The production designer translates the script into the visual world we see on the screen. It’s a highly creative job that requires a wide variety of skills, from photography to set building and drawing.
They are also in charge of the art department. This is the largest department on a film set, with some sets having hundreds of art assistants. So, if you are interested in the visual side of filmmaking and think you would make a good leader, this role is for you. Keep reading to learn what it takes to become a production designer.
What Is a Production Designer?
The production designer is the head of the art department. They work closely with the director of photography and collaborate with all the visual departments to create and design the film’s look.
The art department is often the largest department on a film set and includes the art director, art coordinator, prop master, set designer, makeup artists, and art runners. The production designer is in charge of leading this team.
It’s the job of the production designer to listen to the director and execute their vision. That said, they have a lot of say in how the film’s visuals turn out.
The production designer’s job starts long before production begins. To start, they do a script breakdown, making notes on visuals needed for the film like lighting, makeup, costumes, props, and more. In addition, they work with others in the art department to define the mood and color design needed for the film.
They’re also responsible for setting everything up, which can include building sets, making or renting props, and painting set walls.
During filming, their main task is to ensure that all sets and locations are fully ready for filming each day. On some sets, every visual aspect of the film needs attention from the art department throughout the entirety of the shoot. If the production designer is too busy, the art director can watch the scenes for them.
What Does a Production Designer Do?
| Pre-production | – Make notes on the script – Meet with visual departments – Hire the art department team – Design the entire film’s look |
| Production | – Create film sets and locations – Create or rent props – Lead the art department – Monitor the film shoot – Solve art design problems |
| Post-production | N/A |
How to Become a Production Designer
Essential production designer skills:
- Creativity
- Artistic skills
- Filmmaking knowledge
- Management
- Coordination
- Problem-solving
- Scheduling
- Budgeting
You don’t need a degree to work as a production designer. However, an art design or filmmaking degree might help.
What’s most important is to have a broad range of art department skills and to fully understand the filmmaking process. Because of this and because of how much rests on the shoulders of the production designer, it usually takes a long time to land work in this role.
So, the best thing to do is build up your resume with real world experience and demonstrate the vast array of skills you’ve accumulated over the years. When it comes to art design and filmmaking, these skills include photography, drawing, painting, graphic design, set building, and props making.
You can learn these skills doing entry-level jobs like art trainee and art assistant. You can also take courses and workshops which will help you fill gaps in your skill set and resume.
The art department is also often the largest team on a film set. As such, the production designer must have strong teamwork and leadership skills. Lastly, it’s helpful to understand scheduling software and how to draw up a budget.
Finding Production Designer Jobs
Most production designers begin at the bottom, gaining exposure to film sets and familiarizing themselves with life in the art department.
If you’re looking for entry-level work, industry job boards can help you find positions like production assistant, art assistant, or art trainee. Many of the positions in the art department (even the entry-level ones) are competitive, so you may need additional experience or training prior to applying.
Another option if you’re eager to get started is to look for jobs on low-budget or student film sets. These types of jobs will give you hands-on experience and exposure to what it’s like working on film sets and with or in art departments.
As you gain more experience, you can apply for jobs on productions with bigger budgets.
How Much Money Do Production Designers Make?
Minimum pay rate for production designers: Negotiable
The production designer is one of the highest paid film crew roles. What’s more, your salary is highly negotiable, so the more experience and expertise you have, the better of a bargaining chip you have.
Refer to our film production crew rate estimates to learn more about the factors you can use to negotiate a fair and competitive wage for yourself.
