Production Designer
The Production Designer heads the art department and is responsible for the visual interpretation of the script. Working closely with the Producer and Director they will research the context of the script and develop a design concept that is appropriate to the production content and can be achieved within the budget and time allocation. Their role is to lead the creative team and decide how best to visualise the total environment in which the action takes place.
The design process starts at the very first stages of pre-production and usually does not end until all sequences have been shot and edited. The Designer will carry out a detailed breakdown of the script requirements and advise the production how best to achieve the final realisation of each sequence to be seen on screen. This could involve a complex mix of different processes including interior and exterior location sequences, studio construction and post production digital effects.
The Production Designer's responsibility is extensive and requires a combination of design experience, creative flair, a broad intellectual knowledge base as well as technical understanding of many production processes. In order for the production and design process to develop, the Production Designer needs to communicate ideas and accurate technical information to a wide variety of people. Working in collaboration with the production team they need to ensure that all interior and exterior sequences can be met and a production schedule can be planned and delivered effectively within timescale and budget.
Production Designers are responsible for coordinating all design processes and managing the art department team and budget. The designer also coordinates a team of specialist support staff including construction staff, Scenic Painters, Sculptors, Prop Buyers, Set Dressers, Armourers, Visual Effects Coordinators, specialist firms dealing in drapes, floristry, food requirements, period transport and furniture etc.
The art department will provide scale set models, floor plans and construction drawings; oversee all technical construction and built scenery; co-ordinate all dressing requirements for locations and studio set ups and generally respond to technical crew requirements and design continuity. It is essential that all design and construction processes are practical and comply with health and safety regulations.
Employment is on a freelance basis.
Role Profile
- Intellect: extensive knowledge base
- Creativity and innovation
- Visual problem solving and storytelling
- Visual awareness and spatial dexterity
- Practical craft skills
- Experience and understanding of television and film production processes
- Organisation and communication skills
- Project management and budget control: ability to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure
- Leadership: expertise to inspire and motivate the creative team towards a common aesthetic
The production designer needs considerable knowledge of
- Literature, styles of performance and dramatisation, history, social history, architectural styles and detailing, interior design, history of art and design
- Film and broadcast genres
- Production processes and techniques
- Post production processes and techniques
- The working needs of technical departments such as camera and lighting
- Budgeting, scheduling and project management processes
- Furnishings and furniture styles
- Specialist suppliers and retail sources
- Construction materials and processes
- Technical drafting and model making
- Health and safety regulations
Career Path
The usual career route is an academic qualification equivalent to a BA (Hons) Art and Design in a specific or related field of study such as Television Production Design, Theatre Design, Interior Design or BSc Architecture, followed by extensive practical experience and training in the industry.
Experience is gained over a period of time as part of the art department team. Initial roles can include: Art Department Runner, Art Department Assistant, Draftsperson, Stand-by Art Director, Art Director.
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