What is a Production Designer?
A Production Designer is an individual who is responsible for overseeing the visuals of a production. They choose a design style for sets, locations, graphics, props, lighting, camera angles and costumes. They also work closely with the director and producer.
What is the Job?
Production Designers are responsible for the visual concept of a film, television or theatre production. They will begin work at the very early stages of pre-production and are requested by the Director or Producer, who’ll collaborate with them to decide the design style for the film. Once this concept is decided, they’ll be responsible for appointing and managing the art department. All of a Production Designer’s work will take place in pre-production and principle photography stages.
Production Designers play a crucial role in helping Directors to achieve the film’s visual requirements, and in providing Producers with carefully calculated schedules which offer a variety of ways to make the film within the agreed budgets and time schedule.
They may have to prepare detailed drawings and specifications in order to pitch work on productions before they are actually offered the job. Once they are offered the position, they may be asked to look at scripts to provide estimates of the projected art department spend. This will involve them reading the script and assessing the visual qualities that will help to create atmosphere and bring the story to life.