Set Designer
research notes
The Work
Set designers create the overall 'look' of a theatre, television or film production. 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 would usually delegate the practical work to others. Your work could include:
l studying scripts and discussing ideas with the director
l communicating your ideas to costume, make-up, props and lighting designers
l overcoming any logistical problems, such as lighting or complex scene changes
l researching the right historical, contemporary or futuristic details for the production
l creating effective designs within the available budget
l sketching design ideas to produce a 'storyboard', showing what the sets will look like scene by
scenel using computer-aided design (CAD) packages
l building and photographing scale models
l estimating costs and preparing a production schedule
l overseeing set building and decoration
l 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.
Entry Requirements
You will need a high level of design skill and creative vision. You would normally start as a
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 entry requirements with course providers.
Whatever your qualifications, you should find practical experience and build a portfolio or 'showreel'
DVD of your design work to show to potential employers. You could get relevant experience
through getting involved in:
l student theatre or film
l local amateur or community theatre
l low-budget independent films
l fringe theatre.
In film and TV, you may be able to receive apprenticeship-style training at the start of your career
from new entrant schemes such as the BBC's Design Training Scheme, or those run occasionally
by regional film agencies.
l BBC - Design
Competition for places on new entrant schemes is very strong, so you will need to prove your
enthusiasm and commitment by building relevant experience before you apply. Contact Skillset
Careers for information about any new entrant training schemes that may be available.
Click on the links to find out how a successful design assistant and theatre designer built their
careers.
l Get Into Theatre - design assistant case study
l Get Into Theatre - theatre designer case study
Hours
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.
Set Designer
Skills and Knowledge
l creativity and imagination
l practical skills in drawing and model making
l good communication and 'people skills'
l organisational skills
l budget awareness
l a good eye for detail
l the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
l research skills
l problem-solving ability
l a flexible and adaptable attitude
l knowledge of the production process, including technical aspects such as lighting and sound.
Training and Development
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 to improve
your skills in areas 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.
More Information
Creative and Cultural Skills
Lafone House
The Leathermarket
Weston Street
London
SE1 3HN
www.creative-choices.co.uk
Skillset
Focus Point
21 Caledonian Road
London
N1 9GB
www.skillset.org
Skillset Careers
Tel: 08080 300 900 (England and Northern Ireland)
Tel: 0808 100 8094 (Scotland)
Tel: 08000 121 815 (Wales)
www.skillset.org/careers
Society of British Theatre Designers (SBTD)
Fourth Floor
55 Farringdon Road
London
EC1M 3JB
Tel: 020 7242 9200
www.theatredesign.org.uk
Get Into Theatre
www.getintotheatre.org
National Theatre Education Department - Stagework
Upper Ground
South Bank
London
SE1 9PX
Tel: 020 7452 3388
http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk
www.stagework.org.uk
Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU)
373-377 Clapham Road
Set Designer
Opportunities
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.
Income
l Earnings in the theatre can start at around £18,000 to £28,000 a year. Established designers may
earn much more.
l 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.
Related Profiles
Carpenter or Joiner
Costume Designer
Exhibition Designer
Interior Designer
Make-up Artist
Model Maker
Photographic Stylist
Prop Maker
Stage Manager
Visual Merchandiser
Wardrobe Assistant
https://nextstep.direct.gov.uk/planningyourcareer/jobprofiles/jobProfile0678/Pages/default.aspx
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