I'm Avery Kayten, a multi-disciplinary designer and prop creator with over two decades of experience in film and television. I specialize in original, compelling design and production using novel materials and fabrication techniques to deliver one-of-a-kind props and set pieces. My approach blends hands-on craft with technical finesse to meet tight deadlines and evolving creative briefs. I value positive leadership and collaboration in fast-paced environments, helping informal teams stay focused on delivery. I'm proficient in both digital and physical prototyping and have coached students, collaborating with creative and marketing teams to realize impactful displays and experiences.

Avery James Kayten

I'm Avery Kayten, a multi-disciplinary designer and prop creator with over two decades of experience in film and television. I specialize in original, compelling design and production using novel materials and fabrication techniques to deliver one-of-a-kind props and set pieces. My approach blends hands-on craft with technical finesse to meet tight deadlines and evolving creative briefs. I value positive leadership and collaboration in fast-paced environments, helping informal teams stay focused on delivery. I'm proficient in both digital and physical prototyping and have coached students, collaborating with creative and marketing teams to realize impactful displays and experiences.

Available to hire

I’m Avery Kayten, a multi-disciplinary designer and prop creator with over two decades of experience in film and television. I specialize in original, compelling design and production using novel materials and fabrication techniques to deliver one-of-a-kind props and set pieces. My approach blends hands-on craft with technical finesse to meet tight deadlines and evolving creative briefs.

