After a long wait to return to a full-scale awards ceremony, the BFDG Awards were able to go ahead this year to celebrate the incredible talent of the film industry’s art departments. The Londoner Hotel in Leicester Square was host to the 2021 awards, which were postponed due to Covid restrictions last year. Film creatives were full of anticipation for the return of the prestigious awards and to finally have their hard work during the pandemic being recognised.
NR Events took on the production of this event, from liaising with the technical suppliers to produce an eye-catching stage setup to sourcing the costumes for the West End dancers. Over 300 audience members enjoyed a three-course meal alongside professional entertainment before the awards ceremony began in the late evening.
We worked closely with Chair of the British Film Designers Guild, Sonja Klaus, to bring her creative vision for the event to life. Working as the Production Designer on many prestigious films and series, including Terminator and Mr Selfridge, it was vital that we were able to produce a show that reflected the tasteful eye of reputable film creatives. The event included many intricate details, down to the napkin rings and name cards that decorated each table.
After working on a fantastic virtual ceremony for the Guild in 2021, I was delighted to be asked to produce this year’s in-person event.
Working alongside creatives from the world of film brings an extra level of scrutiny to the event design but with a clear vision from chairperson Sonja Klaus and the fantastic backdrop of the Londoner we were able to deliver a high quality finish.
Staff at the Londoner commented that they had never had an event without a stage backdrop but we boldly didn’t add anything, we did not want to add anything that might feel corporate and with the chainmail and luxurious wall coverings, our simple stage set of chandeliers worked well.
We were lucky also to have sponsors who supported the design vision with floral centerpieces (palmbrokers) and we could just enhance their table design with scatter crystals.
Entertainment came through a personal contact of the chair person but we were treated to a spectacular performance by some west end performers to open the show, who came out following a short skit performed in the style of the 2021 awards by Sonja.
BFDG awards was a beautiful event, in a stunning venue (The Londoner), the décor showed the theme clearly with a diamante table and large glamorous chandeliers. The event ran smoothly with only small obstacles, everyone from the BFDG team, technical team and event team worked amazingly together to be able to create a very special night.
