Set Designer
What is the work like?
Set designers create the overall 'look' of theatre, television or film productions. In the film and TV industry they are often known as production designers.
As a set or production designer, your work would begin at the start of the production planning process, and end on the opening night or when filming begins. You would create the design ideas, but delegate the practical work to others. Your work would normally involve:
- studying scripts and discussing ideas with the director
- communicating your ideas to costume, make-up, props and lighting designers
- overcoming any logistical problems, such as lighting or complex scene changes
- researching the right historical, contemporary or futuristic details for the production
- creating effective designs within the available budget
- sketching design ideas to produce a ‘storyboard’, showing what the sets will look like scene by scene
- using computer-aided design (CAD) packages
- building and photographing scale models
- estimating costs and preparing a production schedule
- overseeing set building and decoration
- making any adjustments needed during rehearsals.
In theatre, you might work alone or with an assistant. In TV/film, you would manage a team that might include art directors, assistant art directors, storyboard artists and model makers.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You will need a high level of design skill and creative vision. You would normally start as designer’s assistant or prop maker in the theatre, or as an art department trainee or runner in film and TV. You could then work your way up to designer as you develop experience and contacts in the industry.
In practice, many set designers have an art-based BTEC HND or degree. Several universities, colleges and drama schools offer specialised courses in theatre design, performing arts (production) or design for film and television. Other useful subjects include interior design, fine art, 3-D design and architecture. You should check with colleges or universities for course entry requirements.
Whatever your qualifications, you should find practical work experience and build a portfolio or 'showreel' DVD of your design work to show to potential employers. You could get relevant experience through activities such as:
- student theatre or film
- local amateur or community theatre
- low-budget independent films
- fringe theatre.
You may be able to start in the film and TV industry through an apprenticeship-style new entrant training scheme, such as the BBC's Design Training Scheme, or programmes run by Film and Television Freelance Training (FT2). Competition for places on this type of scheme is very strong, and selection processes are tough.
Contact Skillset Careers to find out about any new entrant training schemes that may be available in film and TV.
What further training and development can I do?
Most of your training would be on the job, learning from experienced designers and production staff.
You should continue to build your portfolio/showreel, and develop your skills and contacts throughout your career. It can be useful to join organisations like the Society of British Theatre Designers, for professional recognition, networking and training opportunities.
As a working set designer, you could choose to take a postgraduate diploma or degree in theatre design, scenography or design for film and television. You could also take short courses in skills such as computer aided design (CAD).
See Skillset's database of media courses to find relevant training for film/TV set designers and production designers. For courses relevant to the theatre, see the Society of British Theatre Designers.
Career progression can take several years. for example, in the film industry you might go from art department trainee to draughtsperson, assistant art director, and art director before becoming a production designer.
Where can I go for more information?
Focus Point21 Caledonian Road
London
N1 9GB
Tel: 0808 100 8094 (Scotland)
Tel: 08000 121 815 (Wales)
Warwick Street
London
W1R 5RA
London
SE1 1RQ
Helpline: 0800 093 0444
South Bank
London
SE1 9PX
Tel: 020 7452 3388
http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk
London
SW9 9BT
Upper St Martin’s Lane
London
WC2H 9EG
Tel: 020 7379 6000
55 Farringdon Road
London
EC1M 3JB
Tel: 020 7242 9200
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Earnings in theatre can start at around £18,000 to £28,000 a year. Established designers may earn much more.
- Earnings in film and TV are usually higher, although you may need to work for low pay at the start of your career.
Freelance rates can vary widely, based on the type of production and your own track record. Contact BECTU or Equity for information on minimum pay guidelines.
Figures are intended as a guide only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your working hours can be long and may involve evening and weekend work to meet deadlines.
You could work in a studio, an office or from home. You would also attend meetings with theatres or film/TV production companies.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- creativity and imagination
- practical skills in drawing and model making
- good communication and 'people skills'
- leadership ability, organisational skills and budget awareness
- a good eye for detail
- the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- research skills
- problem-solving ability
- a flexible and adaptable attitude
- knowledge of the production process, including technical aspects such as lighting and sound
- knowledge of computer-aided design.
What opportunities are there?
You would usually work on freelance contracts for theatre companies, film/TV production companies or TV broadcasters. You may also find opportunities in conference and exhibition design.
Permanent work is not common, but is possible in larger theatre companies or design consultancies that employ staff on a full-time basis.
Some jobs are advertised in the national press, trade press and industry websites. However, it is more common to get work by networking and word of mouth, and by using an agent or crew directory. Competition for work is strong.
You may find the following links useful for contacts and vacancies (links open new window):
Broadcast Freelancer
The Stage
Mandy.com
Stage Jobs Pro
The Knowledge (TV/film contacts directory)
Kays Production Guide (TV/film contacts directory)
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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