Film revealing the making of the coveted Gold Skull Award unveiled at the 2025 PADC Skulls

A new short film highlighting the intricate craftsmanship behind the coveted Gold Skull award was unveiled on Friday, 14th November, at the 2025 PADC Skulls Awards.

Directed by Mauro Palmieri, the film offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at PADC Artist in Residence, Ross Scotland, creating this year’s Gold Skull. It captures the precision, care and process that brings the award to life.

“This project was a real labour of love,” says Palmieri. “Ross’s craft inspired every frame, and I’m incredibly grateful to the team who helped bring this story to life.”

Produced with support from Sandbox Productions and Soundbyte Studios, the documentary highlights the craft and creative thinking behind one of Western Australia’s most recognisable creative industry honours.

Developed through the PADC Artist in Residence program with North Metropolitan TAFE, Scotland collaborated alongside TAFE product designer, Eric Schneider, to create a new piece of trophy artwork reimagined year-after-year.

This year’s collaboration highlights the depth of talent on offer in WA across product design, visual arts, and filmmaking, building on the success of Kevin Wilson’s 2024 design. Inspired by this year’s theme of elevation, the 2025 Gold Skull symbolises flight and creative freedom – going beyond the limits and pushing the boundaries of WA commercial creativity.

Credits
Director: Mauro Palmieri
Cinematographer: Stephanie Senior, Sandbox Productions
Executive Producers: Matty Limpus and Grady Habib
Producer: Clint Logan
Gaffers: James Dudfield and Michael Titter
Sound Recordist: Aref Rashidan
Editor: Rob Woods, Sandbox Productions
Online and Grade: Joel Taylor
Sound Mix: Lachlan Cooper
Production Assistants: Amra Bellatalla and Andrew Siney
Special thanks to Clearwater Films Pty Ltd and Cinemachine.

The documentary was also supported by the expertise of North Metropolitan TAFE, including Eric Schneider (Product Design Lecturer), Stuart Clipston (Workshop Technician), Lee Woodcock (Kiln and Ceramic Glaze Specialist), Amie Mason (Head of Program for Product Design).