Backfoot – Art Department Assistant on Set
Production Designer: Matt Bonnici
Producer: Anna Zrnic, Damo & Tim Productions
On 28 and 29 February, I worked as an Art Department Assistant on the set of Backfoot, a short film shot in Sydenham and produced by Anna Zrnic of Damo & Tim Productions. I was invited to join the crew by Matt Bonnici, the film’s Production Designer, who I worked with on the set of Posted in September 2024.
Backfoot is a short drama created for a church, aiming to guide young people towards making better life choices. With its message rooted in decision-making and personal growth, continuity and attention to detail on set were especially important – mistakes in the visuals could distract from the story’s impact.
On the first day, I arrived at around 9:30am and was introduced to the crew. I was assigned to help dress a teenage boy’s bedroom set. Alongside another assistant, we transformed the space by hanging up basketball posters, placing a Lakers flag across the bedhead, and styling the room to look like it belonged to a sports-obsessed teenager. Once finished, it looked lived-in, authentic, and ready for filming. I also had the chance to speak with several crew members about their roles, which gave me valuable insights into the range of positions on a film set.
Day two began at 9am and involved preparing several new locations for filming – the kitchen, dining room, and outdoor porch. I worked on dressing and maintaining the spaces throughout the day. Midway through, I accompanied my supervisor on a trip to Bunnings to select fencing materials that would be used in a later shot. The day was incredibly hot (over 30°C), and staying focused and effective in that heat was a challenge, but it taught me a lot about working under pressure and adapting to on-set conditions.
Over the course of both days, I gained a much clearer understanding of the art department’s role in storytelling. From choosing set pieces to adjusting the environment between takes, I saw how much detail goes into building a believable world on screen. It was a hands-on, educational experience that gave me new appreciation for behind-the-scenes work – and a better idea of where I might want to head in the film industry.
