As part of her undergraduate studies for BFA (Design for Performance), third-year NIDA student Lucy McCullough took up the opportunity for a work placement with designer Annie Atkins in Dublin.
Photo: Lucy McCullough in Annie Atkins’ office in Dublin. (Photo: Lucy McCullough)
International placements are an important and integral aspect of student learning at NIDA, providing students with valuable opportunities to participate in a meaningful way in the arts and entertainment industry.
As part of her undergraduate studies for BFA (Design for Performance), third-year NIDA student Lucy McCullough took up the opportunity for a work placement with designer Annie Atkins in Ireland with funding granted by NIDA’s Billy Ostadal Scholarship.
Based in Dublin, Annie Atkins is an internationally renowned graphics props designer and maker who has worked on films with respected directors such as Wes Anderson and Steven Spielberg on films such as The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Isle of Dogs and Bridge of Spies plus TV series Penny Dreadful and The Tudors.
Lucy spent four weeks in July this year working with Annie on her upcoming book on graphic design for film, including sketching to demonstrate process, re-making props from her numerous films, taking photographs and proof-reading chapters.
Photo: Lucy McCullough in Dublin. (Photo: Lucy McCullough)
Lucy learnt multiple skills about the making of graphic props, from beginning to end. From practical details like how to age paper, how to imitate calligraphy convincingly, and how to use typewriters, to a broader understanding of the role including dramaturgy, research, the correct use of language, and continuity.
She also attended a number of events in Dublin, including a Creative Minds event at the American Ambassador’s residence in Phoenix Park with writers, directors and producers from Walt Disney’s Pixar talking about their new film The Incredibles 2.
‘This was an amazing opportunity for me and it opened so many possibilities that I can explore in the future. Now that I am back at NIDA, I can use these skills and contacts to plan my future,’ said Lucy.
The Billy Ostadal International Placement Scholarship, funded by Erin Ostadal, is one of the Annual Scholarships and Bursaries available for NIDA students.
Applications to study at NIDA in 2019 are open. Go here for more information and how to apply.
