Set Designer
Job Description:Design and create backdrops and settings for video productions including TV, film, and theatre.
Job Category:What you will do:
Your day-to-day duties could include:
- studying scripts and discussing ideas with the director
- communicating your ideas to costume, make-up, props and lighting designers
- working out problems like lighting and scene changes
- researching historical, contemporary or futuristic details to get the right look for the production
- creating effective designs within the available budget
- sketching design ideas to produce a storyboard
- building and photographing scale models
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of the fine arts
- design skills and knowledge
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
As well as:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use your initiative (drive)
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
- the ability to come up with new ways of doing things (creativity)
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- excellent verbal communication skills
Entry Requirements:
You’ll usually need an HND or degree in a relevant subject, like architecture, fine art, interior design or 3D design.
You could start as a designer’s assistant, art department trainee or a runner in film or TV and work your way up.
A DVD or online portfolio showcasing sets you’ve designed for amateur theatre, school plays or films would be useful.
Working Hours and Environment:
Your working hours could be long and include evening and weekend work.
You’ll work in a studio, an office or from home. You may also travel to attend meetings with theatres or film and TV production companies.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could work on larger and more prestigious film, TV and theatre productions.