Film Design International (FDI) is an Art Direction training provider, which offers essential, industry relevant courses for anyone who wants to work in the Film and TV art departments.

Ideally located at the internationally renowned, Pinewood Studios; both the 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

We currently provide two training courses and you can find out more detail about each of them via our Courses page.

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

The courses are taught personally by Terry along with other professionals, so students benefit from the vast knowledge, insight, skills and techniques that he has acquired throughout his illustrious career which spans 50 years in the industry. Starting as a Junior Draughtsman in 1960, he worked on more than 80 film and television productions making his way up to being appointed as a Supervising Art Director and Production Designer. IMDB link.

Terry along with the team members are passionate about the industry that he has devoted his career to. The courses are intensely practical and designed to give comprehensive knowledge of film techniques to be used on the drawing board.

Learning the traditions and discipline of hand draughting was a revelation, and placed me firmly on my current career path.

Dorrie Young

Senior Draughtsman (Harry Potter, Legend of Tarzan, Justice League)

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I thank Terry for believing in me, all those years ago and for giving me the confidence and skill set that are required in the Film Industry today.

Damian Leon Watts

Assistant Art Director, (Mission Impossible 5, Dad’s Army, Woman in Black)

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Terry has given me the tools and confidence to pursue art department work - I think taking his course was the best career decision I've made thus far.

Liliana Aslanidou

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In every persons career there are always key mentors and supporters along the way. For me, Terry is one of these people and FDI was the start of a career I love.

Andy Proctor

Draughtsman (Star Wars: Force Awakens, Rogue One, Cinderella)

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Our Tutors

Associate Tutor

Ray Stanley BA MA FRSA

Ray Stanley BA MA FRSA

Auto CAD Tutor

Taro Tint

Taro Tint

Guest Tutor

Malcolm Stone

Malcolm Stone

Guest Tutor

Peter Young

Peter Young