Production Designer/Art Director

Tasks & duties

Production designers/art directors may do some or all of the following:

• go over the script with the director to establish and plan for what sets need to be built
• prepare a budget for the art department
• hire art department crew
• attend production meetings
• provide input into filming locations
• design the set and co-ordinate its building to ensure it happens on time and within budget
• work closely with wardrobe and make-up departments
• work with animal or vehicle wranglers
• work with special effects companies to design special effects
• book hire-equipment such as specialised props
• prepare a daily breakdown of the script before shooting to confirm all sets and props are complete and in working order

The tasks and duties of a production designer/art director vary greatly depending on the size, type and budget of the production

Specialisations

Production designers/art directors may choose to specialise in film, television or commercial productions.

Skills & knowledge

Production designers/art directors need to have:

• an understanding of the film, television and commercial production process
• knowledge of the different roles within an art department and how the department operates
• planning, organisational and time management skills
• artistic and drawing skills
• communication skills, and the ability to lead and manage people
• research skills
• budgeting and financial skills

The skills and knowledge required by a production designer/art director vary greatly depending on the size and type of production. Specific skills, such as carpentry, painting, sculpting or mould making, may be required.

Entry requirements

To become a production designer/art director you need to have progressed through other roles within the art department to gain the necessary skills, knowledge and experience. A driver's licence is also usually required.

Secondary education

There are no specific secondary educational requirements to become a production designer/art director. However, useful subjects include art, history, architecture/drafting and textiles.

Tertiary education

A tertiary qualification in any type of arts/crafts, drafting or textiles subject may be useful. A qualification in film/televison/theatre production may also be useful.

Training on the job

Production designers/art directors gain skills and experience on the job, and while working in other roles within the art department.

Useful experience

A wide range of experience is useful for production designers/art directors such as experience in film, television or theatre production, or in any type of construction work. Creative pursuits such as painting or sculpting are also useful.

Related courses

Audio Visual Studies
Drama and Theatre Studies
Fashion Design
Fine Arts
Graphic Arts and Design Studies
Interior and Environmental Design
Journalism, Communication and Media Studies

For more information, please refer to Career Services.