Production Designers are responsible for creating the 'look' of a project, visually interpreting the script, developing characters and environments that will both illustrate the narrative and enable Directors to realize their vision.
In the early stages of a project, this is likely to be done in partnership with the Director and, sometimes, in conjunction with the Producer and/or Client.
While establishing the stylistic theme, Production Designers also have to consider the technical resources available on the production and any budgetary and scheduling restrictions.
What is the job?
Production Designers consider the script/treatment, and any other form of brief, when producing the original designs. While being aware of the likely method of animation, in the early stages of a project they will use whatever technique is appropriate to demonstrate the proposed designs.
For most types of animation, designs are often developed initially in a 2D format and presented as drawings or paintings regardless of the final technique, even for projects that are destined for CGI.
On some smaller productions, the Production Designer's role may be combined with that of Art Director which means an ongoing involvement with the project. They may also function as the Character Designer and/or Background Designer.
Either alone or with a team, they will establish the environments, characters, props, colour schemes and any other design elements required for the production. The amount of work required from Production Designers in order to style a project will vary depending upon the requirements of each production and the size of the Art Department.
On some projects, the Production Designer may also be the creative head of the Art Department, often supervising the work of a team which may include art directors, concept artists, character designers, sculptors, prop designers, background artists, set designers, model makers, set builders, set dressers and pre-vis (pre-visualisation) artists. (Storyboard and Layout Artists are usually working for the Director but can sometimes be regarded as part of the Art Department.)
It is likely that the Art Director, together with the Production Manager and/or Co-ordinator, will cover the organisational running of the department. In some cases, Production Designers will be commissioned to produce only key designs that define the style of the film and this work will be implemented and supervised throughout production by Art Directors.
Typical career routes
There are no typical career routes. If a project is based on an existing book or comic strip, the creator of that original work may become the Production Designer; depending on the project, an illustrator or graphic designer may be chosen as good 'casting' based on their previous work, regardless of the medium.
Ideally, Production Designers will have worked their way through the Art Department, possibly starting as character or set designer and working their way up to Art Director.
The experience gained via this route will enable Production Designers to appreciate more than just the design aspect of the project and enable them to make a greater contribution both to the technical realisation of their work and the efficient running of the art department.
Essential knowledge and skills
Production Designers need imagination, artistic flair and talent to produce the design solutions for a project. They must be able to understand not only what will be appropriate in terms of design, but also what is going to be achievable further down the line by the animation and post-production teams.
They need to be able to work to a schedule and budget and, in some cases, provide budget information regarding art department costs to the production team. If Production Designers do not have an animation background, they should ensure that members of their team are able to provide any technical expertise that they may lack.
Key Skills include:
- design talent;
- good people management and leadership skills;
- good communication and presentation skills;
- ability to manage schedules and prioritize their own work and that of others;
- ability to take direction, give direction and work as part of a team;
- ability to work without supervision;
- ability to receive and address comments;
- ability to interview and assess work of potential art department members;
- ability to work long hours and, if required, function under pressure;
- knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures
Training and qualifications
Production Designers are likely to have an established track record and be selected on the basis of the suitability of their style and work, and their sympathy for a particular project. It is likely they will have art-related or design degrees but may or may not have any experience of animation.
Many famous artists have created production designs not only for opera and theatre but also for animation. However, an understanding of both animation in general, and the technique of a particular project, will be extremely helpful.