Backstage theatre, film and TV workshops for young people across the North East
We help young people build confidence, practical skills and pathways into the creative industries through hands-on scenic art, prop-making, set design and real production experiences.
Shafted
From volunteer interest to a working film set
Backstage Builders CIC × Top of the Props - Newcastle Film Club
Project period: June–August 2026
Backstage Builders CIC partnered with Newcastle Film Club and Top of the Props to give volunteers practical experience of designing, constructing, painting and dressing sets for the 2026 community short film 'Shafted'. Participants helped create interconnected hotel environments for the film while gaining practical skills, professional contacts, screen credits and experience of working on a live production.
15 survey responses
8 art department respondents
322+ volunteer hours
4.8/5 recommendation score
PARTICIPANT VOICE.
The need
Entry-level creative workers in the North East often struggle to gain the practical experience, professional contacts and screen credits needed to progress within the creative industries.
Participant feedback indicated that:
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12 of 15 respondents had experienced a lack of professional contacts.
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Eight lacked previous industry experience.
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Seven found unpaid opportunities unaffordable.
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Seven identified low confidence as a barrier
Shafted created a supported bridge between learning and industry practice. Participants were trusted with genuine responsibilities, worked towards production deadlines and saw their work used on screen.
What we delivered
Backstage Builders CIC led a practical art department programme as part of Newcastle Film Club’s short-film production.
Participants contributed to:
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Concept development and production planning.
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Scale models and mock-ups.
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Set construction.
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Scenic painting and surface treatments.
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Prop making and specialist fabrication.
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Set dressing and installation.
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Production support during filming.
Together, the team created a hotel reception and corridor, a practical lift area with a specially fabricated control panel and a hotel bedroom connected visually to the wider production design.
