BFDG announces 13th Production Design Awards with Mark Kermode as host

The British Film Designers Guild (BFDG) opened entries for its 13th Production Design Awards to be held on Saturday 24th February at the Londoner Hotel. The ceremony will be hosted by film critic and broadcaster Mark Kermode, which again positions the BFDG’s awards firmly in the 2024 Film and TV Awards Calendar along with the likes of BAFTA and the Art Directors Guild of America.

Mark Kermode, who is hailed by Stephen Fry as ‘the finest film critic in Britain’, has become a great supporter of the BFDG, having presented their awards on three previous occasions, they are thrilled to be welcoming him back once again.  Since first presenting the BFDG Production Design Awards in 2020, Kermode has been a keen supporter of the Art Department and promotes its work whenever possible through his radio shows, TV broadcasts and podcasts.

Mark Kermode said: “I am absolutely thrilled to be back presenting the BDFG awards! Production Design is a crucial part of film-making, in all its forms. This is where the worlds of the films we love are created, enabling writers, directors and performers to tell their stories. It’s an honour to share a stage with some of the industry’s finest practitioners, and to see the BFDG flourish as it continues to encourage new talent and celebrate sustainability. I really am chuffed to bits to have been asked to host, and I can’t wait for the evening of the awards, which is always fabulous fun!”

Blair Barnette, BFDG Chairperson said: “We are delighted to be welcoming back Mark Kermode to host our awards. Film critics are a key part in promoting what we do. Since Mark Kermode first hosted our awards 4 years ago he has made a huge difference to how design in film and television is perceived by audiences, bringing it to the fore whenever possible. We hope that our continued association will only strengthen this and continue to champion the excellent work of the Art Department”.

The awards ceremony will take place in the Ballroom of The Londoner in London’s Leicester Square and will be attended by world renowned production designers, and Art Department creatives, valued supporters and friends from the industry.  Awards will be given for outstanding work on film, TV and commercials released during 2023 that celebrate the professionalism, creativity and skill of the Art Department.

This year changes have been made to some of the Film and Television categories revising budget levels and adding a new HETV award.  It is hoped that by adjusting the TV categories the competition will be fairer and give opportunity for smaller budget productions to be recognised.