I value positive leadership and collaboration in fast-paced environments, helping informal teams stay focused on delivery. I’m proficient in both digital and physical prototyping and have coached students, collaborating with creative and marketing teams to realize impactful displays and experiences.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Team Member / Specialist at SCPS - Southern California Production Source
December 31, 2013 - September 5, 2025
Joined a top-rated team delivering concept-to-completion production support for entertainment and commercial projects; managed materials procurement, prototyping, machining, CNC cutting, and rapid client-request modifications.
Model Shop Designer / Manager at Entertainment Design Partners
December 31, 1998 - September 5, 2025
Rebuilt and ran the model shop, delivering outputs for Universal Studios - Australia, FOX studios, General Motors, United Arab Emirates, and other international projects.
Props / Art Department at Sony Commercial Division / Showtime Networks / Children's Television Workshop / Broadway Video / HBO Comedy Channel / Micmac Studio
December 31, 1991 - September 5, 2025
Worked across networks on props, art department tasks, set dressing, and hero props for projects between 1987 and 1991.
Venue Conceptualisation / Model Maker at Disney Regional Entertainment
December 31, 1993 - September 5, 2025
Venue conceptualisation and scale modelling for Club Disney.
Prop Designer / Artist at Sony Commercial Division / Showtime Networks / Children’s Television Workshop / Broadway Video / HBO / Micmac Studio
December 31, 1991 - September 5, 2025
Syndicated work across multiple studios in NYC during 1987-1991.
Prop/Set Designer at Entertainment Design Partners
December 31, 1998 - September 15, 2025
Sundry art department services including props making, graphics, set building, set dressing, and on-camera props; produced model shop outputs for various projects.
Prop/Set Designer at Sony Commercial Division / Showtime Networks / Children's Television Workshop / Broadway Video / HBO Comedy Channel / MicMac Studio
December 31, 1991 - September 15, 2025
Diverse art department services in NYC; projects across multiple studios.
Owner at smallfavor studio
January 1, 2011 - October 25, 2025
Commercial photography: portraiture - actors/children/pets - consumer goods - VR objects - real estate.
Venue Conceptualisation / Scale Modeller at Disney Regional Entertainment
January 1, 1993 - October 25, 2025
Venue conceptualisation - scale modelling for Club Disney.
Prop Maker / Model Shop Lead at Entertainment Design Partners
January 1, 1998 - October 25, 2025
Rebuilt and ran the model shop producing output for projects including Universal Studios - Australia, FOX studios, General Motors, United Arab Emirates, Chinese Architectural projects.
Prop Maker / Set Designer at Sony Commercial Division / Showtime Networks / Children's Television Workshop / Broadway Video / HBO Comedy Channel / MicMac Studio
January 1, 1991 - October 25, 2025
Spearheaded prop making, graphics, set building, set dressing, and on-camera props across multiple projects.
Prop Maker / Production Specialist at SCPS - Southern California Production Source
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2013
Member of a top-rated team delivering concept-to-completion for entertainment and commercial projects. Responsible for timely material procurement, high-quality prototyping, and precision production using traditional machining, CNC, laser cutting, and 3D printing; redesigned a 3,000 sq ft shop to optimize workflow and materials allocation.
Owner at smallfavor studio
January 1, 1994 - December 31, 2011
Owner, Venice, CA. Commercial photography and art department services including props, graphics, set building and dressing; ran the Venice-based model shop creating VR objects, real estate visuals, and consumer goods.
Venue Conceptualisation / Scale Modeller at Disney Regional Entertainment
January 1, 1992 - December 31, 1993
Venue conceptualisation and scale modelling for Club Disney.
Model Shop Lead / Art Department at Entertainment Design Partners
January 1, 1992 - December 31, 1998
Rebuilt and ran the model shop providing outputs for Universal Studios - Australia, FOX Studios, General Motors, UAE and various architectural projects; managed output and coordination with studios.
Prop Maker / Art Department at Sony Commercial Division / Showtime Networks / Children's Television Workshop / Broadway Video / HBO Comedy Channel / MicMac Studio
January 1, 1987 - December 31, 1991
Props making, set dressing, and on-camera hero props for major networks.
Prop Maker / Production Specialist at Southern California Production Source (SCPS)
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2013
Member of a top-rated team executing projects from concept to completion for entertainment and commercial clients. Responsibilities included timely procurement of materials and resources, high-quality prototyping and precision production using traditional machining, CNC, laser cutting and 3D printing; prioritisation of manufacturing processes and deliverables; rapid modifications within budgets; continuous development of talent, resources and processes; redesigned a 3000 sq ft commercial shop for maximum production efficiency; commendations for operational effectiveness and project scheduling.
Owner / Photographer at smallfavor studio
January 1, 1994 - December 31, 2011
Owner operating a commercial photography business focusing on portraiture (actors, children, pets), consumer goods, VR objects, and real estate.
Prop Maker / Set Designer at Sundry Art Department Services
January 1, 1992 - December 31, 1998
Prop making, graphics, set building, set dressing, and on-camera (Hero) props for entertainment projects.
Model Shop Manager / Designer at Entertainment Design Partners
January 1, 1992 - December 31, 1998
Rebuilt and ran the model shop producing outputs for projects including Universal Studios (Australia), FOX studios, General Motors, UAE, and Chinese architectural projects.
Art Department / Props / Production at Sony Commercial Division / Showtime Networks / Children's Television Workshop / Broadway Video / HBO Comedy Channel / Micmac Studio
January 1, 1987 - December 31, 1991
Worked across multiple brands in art department, props, set construction and on-camera props (Hero) within NYC studios.
Model Shop Designer / Venue Conceptualisation at Disney Regional Entertainment
January 1, 1992 - December 31, 1993
Venue conceptualisation and scale modelling for Club Disney projects.
Model Shop / Art Department Lead at Sundry Art Department Services
January 1, 1992 - December 31, 1998
Rebuilt and ran the model shop; produced outputs for projects including Universal Studios - Australia, FOX studios, General Motors, UAE, and Chinese architectural projects.
Prop Maker / Studio Specialist at Sony Commercial Division / Showtime Networks / Children’s Television Workshop / Broadway Video / HBO Comedy Channel / MicMac Studio
January 1, 1987 - December 31, 1991
Props fabrication and model shop work across multiple studios and networks.
Designer / Production Specialist at SCPS - Southern California Production Source
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2013
Top-rated team member handling procurement, prototyping, precision production, and process improvements for entertainment and commercial clients.

Education

Master of Science at Syracuse University - Newhouse School
January 11, 2030 - September 5, 2025
Product Design at Otis College of Design
January 11, 2030 - September 5, 2025

Qualifications

Polarised Strobe technique patent
January 11, 2030 - September 5, 2025
Patented Bluetooth-enabled toothbrush
January 11, 2030 - September 5, 2025
Patented Design
January 11, 2030 - September 15, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Manufacturing, Professional Services, Retail, Education, Other, Consumer Goods, Real Estate & Construction