Behind the scenes

The Set & Scene story

Set & Scene started with a simple idea.

Film, theatre and live events face the same challenges and share the same opportunities, yet these industries rarely share the same room. We are here to change that.

With decades of combined experience across film, TV, live events and the creative industries, our three founders bring industry insight to Set & Scene.

We’ve spent time working and listening to designers, artists, suppliers and craftspeople across the creative spectrum. We’ve asked what topics inspire them, explored their challenges and gathered their ideas, across film, theatre, live events, and beyond.

This ongoing research and dialogue has shaped every aspect of Set & Scene, ensuring the event speaks directly to the needs of the creative community it serves.

Our team connects the dots, brings top suppliers into the conversation, and aim to drive collaboration across stagecraft, scenic design and visual storytelling. 

Thank you

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible individuals and companies whose ideas, support, and input have been instrumental in shaping the first year of Set & Scene. Without your ideas and contributions, we wouldn’t be where we are now.

Thank you for being an essential part of our journey.

A special shout out to:

Matt Myatt, Creative Producer
Simon Bowles, Production Designer
Jo Riddell, Supervising Art Director
Kate John, Head of Workshops, National Theatre
May Davies, Production Designer
Will Saunders OBE, Creative Head of CoSTAR
Mona Rezazadeh Wishkahi, Art & Creative Director
Chris Melgram, Production Designer
Conrad Alexander, Set Designer
Russell Bennett, Event Designer
May Leung, VFX Producer
Naomi Day, Architect and Designer

And our Scenic Circle Advisory Board: The British Film Designers Guild, Society of British Theatre Designers, United Talent Agents, Art Department and BlooLoop.

Behind the scenes
Meet the people making it happen

Co-Founder | Operations & Creative Producer

Bimla Jackson

Bimla Jackson brings over 20 years of creative events and brand experience industry knowledge, most recently heading up operations for the British Film Designers Guild. Born into a theatrical family, Bimla’s passion lies in connecting and inspiring creative minds, giving them a vital space to grow and share brilliant ideas.

Bimla Jackson
Co Founder | Comms & Partnerships Director

Yosien Burke

With 30 years of experience supporting the film and TV industry, Yosien has built a strong foundation in crew training, industry events and sustainability initiatives. Renowned for her ability to foster cross-industry collaboration, she enjoys connecting crew, suppliers and stakeholders across the wider industry, creating exciting opportunities and innovative partnerships.

Strategic Marketing & PR Lead

Bonnie Poole

Bonnie has worked across theatre, film, TV, events, and digital marketing for over a decade. A dynamic and creative professional, she is known for delivering projects to the highest standard with flair, strategic insight, and boundless energy. Her work has taken her internationally, and she brings a deep appreciation for the artistry and skill behind storytelling, grounded in extensive experience across the creative industries.

Exhibition & Production Manager

Hannah Gregory

Hannah Gregory brings over 15 years of experience in creative events, festival production and brand experience. Hannah is responsible for managing Exhibitor logistics and will be bringing her love of spreadsheets to the Set & Scene team.

Co-Founder

Murray Ashton

Murray Ashton adds a global perspective to the team. As the founder of The Location Guide and FOCUS, he has been instrumental in building international partnerships that shape the creative landscape. His understanding of the industry’s commercial and creative needs helps Set & Scene deliver world-class opportunities.

Speaker Coordinator

Kirsten Farley

Kirsten spent over 12 years working as a Stage and Company manager running professional productions in the West End, supporting Broadway transfers as well as stages and artists at festivals from Latitude to Edinburgh Fringe. 

Taking place at Central Saint Martins, Granary Square, Kings Cross, London N1C 4AA

Don’t miss out.

Join colleagues and peers for an inspiring full day exploring design across screen, stage, live events, and immersive experiences.

For just £35.00, industry freelancers gain access to engaging sessions, networking opportunities in the curated exhibitor showcase, and the exclusive end-of-day Set & Scene wrap drinks party.

