Question 1

What does a Production Designer do?

Elisabeth Williams · Accepted Answer

A Production Designer’s job is to create a world for the story to take place in. This world needs to contribute to the story in the sense that it should set the mood and the tone of the film/program.
Whether in the studio or on location, each set is designed to fit inside this world and the Production Designer ensures that there is a visual unity throughout. She/he chooses or approves all the materials and finishes and oversees a large crew, which includes Set Design, Graphics, Construction, Paint, Set Decoration, Props, Greens, Picture Cars, Special Effects, Locations, and some parts of Costumes.
Finally, but mainly, the PD works closely with the Director of Photography and the Director in breaking down the script and telling the story in the best visual way.

Question 2

How much do Production Designers make?

Elisabeth Williams · Accepted Answer

A Production Designer can make anywhere between $450/day to $1,500-$2,000/day. This will depend on the budget and size of the show, the experience or resume of the candidate, and the ability to negotiate.

Question 3

How do you become a Production Designer?

Prerna Chawla · Accepted Answer

The typical career trajectory for someone fresh out of college is to become a PA for the Art Department. Most of their time is spent helping with logistics or waiting by the truck to run props on set. Sometimes specific tasks will be given by a Set Dresser or Production Designer for them to accomplish, as well. The stakes aren’t as high for a PA and it’s a good chance to learn from others.
A note [for future Production Designers]: there isn’t any balance within the world of production design. It’s freelance. Most days are hard work that lasts at least twelve hours and can begin at any time. Workweeks are five or six days long. It’s good for a non-union Production Designer to try and take about a week-long break between projects to rest up or else they’ll burn out.

Question 4

What skills does a Production Designer need?

Elisabeth Williams · Accepted Answer

A Production Designer needs to know how to read drawings and how to express her/his vision of how things should look. Depending on the size of the show, it can be useful to know how to hand draw, use some of the technical drawing programs, some of the software like InDesign, etc.

Question 5

What makes a good Production Designer?

Ashley Fenton · Accepted Answer

An effective Production Designer must be a good team leader. The Production Designer is the head of their department and has the opportunity to define the procedures and workflow for the job early on by making clear the way things should be done. In my experience, the best Designers set these standards while also listening to and learning from their team, who should feel empowered to give feedback and share their past experiences.
Creatively, early on in a project, everyone has thoughts and opinions about what the end result should look like. A good Production Designer is someone who is not afraid to make themselves a part of this conversation.
It is particularly important for a Production Designer to communicate with Directors, Cinematographers (who can be our greatest ally on set), and Wardrobe to facilitate a cohesive and clear idea about what everyone sees as the end goal. A good PD is also someone who can identify talent in other members of their team and give them opportunities to use those talents. They are a team player. They are also hopefully someone who believes in a project and isn’t fixated on or distracted by the limitations of the budget.

Question 6

What should you study to become a Production Designer?

Ashley Fenton · Accepted Answer

Going to film school is a great way to learn the vocabulary of a Production Designer. It may also connect you to the people who will eventually be your peers in the industry, and hopefully friends as well.
But beyond that, an understanding of Art, History, Design, Construction, Decoration and Psychology are the most important things in my opinion. I would encourage everyone interested in Production Design to reach out to their local union and get involved. Take advantage of the apprenticeship programs, scholarships, and the like.
In the entertainment industry, doors are still opened (at least a crack) by whom you know. Find someone whose work you love and write them and email. I first met and hired an incredible Prop Master who’s now a great friend of mine after just such an email out of the blue–I still hire him when I can afford him these days, which is less often than I’d like! ; )

Question 7

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

Prerna Chawla · Accepted Answer

“Having a good attitude on set is probably one of the best things to do for a Production Designer’s career. Skills develop over time but a bad mood cuts that short. Going above and beyond with a smile creates great job security. It will also get people to help in lifting heavy furniture!”

Question 8

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

Prerna Chawla · Accepted Answer

“The biggest mistake Production Designers make is ignoring their personal life and health. It’s easy to get burned out and forget about outside relationships. If that happens, creativity suffers and the Production Designer’s career will start to take a downward spiral. They’ll get bitter and burn contacts. Their career is based on rehires, referrals and networking, so even having a couple bad jobs can be deadly.”

Question 9

Anything else you think aspiring Production Designers need to know?

Ashley Fenton · Accepted Answer

A final note from me: As the production designer on a project you will likely never make everyone happy. When you’re on a job take confidence in the knowledge that you were hired because of your own specific vision of the project, but do not expect everyone to have the same vision as you.
I also believe that filmmaking is a collaborative effort. Movie magic happens when everyone who is working together does so in a way that elevates the project to a place it never could have gone with just one persons input. Try to push your collaborators but also push yourself.

Question 10

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

Prerna Chawla · Accepted Answer

“What effort went into creating a space or background?
“Audiences never understand the effort that went into making a cinematic image. When the work is good it can almost become invisible. The film’s world sucks its viewers in. This can lead to underappreciation for the Art Department. Sometimes, even the Director and/or Producers think the Production Designer is a magician. They think the Production Designer can easily paint walls or redress a set with no time or money.
“This leads to animosity through misunderstanding. It’s important to not only show the work done but also discuss the effort that went into making it. Most importantly, it’s good to communicate what resources it will take to change course. People want it cheap, great, and fast but they can’t have all three.”

Question 11

What is one thing I should have asked which I didn’t?

Prerna Chawla · Accepted Answer

“Is film school worthwhile?
“A lot of people ask if they should go to film school. It helps give a good foundation and contacts. The school doesn’t have to be very expensive but formal training is important. It will help in the long run when designing. There are a lot of Production Designers who just start working but it’s easy to see the difference between them and someone with an education.”

Question 12

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

Prerna Chawla · Accepted Answer

“Teamwork.”

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