How to Become a Production Designer
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Production Designer
What does a Production Designer do?
A In film and television, a production designer (PD) is the person responsible for the overall visual look of the production. Production designers have a key creative role in the creation of motion pictures and television. Working directly with the director, cinematographer, and producer, they must select the settings and style to visually tell the story. The term production designer was coined by William Cameron Menzies while he was working on the film Gone with the Wind. Previously (and often subsequently) the people with the same responsibilities were called art directors. It is sometimes also described as scenic design or set design.
Production designers may not be as well-known outside the film industry as directors, writers, and producers, but aspiring filmmakers learn very quickly that movies can never go from idea to the big screen without a talented production designer.
The production designer takes the writer’s work, the director’s vision, and the producer’s plan, and synthesizes it into a visual story.
Together, the pre-production team formulate ideas and plan for the visual context that will be used to tell a captivating story.
Production designers help identify which places and assets will be needed to create the right atmosphere for each scene.
Production designers must keep the whole film and the whole budget in mind at all times.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Production Designer
Best tips for those who want to become a Production Designer
Here are some tips to become a Production Designer.
Lighting can make a huge difference.
Use film props to elevate your scene.
Raise money for production design.
Filter your projects down into actionable tasks.
Apply one-touch task management.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Production Designer
Best colleges and universities for Production Designer
- Butler University
- Carroll College
- Cooper Union
- High Point University
- Princeton University
- Providence College
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Production Designer
Is being a Production Designer Worth it?
According to Jamie McCall, The Politician’s production designer, the look of the series—from interiors meant to depict California’s one percent to incredible gardens and college admissions offices—plays a large part in telling the story of a high-takes high school election involving some very rich, very driven kids.
Director Melina Matsoukas, a two-time Grammy winner best known for music videos, collaborated with production designer Karen Murphy to bring the real world to the screen.
While filming a current-day script mostly on location might seem fairly straightforward, production crews know that’s never the case.
The production employed a common bit of movie magic and used a different bar for the exterior.
It’s a beautifully fussy windswept universe that Anderson created with the film’s production designer, Adam Stockhausen.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Production Designer
What skills do you need to be a Production Designer?
This is not a management position, but still requires important skills in order to fully execute the role. A keen understanding of the following is necessary for the role: 3D CAD, 3D Modeling, Computer Aided Drafting & Design (CADD), Design Engineering, Functional Design, Prototyping, Reading Blueprints/Diagrams, Product Specifications. Some of the more basic skills utilized in this role include: CAD Software. These skills are certainly important to the role, but keep in mind, fit into a company culture and environment is often just as important.
The production designer role also entails working with the cinematographer (to ensure the sets will look great in the shot), and the costume, hair, and make-up department (so that every actor fits in with their vision).
Being a production designer requires managing a large team and executing a huge vision, so strong communication, multitasking, teamwork, and time management skills are a must.
The School of the Arts at the University of North Carolina gives its production design students a wide range of skills, and a deep understanding of all things filmmaking.
When you’re first starting out, you may also want to seek out some internships or apprenticeships with more established production designers so you can get some hands-on experience ASAP.
A creative thinker with an eye for design, a successful Production Designer has excellent visual awareness and design skills.
Step 6: View average salary for Production Designer
How much does a Production Designer make?
The average salary range for a Production Designer is from $51,227 to $69,267. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
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Average salary for Production Designer jobs
Step 7: Find relevant Production Designer jobs, and apply.
Looking for Production Designer jobs?
Here are some Production Designer jobs in the United States.