It’s a great way to finish our students first term at university.”
With that collaborative spirit alive in the workshop, we spent an afternoon catching up with first-year Design Realisation students as they sculpted kraken tentacles, carved props, stitched puppets, and transformed large-scale scenic elements. The room was alive with sawdust, spray paint, and creativity as students shared insights into their work, their pathways to Guildhall, and their advice for future applicants.
It seems like everyone has found their own corner of the pirate world to bring to life - what are you working on right now?
El: Currently, I’m making some set dressing elements for the beach scene. It’s a collaborative project, and I’ve had a hand in lots of different things like the making of the ship.
Right now, I'm weathering and distressing using materials like vermiculite and PVA mixed with sawdust to create more texture and make it look grimy and grotty.
Naomi: I’ve worked on a few different parts of the project. In props we’ve been learning polycarving, and in scenic we’ve been working on a big backdrop - doing the spray-painting, misting and wood-graining for the pirate ship.
It sounds like you’ve each taken on very different tasks. I’m curious - what new techniques and skills have you discovered along the way?
Ciel: We were working from a mood board inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean, which included ‘Cotton’s parrot’ from the film and I decided to give it a go. I went to the Natural History Museum for research, drew up a design, and used that as a jumping-off point.
I haven’t done much puppetry before, only cardboard work, so it’s been fun exploring new materials and researching mechanisms for puppet movement. I’m really enjoying it because it’s construction on a small scale and a bit scenic as well.
It’s always interesting to hear where people started before coming to Guildhall. Did you have a background in making at your school or college previously?
El: I helped with a show in my last year at school doing set design and other bits and bobs. I knew I was good with my hands and practical. Even if you don’t have loads of experience, as long as you have artistic ability, you’ll be set.
Ciel: I painted Warhammer figurines, but I didn’t have much theatre experience. I volunteered at my local theatre for a production of The Fantastic Mr. Fox. I just knew I liked making little things and painting - and that I liked theatre. I figured it was worth applying even if I didn’t get in first time, as I could get feedback on my portfolio and try again, but I got in first time!
Autumn: I came straight from A Levels in textiles and product design, so I had some drawing, designing and construction skills. I also worked on a few personal projects to bulk up my portfolio to show my own interests.
Naomi: I went to the Brit School where I did set design, so I got to design and build sets, but Guildhall is different because of the one-to-one teaching. They make sure you understand the technique properly and then say, "Okay, now apply it." I really enjoy the structure and support.
You’re all developing such a wide range of skills - where do you see yourselves heading after Guildhall? Any dream jobs?
El: Maybe working for a company that does scenic dressing or props for immersive experiences or film. There’s a company in New Zealand that made sets and props for Avatar and Dune - I’d love to work for them. I’d also like to dabble in some National Theatre work, too.
I’m really looking forward to my second year, when we start working on productions and meeting professional designers with industry links.
Autumn: I’d be quite happy making props - in theatre, film, or even window displays. The skills we’re learning at Guildhall are so transferable. It feels like I’m already working in the industry - from day one you’re building your CV and networking.
One of the great things about Guildhall is its location. How have you found living and studying right in the middle of London?
Ciel: I’m originally from Norwich. There’s only one big theatre there, and it’s not very accessible pricewise, but at Guildhall, especially through contextual studies, we get to see a lot of productions in London. We see different genres, and even if we don’t enjoy something, we are encouraged to look deeper and learn how to analyse and explain why we didn’t enjoy specific elements or what we would have done differently. It’s really valuable.
Autumn: I always wanted to stay at home in London for university as it’s the best place to be if you want a career in theatre or film... and I have a severe attachment issue with my dog! In our first term, we were invited to see Cabaret in the West End for free, which was amazing. Even though I’m from London, studying here has allowed me to view the city in a different, more opportunistic way.
Naomi: I’m from South London but had never really been to this area before. Our campus is in the Barbican, which is really cool. Everyone at Guildhall is so friendly, especially the second and third year students - they’re so excited to welcome you and show you the ropes. You instantly feel comfortable and at ease.
For anyone considering applying to BA Production Arts, what would you recommend they include in their portfolio?
Naomi: Show your passion - show that you really care about what you do. Take lots of pictures of everything you are working on and make notes for interview prompts. For the personal statement, Guildhall is separate from UCAS, so there’s a great opportunity to make it specific. I did my research on the course and mentioned elements I was excited to learn.
Ciel: I brought photos of the process of my work to show that I could explain the make from start to finish. I also made notes about things that didn’t go to plan, and what I learned from mistakes. A variation of fine art, larger builds and paint effects really helps.
Inspired by our students and want to join the 2026 cohort? Apply to Production Arts (Design Realisation) by our 14th January deadline.
