Clare Conway
Film & Drama: Art Department Assistant | Art Department Coordinator
COMMERCIALS & CONTENT: Art Assistant | Props Assistant
I graduated from University of Westminster after studying Film, where a large portion of my student projects were spent working as a production designer. Continuing art department work in short form on the side, I entered the industry into the AD department, and spent several years working as a floor runner, set PA and 3rd AD, on productions like AfterLife Series 3 and Toast of Tinseltown. AD work solidified my love of being on set, while teaching me key skills in communication, problem-solving and how to work efficiently and professionally in a fast-paced environment.
Having worked in several formats, I’m excited to make the full transition into art department and expand on my experience. Most recently I was Standby Art Director on independent feature film ‘A Rare Breed’ (Production Designer: Simon Walker), and I enjoyed the responsibility of completing the script breakdowns, liaising with the rest of the crew and coming up with creative solutions for props on the spot, as well as additional work of prop sourcing and a special illustration commission.
I’m interested in continuing on towards becoming a Standby Art Director, combining my logistical on-set background from AD’ing and my creative interests from art department. However I’m open and eager to explore all pathways under the umbrella of production design to see where I fit best. I have a particular love of period styles, working towards a high level of accuracy and realism to build the richness of the set, especially using graphic design. Some of my favourite work has been dressing short film sets for the 60s, 70s and Victorian era.
Skills
- On-Set Etiquette
- Standby Art-Directing & Continuity Observation
- Illustration
- Basic Woodwork
- Hand & Machine Sewing
- Graphic Design (Adobe, Photoshop, Lightroom, Illustrator)
- Research (including period/historical accuracy)
- Script Breakdowns
- Prop Sourcing & Making
- Prop House Hire
- Set Dressing
- Basic SketchUp
Equipment
- Standby Kit:
- Tools: Blades, multitools, hand saws, drill & accessories
- Painting equipment
- Tapes & adhesives
- Wires & ropes
- Sprays: mounts, fixatives, dirty downs, cleaners, spray paint
- Safety wear & cleaning equipment
- Covers: camo net, black wrap, black/white/marble/wood grain vinyls
- Rubber glass, FX blood
Locations
- UK – London, Kent, Surrey (Dartmoor – short film)
- Valencia, Spain (short film)
Awards
- Won – Gold Award for Production Design at LA Independent Shorts Awards August 2024 for ‘Elixir’ short film (60s/70s period & modern day speakeasy bar set)
- Nomination – Best Production Design at Underwire Festival 2018 for ‘Wolf Among Sheep’ short film (period drama set in rural Victorian England)




