This October, the worlds we see on screen will be celebrated in the real world. International Production Design Week (IPDW) returns for its second edition from 17–26 October 2025, offering a rare and expansive look at the artistry of production design—the craft responsible for building the spaces, moods, and visual storytelling that define film and television.

Organised by the Production Designers Collective (PDC), this biennial, global initiative showcases the talent and vision behind the screen through a rich programme of masterclasses, screenings, panels, set visits, and exhibitions. With events taking place in over 50 countries and 10 languages, the week offers a broad platform for audiences—from industry professionals to film enthusiasts—to engage with the creative minds behind some of the most iconic on-screen environments. Many sessions will be available online, making this celebration accessible to a wide range of people.

A Shared Celebration of Set and Story

IPDW began as a grassroots initiative in 2023, and it quickly grew into a defining moment for the global design community. “Production designers are masters of invisibility, and therefore our art is greatly misunderstood. This festival is an opportunity to shine a light on that art,” says production designer Kalina Ivanov (Lovecraft Country; The Penguin), co-founder of the Collective.

The 2025 programme promises to be even bigger, with more than 200 events planned worldwide, covering everything from sustainability and AI in design to exploring the collaborative process between directors, production designers, and set decorators. “We are mindful of the countless ways in which art departments work around the world, and we aspire to celebrate that plurality,” says Inbal Weinberg (The Room Next Door, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri; Suspiria), co-founder of the Collective.

Talent Behind the Sets: From Dune to Barbie

While the full 2025 programme will be unveiled in September, the previous edition gives us a taste of what’s to come. Past participants have included celebrated production designers such as Nathan Crowley (Wicked), Fiona Crombie (Cruella), Sarah Greenwood (Barbie), Patrice Vermette (Dune and Dune: Part Two), Mark Friedberg (Joker), Rick Carter (Avatar), KK Barrett (Her), Anne Seibel (Midnight in Paris), and Grant Major (The Lord of the Rings), among many others. Inbal and Kalina are determined to make 2025’s festival even more impactful.

Inbal shares, “This year will see more interactive experiences, with emerging designers sharing the stage with seasoned professionals. We want to foster an intergenerational dialogue where all voices can be heard.”

Building a Community of World-Builders

IPDW is one of two flagship initiatives from the Production Designers Collective. The other is the intimate Production Designers Gathering, held every other year on a Greek island. Both events reflect the Collective’s mission: to support designers through community, advocacy, and the free exchange of ideas. “It’s about giving designers, regardless of where they are in their careers, a place to share and learn,” says Kalina.

Since its founding in 2014, the Collective has grown to represent over 1,500 designers from more than 80 countries. Inbal explains, “What started as a small group of 30 people sharing ideas has become a global network where the dialogue never ends.” The emphasis is on collaboration, learning from each other, and celebrating the craft that is so often invisible in the final product.

Global Collaboration

This year, IPDW is expanding its reach to new corners of the globe. “The diversity of the global film and design community is something we are especially proud of,” says Inbal. “We work closely with local affiliates to ensure that each event is a reflection of its unique cultural context, while still contributing to the larger, unified celebration of production design.”

Some of the events planned include screenings, panel discussions, workshops, and behind-the-scenes looks at film sets. As Kalina shares, “We’re doing screenings with set decorators, talks with VFX teams, and discussions around the collaboration within art departments. This is all about recognising the value of every collaborator in the creative process.”

A Chance for the Public to Get Involved

International Production Design Week is not just for industry professionals. Many of the events will be open to the public, offering film lovers a unique opportunity to engage with the people behind their favourite films. “One of the most rewarding aspects of this event is seeing the public’s reaction to the design process,” Inbal says. “It’s inspiring for them to realise just how much thought and creativity goes into creating the worlds they see on screen.”

Kalina adds, “We’ve had amazing feedback from the public in the past, especially from people who didn’t realise how much effort and intention goes into every detail, from the wallpaper to the chair in a character’s office.”

What’s Next?

The 2025 edition of IPDW promises even more exciting moments, with special initiatives aimed at further connecting production designers with other art department professionals and film lovers alike. The programme will be launched on the IPDW website in late September, giving audiences a chance to explore events by country, day, and category.

“We are really thrilled to expand this year,” says Kalina. “It’s about making the art of production design visible and accessible to a broader audience. We want people to understand that it’s not just about what we see on screen—it’s about how those worlds are crafted from scratch.”

Whether you’re an industry professional, an aspiring designer, or a curious film fan, International Production Design Week 2025 offers something for everyone. Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of production design, and discover the creativity, passion, and expertise that goes into bringing the stories we love to life.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on the festival programme as it unfolds and will spotlight key events and stories in the coming months. You can check out the burgeoning programme at the International Production Design Week website.