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Production Designer
Production designers are responsible for the visual concept of a film, television or theatre production. They realise a design style for sets, locations, graphics, props, lighting, camera angles and costumes, while working closely with the director and producer.
- reading scripts to identify factors indicating a particular visual style;
- considering the production brief, which may be written or oral;
- meeting the producer and director to discuss concepts and production requirements;
- researching art history, background politics, historical information and producing design ideas;
- planning and monitoring the design budget;
- providing scale drawings or models for studio or theatre sets;
- producing design ideas for costumes, wigs, props, special effects, make-up and graphics;
- identifying and assessing potential studios and locations;
- sourcing appropriate materials and researching effects;
- presenting ideas to others involved in the production, such as actors and camera operators;
- researching, estimating and preparing a property list;
- hiring and managing an art department team or teams (depending on the size of the production);
- instructing the set construction company, scenic artists and special effects specialists, and monitoring their work;
- liaising with the costume designer and the director of photography, as well as the props, lighting and sound directors;
- attending progress meetings, rehearsals and filming to advise on visual presentation.
