Go behind the scenes with film and TV’s top creatives at SCADFILM In Focus: Artisans
On film, TV, and media productions, artisans are responsible for just about everything but the acting: cinematography, costume design, editing, hair and makeup, production design, sound editing, and visual effects, among other crucial roles. SCADFILM In Focus: Artisans shines the spotlight on these cinematic creatives, whose expertise elevates on-screen storytelling into a new realm of artistic expression.
As part of the dynamic SCADFILM In Focus series, this event will bring award-winning creators and industry experts for a day of curated panel discussions, screenings, and behind-the-scenes insights. Explore visionary craftsmanship and discover how these artisans collaborate to create immersive worlds that leave lasting impressions.
Event tickets are free for SCAD students, faculty, and staff, and $10 for the general public. For more information, email scadshow@scad.edu.
Made in ATL
11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. | Main Stage
Atlanta has become a powerhouse for film and television production, and behind every hit show or blockbuster is a team of incredible artists to bring these projects to life. Made in ATL shines a spotlight on the creative professionals working behind the scenes on some of the biggest productions in the city. From production designers to costume designers, this session features conversations with the artisans shaping the look, feel, and soul of Atlanta-made screen stories. Join costume designers Amy Parris (Stranger Things, Yellowjackets), Jeresa Featherstone (Beyond the Gates, The Bold and the Beautiful), and Liz Vastola (Will Trent, Daredevil, Twisted Metal), production designer Julie Berghoff (The Studio, The Handmaid’s Tale, Saw), and head of makeup Stevie Martin (Beyond the Gates, Creed III, Raising Dion) for an in-depth discussion into the craft, collaboration, and creative challenges of working in one of the busiest production hubs in the country.
The Art of Transformation with Michael Fontaine
2:15–3:15 p.m. | Main Stage
Welcome Academy Award-nominated special effects makeup artist Michael Fontaine for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the craft of creating unforgettable characters for film and television. From transforming Colin Farrell into the Penguin for The Batman to designing viral Halloween looks for Heidi Klum, Fontaine’s work pushes the boundaries of cinematic transformation. In this special presentation, Fontaine will discuss his work, including his most recent project, Sinners, where he helped bring a dark and stylized world to the screen as the film’s SFX makeup designer. The critically acclaimed, box office smash-hit from director Ryan Coogler is a perfect example of how artisans from different disciplines collaborate to push creative boundaries and breathe life into bold, original cinematic visions.
Based in New York, Fontaine is a protégé of legendary artist Dick Smith (The Exorcist, The Godfather) and began his career at age nine. An Academy Award nominee for The Batman and an Emmy Award nominee for his work on Boardwalk Empire, his other film credits include True Detective, The Irishman, and The Wolf of Wall Street. In addition to discussing his work on Sinners, Fontaine will share stories from set, insights into his creative process, and advice for aspiring artists passionate about character creation and visual storytelling.
Designing the Divide: A Look Inside Severance with Set Decorator David Schlesinger
5:30–7 p.m. | Main Stage
Do you know who you are at work…and who you are after? In the world of Severance, the line between those two selves is razor sharp — and the sets reflect every unsettling detail of that split. Catch a screening of the season two episode “Chikhai Bardo,” followed by a deep dive into the eerie and meticulously crafted world of Lumon Industries with award-winning set decorator David Schlesinger (Knives Out, Jessica Jones). From the sterile hallways and retro-future cubicles to the strangely cozy breakrooms, Schlesinger will walk attendees through the design choices that shape the tone, themes, and unsettling beauty of the sensational Apple TV+ series.
Join us at 5 p.m. in the SCADshow lobby for a special waffle party ahead of the screening.