Production designer: What It Means in Filmmaking

A production designer is the head of the art department, the person responsible for how every set, location and physical object in a film looks on screen.

What does production designer mean?

The production designer turns the script and the director's ideas into a physical world. They decide the look of each space: the architecture, the colors on the walls, the furniture, the dressing, the props and the overall period and texture. On a larger film they lead a team that usually includes an art director (who manages the department and its budget day to day), a set decorator, a props master, graphic designers and a construction crew. They work closely with the director and the director of photography, because a set has to suit the camera angles and the lighting, and with the costume designer so clothes and rooms belong to the same world.

The job starts early in pre-production. The production designer reads the script, breaks out every location and set, gathers references, makes sketches or a look book, and then scouts, builds or dresses each space before the shoot. On a micro-budget short, one person often does the whole job, sometimes with the title art director or production designer depending on the credits.

Example: a production designer's notes for one set

In a short film called "The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter", scene 6 takes place at INT. LIGHTHOUSE KITCHEN - NIGHT. The script says only: "A cramped kitchen. A kettle on the stove. Imogen eats alone." The production designer's notes for the set might read:

• Story point: Imogen has lived here alone since her father died. The room should feel kept up but frozen in time.
• Palette: faded greens and salt-stained whites. No bright colors except a red enamel kettle, which returns in scene 14.
• Dressing: two chairs at the table but only one is used; her father's coat still on a hook by the door; tide tables pinned to the wall.
• Practical concern: the room is small, so the table is on wheels to let the camera move for the wide shot.
• Location: a real cottage kitchen, redressed, instead of a built set.

Every choice tells the audience something about the character without a line of dialogue, which is the point of production design.

Related terms

• Art director: runs the art department under the production designer and keeps sets on budget and on time.
• Set decorator: chooses and places the furniture and dressing on each set.
• Props master: handles any object an actor touches or uses.
• Mood board: a collection of reference images and colors used to agree on a look. See how to make a mood board for a film.
• Costume department: works alongside the art department. See costume planning from breakdown to fittings.

For how the art department fits with every other team, read film crew roles explained.

FAQ

What is the difference between a production designer and an art director?

The production designer sets the overall visual concept and answers to the director. The art director manages the department that carries out that concept, including schedules, budgets and crew.

Does a low-budget short need a production designer?

It needs someone doing the job, even if they also handle props and wardrobe. Without one person owning the look, sets tend to end up as whatever was already in the room. A shared mood board, which you can build in Lowerated next to your script and breakdown, helps a small team agree on that look early.