Secure your ticket today for this unmissable day of craft, conversation, and collaboration.

For enquiries please email [email protected]

Follow Us

We’re delighted to announce @filmandfurniture  as a partner for Set & Scene 2026.Film and Furniture is the leading online platform and video podcast exploring the role of furniture, lighting and interiors in film and TV. Through in-depth editorial, industry interviews and a curated marketplace, it uncovers the stories behind on-screen objects and how film fans and design-conscious homeowners can source them for their own spaces, connecting film design with real-world interiors. Founded by Paula Benson, who will moderate the session Objects of Influence on 25 April, it has become a trusted voice for both film professionals and design-led consumers.“We’re absolutely delighted to partner with Set & Scene - an event that truly celebrates the narrative power of objects on screen, and the extraordinary creativity behind them. Moderating Objects of Influence feels like a natural extension of what we explore every day, and I’m looking forward to being in a room full of the people who build the worlds that inspire us all.”📍 Central Saint Martins📅 Saturday 25 April 2026Explore the full programme and secure your place today - link in bio. #SetAndScene #FilmDesign #ProductionDesign #SetDecoration #FilmAndFurniture #CreativeIndustry #Scenography
⏳ 12 days to go! ⏳A full day of panels, demos, ideas and conversations — all in one room.Set & Scene brings together the people shaping film, theatre, live events and immersive experiences. It’s rare to get this level of access and connection in one place.🎟 Tickets are limited - don’t leave it too late. Ticket link in bio.
Watch Dorrie Young bring drawings to life in real time. From pencil to paper, every line reveals the precision, artistry, and decisions that transform a concept into a buildable plan.See the craft behind cinematic worlds, up close and in motion.📅 25 April 2026 | Central Saint Martins🎟 Tickets - link in bio.
New materials, new technologies, new ways of working across disciplines.Staying relevant isn’t just about improving your craft.It’s about understanding how the wider industry is evolving.Set & Scene brings those conversations into one place — giving you insight into how others are adapting, experimenting and building sustainable careers.Central Saint Martins | Saturday 25 April 2026Secure your spot – link in bio. #SetAndScene #CreativePractice #ProfessionalDevelopment
We’re proud to welcome @essexfilmoffice as a sponsor of Set & Scene 2026.The Essex Film Office champions film, TV, and digital production across Greater Essex, providing a single, film-friendly gateway for creators of all scales. They support productions with location sourcing, permitting, and on-the-ground coordination, ensuring seamless access to the county’s diverse landscapes, coastal settings, and vibrant communities. Working closely with local authorities, production teams, and industry partners, they help attract inward investment, create skills and training opportunities, and grow Essex’s screen sector. Their mission is to position Essex as a dynamic, accessible, and innovative destination for storytelling, while delivering economic and cultural benefits for residents and businesses.“We’re thrilled to be part of Set & Scene, a platform that opens doors for creatives and showcases the incredible breadth of talent and opportunity across the UK. Supporting initiatives like this helps strengthen the creative Industries, connect people with new pathways into production, and shine a light on the places and communities that make our sector so vibrant.”📅 Saturday 25 April 2026 | Central Saint Martins🎟 Tickets - link in bio!  #essex #essexfilmoffice #setandscene #setandscene2026
Opportunities rarely come from where you expect.They come from conversations. From seeing how someone else approaches a problem. From being in the right room at the right time.Set & Scene is built around that idea — creating a space where designers, makers and creative leads can connect across film, theatre, live events and immersive. Not just to network, but to exchange ideas that lead to real opportunities.And make sure you stay for the wrap drinks, sponsored by @cineco.co  and @greens_team - the perfect way to continue the conversation, celebrate the day’s ideas, and meet the people shaping the industry.Central Saint Martins | Saturday 25 April 2026Secure your spot – link in bio. #SetAndScene #CreativeCareers #Networking