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TV/film/theatre set designer

Set designers are responsible for creating sets for use in the production of films, television programmes, and performances of plays and musicals

Sometimes set designers take on responsibility for the entire visual aesthetic of a performance as 'production designers'

Set designer job description: Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills | Useful links | Find jobs and courses

Typical responsibilities include:

reading scripts
producing plans, drawings and models of sets
preparing estimates of set costs
liaising with directors, producers, costume designers and lighting/sound staff etc
managing budgets
viewing possible outside broadcast sites
planning
attending rehearsals/film takes
meeting with and commissioning set construction companies.

Typical employers of set designers

theatres
film and video production companies
terrestrial, satellite, digital, cable and independent television companies
advertising agencies
music video production companies

Experienced designers (particularly film set designers) commonly work on a self-employed/freelance basis.

Vacancies are advertised via the internet, in national newspapers (particularly The Guardian) and in specialist publications including The Stage newspaper, Broadcast, The Knowledge, Ariel (for BBC jobs) and Screen International.

Qualifications and training required

Employers prefer candidates with qualifications in theatre studies, creative or performing arts, drama, fine or visual arts, graphic or 3D design, illustration, architecture and landscape architecture. However, the ability to demonstrate a genuine interest in, knowledge or experience of visual arts, culture and television, film or theatre is essential, and often more important than academic qualifications.

Job shadowing and unpaid/vacation work experience can be helpful. It is essential to make speculative applications - directories such as the British Theatre Directory, Kemps Film, TV and Video Yearbook, Broadcast Production Guide, Kays UK Production Directory, the Guardian Media Guide, and Spotlight Contacts contain useful contact information.