In 2003 i was lucky enough to be trained in Art Direction at Pinewood Studios, It was one of those sheer luck things, a friend knows a friend etc.

My tutor was Terry Ackland Snow, art director on Batman and Aliens and Rocky Horror.

During my time there we had a visit by three other guests. Whom i asked if i could take their photo. The photo is unique, 4 of the greatest Production Designers and Art Directors in the business.

L/R Terry Ackland Snow (Batman, Aliens, Dark Crystal, Labyrinth) Les Tomkins, (Shining, Eyes Wide Shut, Full Metal Jacket) Peter Lamont, (Aliens, Titanic all 80's 90's 2000's modern Bond movies) and the great Sir Ken Adam All early Bonds, Dr Strangelove, Madness of King George.)



These four men helped to style many of the films we alove today including Aliens!

This photo is unique i've been told, there isnt one like it, i sent a copy to each man and i was told that they have pride of place on their desks! Well chuffed!

Wow, now that is awesome. So did you get a chance to talk with them at length?

_________________
"Awww, someone tell me that's a boot!

It's a boot!"

III drops

Sadly no, Ken Adam dropped his cigar ash all over me by accident, he brushed me down 'so sorry dear boy!' in this wonderful educated accent!

Terry was my tutor on the course, i still know/ see him around occasionally him via a mutual friend. He is a very intelligent and funny man.

Of Aliens he said he enjoyed working on the movie but it was very hard work, James Cameron was a very demanding director who had a habit of ruffling feathers, but it was a satisfying movie to work on. He met a number of the actors and he said they were a good bunch of guys.

During my course i pinched myself, i was taken to Bapty's in North London to see the weapon workshops and i got to hold a REAL Pulse Rifle and meet the techs who made it. I also saw a Smart Gun and a sentry unit.

They has weapons from Blade. Reinhardt's pistol (Ron Pearlman), Blades shotgun and MaAC 10's. StarWars: Han Solo's Gredo Cantina blaster, storm trooper guns a whole pile of others. Bonds guns you name it. I got to hold the lot!

I was pinching myself!

It was only 4 week course but boy did i have to work but i loved every second!

Due to other probs I've not been able to capitalise on my experiences much but I'm learning script writing and Storyboarding. It was a great time.