Art Director
The Art Director oversees the alignment of the overall visual aspect of the film, video or a concept. He/She is responsible for ensuring that the content achieves the desired look, stimulates mood and appeals to the target audience. He is involved from very early stages of pre-production to look at scripts or screenplay to assess the visual qualities that will help to create the atmosphere and bring the story to life. He provides expert advice and recommendation on how best to shoot the film including use of sets and locations, make-up, hair, costumes, visual theme etc. He oversees the development of design sketches, technical drawings and models for building of sets and adapting locations including design elements that may require computer generated imagery (CGI). During the production stage, he manages many large teams to oversee the development of sets or preparation of locations, hair and make-up for the actors. The work involves high amount of creative thinking and collaboration with the creative leadership as well as providing leadership and creative direction to the art department. He is the head of the art department and is able to handle the production budget, visualize a scene from the script and realize it using sets, props and character appearance. He is a strong leader and people manager. He should be meticulous and highly organized. He has a creative mindset and is able to solve complex problems.
Skills and Competencies
Technical Skills & Competencies
Generic Skills & Competencies
Critical Work Functions and Key Tasks
• Analyse the script or concept to develop an overarching design concept
• Present the overall design concept to the directors and producers to discuss breakdown of the requirements of the design elements including sets, locations, make-up, computer-generated imagery and other visual elements
• Lay out a comprehensive set of requirements for the production by collaborating with production teams
• Develop the budget and schedule for the department by detailing time, material and resources required to complete the project
• Direct the production of illustrative material to depict the design concept
• Guide the research for theme and historical information to produce design ideas that are accurate
• Advise the team to work within the constraints of the location, budgets, materials while producing the desired visual concept
• Oversee the development of technical sketches and illustrations for various design elements
• Oversee the logistics and sourcing of appropriate materials and researching effects
• Oversee the collaboration with the special effects teams for scenes with special requirements
• Provide regular updates to the various departments in content production and discuss any changes that may be required
• Drive the teams to meet schedule and budget targets
• Ensure cohesive development of design elements by collaborating with various teams in the camera, art and other departments
• Coordinate the on-set teams responsible for putting together the design elements
• Monitor the execution of set development in accordance to approved designs and sketches
• Monitor the playbacks from the day's shoots to discuss improvements required for the overall design concept
• Perform quality and safety checks to ensure workplace safety and health for production team and other crew members
• Conduct regular team reviews to recommend schedule changes, cost or resource adjustments