Job Overview
The production designer is responsible for the visual design of the set-
tings where action will be filmed.
Production designer Ernest Roth spends time researching concepts
and discussing them with his illustrator, who puts on paper what Roth
visualizes in his head. The illustrator begins by making rough sketches,
gradually revising and refining them until they accurately depict what
Roth envisions. The finished drawings are presented to the producer and
director to ensure they have a clear idea of the designer's vision. Any
requested adjustments are made, the design is approved, and production
begins. Later, the illustrations are used as reference guides to ensure that
the craftsmen accurately understand what they are constructing.
Special Skills
Production designers must be skilled environmental designers and
have an understanding of filmmaking. An environmental design major,
Roth says, "You really have to love architecture, interior design, and art
in general. I think you have to have the ability to control how people see
something when they come into a space . . . The way I arrange things, I
can take your eye from right to left or left to right, or up to down, just by
the color and texture and the way things are angled."
Advice for Someone Seeking This Job
Some production designers come up through the ranks of the art
department. Others find a working production designer and offer to serve
as a production assistant or to work for free to learn the business. Studying
interior design, architecture, or scenic design will provide an opportunity
to learn design skills and build a portfolio before attempting to find a job.
Professional Profile: Ernest Roth, Production Designer
Ernie Roth knew he wanted to be an architect from the time he was
in grade school. Growing up in Olympia, Washington, he was the kid
who painted pinstripes on all his friend's bicycles. "I always had a little
leaning toward artistic things." He began taking art classes in junior
high school, quickly realizing that he had a talent for it and could earn
an "A" with little effort.
JOB TITLE: PRODUCTION DESIGNER,
COMMERCIALS
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