FDI was set up at Pinewood Film Studios in 2001 by Terry Ackland-Snow, to offer draughtsmanship courses for the film and television industry.

Terry teaches the courses personally, so students benefit from the vast knowledge, skills and techniques Terry has acquired throughout his illustrious career which spans 40 years in the industry working on more than 80 film and television productions.

Terry started as Junior Draughtsman in 1961, and worked his way up to Supervision Art Director and Production Designer.

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Terry is passionate about the industry which he has devoted his career to, and his courses are intensely practical and designed to give comprehensive knowledge of film techniques on the drawing board.

Ideally located at Pinewood Studios, both the Art Direction  Course and the Advanced Art Direction Course promise the student a total immersion in the film and television world, and a vitally important first step towards becoming a successful Art Director and Production Designer.