Meet the Owners

Scenic Art and Casting Studio developed as a natural next step after working many years in Film and Theater as independent artists. Now we cater to a wider range of clients, and continue to push the limits by exploring cutting edge materials and techniques. We are a husband and wife team that enjoy working together and bringing in other industry professional and artists from our network for larger jobs.
​
​

DAVID WHATLEY

A film industry veteran, David entered the industry in 2007, apprenticing as a sculptor under Anthony Henderson. He took to sculpture quickly and soon added plaster and mold-making to his skill base. He has been in leadership positions on multiple shows and shown his artwork in local galleries in New Orleans.  His skill set combination (sculpture, plaster, paint, mold-making, and carpentry) makes him uniquely qualified to understand an overall picture of a project that most can only see parts of. ​He has built a reputation as an excellent troubleshooter, a talented artist, and an expert craftsman. Dave plays an active part in the local film union, IATSE Local 478; he chairs the PR Committee, sits on the Membership Committee, and is one of the leaders of the Flood and Disaster Response Team. 

SIMONETTE BERRY

Simonette studied Fine Arts at NOCCA and Tulane University, where she completed her Bachelor's with a concentration in Studio Art. She spent her twenties working as a decorative painter and muralist, freelance writer, and a designer and mold-maker at her family's fountain shop, French Fountains. She is also a fine artist; you can see her work here: www.simonetteberry.com and in public spaces, homes, and (periodically) galleries around the New Orleans area. She began working in the film industry in 2012 as a scenic scenic artist, sculptor, and mold maker. She is known in the business for being a classically trained artist and seasoned craftswoman with an energetic work ethic. Simonette is also active in the local film union, IATSE Local 478, where she is on the board of trustees, chairs the Women's Committee, and sits on the PR Committee and Membership Committee,  and is one of the leaders of the Flood and Disaster Response Team.