Ava Dunne

My name is Ava Dunne. I am a twenty-year-old eager set-designer ready to thrive in the industry. With a Level 4 Extended Diploma in Art Direction and NFTS certified Craftskills qualification after completing a Traineeship, as well as Level 3 Extended Diploma in Set Design where I studied at Elstree Screen Arts Academy, I have honed my skills in both the technical and creative aspects of the design process.

I love the problem solving of how you can bring an idea to reality and expressing my creative mind. My experience covers all stages of the design process, from technical drawings to miniatures, to the final build and set-dressing. I am eager to expand my expertise by engaging in new challenges, experimenting with innovative materials and techniques, and further developing my craft within the set design industry.

I am looking to collaborate on diverse projects where I can apply my skills and continue to grow as a designer.

Deputy Production Manager, Head of Creative Department - Elstree Screen Arts

Contributed to multiple productions in various roles, including Deputy Production Manager, Head of Set and Props, and Set and Props Team. Played an integral part in the design, build, and production phases, ensuring effective collaboration across departments. Additionally, worked as a runner and Stage-side COMMS Operator during live show nights, ensuring seamless production operations.

Art Department Coordinator - Firesale - Short Film

Using only the filming space of a black studio room, I led the design process for the entire production, overseeing creative departments, budgeting, material selection, and overall aesthetics. I managed the logistics and coordination of the production, ensuring that all design elements, timeframe and quality aligned with the film's vision and production goals.

Technical Designer and Model Maker - National Theatre

I led a two-month independent project creating scaled models from initial design concepts for the National Theatre. Developed detailed models from simple drawings and produced models for a shoot as part of their design scheme. This project enhanced my model-making skills and demonstrated my ability to turn creative ideas into physical representations.

Prosthetics Workshop Trainee - LifeCast - Elstree Studios

Acquired practical experience in sculpting, casting, and painting both realistic and fantasy body parts and characters in a professional prosthetics workshop. Gained expertise in detailed, high-quality craftsmanship in the creation of lifelike models, broadening my technical skill set within set design and prop creation.

Model Maker - Bekonscot - Model Village

Completed independent model-making tasks, including woodwork, soldering, and casting, to enhance scenes within the village. Discovered my talent for precise lettering and developed a strong ability to build accurate wooden structures from design specifications, utilizing workshop machinery to produce detailed, professional models.

Set Design Assistant for Dora Miller - London Bank, Art studio

(2025-01)

In early 2025, I supported Set Designer Dora Miller in her design and Model-Making projects in her Central London Art Studio. I took on tasks involving design ideas for a Night Club set and working on the initial model. Here I demonstrated skills of accuracy in scaled designing, as well as creative concepts and appropriate ideas.

Level 3 Extended Diploma - Set Design - Elstree Screen Arts Academy

Level 4 Extended Diploma - Art Direction

Level 3 Production Arts Extended Diploma in a Production Technology UAL - Production Arts A Level - Art