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 on a film set.​ As co-owner of Scenic Art and Casting Studio, he has created props for many films and sets for Southern Rep Theater, the New Orleans Opera, Fringe Festival, the Marigny Opera House Ballet, and other theatrical companies and events. He has built a reputation as a talented artist, a troubleshooter, and an expert craftsman.  Dave plays an active part in his film union, IATSE Local 478; he was elected in 2017 as the Sergeant of Arms, chairs the PR 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 galleries. She began working in the film industry in 2012 as a sculptor, mold-maker, and scenic artist, training under many industry veterans over the years to build her skills. 
As co-owner of Scenic Art and Casting Studio, she has created props for many films, as well as sets for Southern Rep Theater, the New Orleans Opera, Fringe Festival, the Marigny Opera House Ballet, and other theatrical companies and events. She is also a documentary producer, with a film about New Orleans history slated to premiere in 2021.  Simonette now serves as Assistant Business Agent and Chair of the Board of Trustees for IATSE Local 478, the union behind entertainment, representing the film workers of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.