Set Designer* (Set Decoration and Props Management)
The Set Designer executes the realization of the the overall visual aspect of the production by conceptualizing the set design or locations for film, video or a concept based on the script and the overall visual concept. He/She is responsible for studying scripts and interpreting the descriptions of locations, creating sketches and drawings, translating these into technical drawings and models for sets to be built or locations to be identified and prepared. He lays out a comprehensive set of requirements for the materials needed for set design. He oversees the right look or feel for a production and ensure that other areas of technical production such as lighting or sound recording are aligned with the set. He also identifies and commissions set construction vendors. He prepares cost estimates for set design and construction and manages project schedule of his team. He oversees the construction of set and ensures that the sets evoke the intended style, mood and theme. He/She may specialize in areas related to set decorating or props management. He should be able to identify the artistic requirements for the set based on the production script and also manage the selection, usage and maintenance of props. The work involves creative ideation and realization of visual elements and high amounts of coordination with props, camera, lighting and electricity crew. The work may be performed in a studio or outdoors. He should have the knowledge of design techniques, tools and principles involved in development of technical sketches, blueprints, drawings and models. He needs to have a creative bent of mind and should be detail-oriented. He needs to have knowledge of various materials and fabrication techniques to understand how to best realizevisual elements. He is required to work in a team and be able to deliver work under pressure in order to meet strict deadlines.
Skills and Competencies
Technical Skills & Competencies
Generic Skills & Competencies
Critical Work Functions and Key Tasks
• Develop the set and location design requirements based on evaluation of script and overall design concept
• Develop renderings of proposed set designs including detailed construction, layout and material specifications
• Develop the technical sketches, plans, drawings and models of sets
• Develop costing estimates and schedule by detailing time, material and resources required to complete the project
• Identify the set construction vendors based on the requirement specifications
• Estimate the set-related costs which include materials, construction and rental of props and locations
• Prepare a comprehensive list of requirements and materials needed for set production
• Direct construction, erection and other decoration activities in order to ensure that sets meet design, budget and schedule requirements
• Guide the lighting and other production support crew to align with the set design requirement for mounting other equipment
• Guide teams on set-construction, set decoration and prop placements as per the art requirements
• Inspect installed set for conformance to set specifications and propose revisions
• Audit the set structures and other installations and equipment to ensure workplace safety and health for production teams and crew
• Ensure cohesive development by collaborating with production teams
• Conduct quality and safety checks to ensure workplace safety and health for production teams and crew
• Oversee the condition of all set elements during production and make necessary repairs or replacements
• Manage set changes, enhancements and enforcements during the production
• Maintain continuity between scenes beyond set design and decoration to include lighting and other equipment that impact the visual quality of production
• Oversee the striking of set within the strike deadline
• Review the quality of set elements before return or storage to take note of any loss or damage
• Manage the return of all set elements to their sources, in the appropriate condition
• Identify the set dressing requirements based on set design, evaluation of script and overall design concept
• Conduct research on the setting of the story and prepare a script breakdown to detail each object required to dress the scene
• Develop a plan with a breakdown of the detailed set dressing requirements in each scene to map out the logical progression of sets throughout the production
• Develop the budget and schedule for sets required by detailing time, material and resources required to complete the production
• Present drawings, mood boards and colour swatches to creative leadership team for approval