Career Counselling

Set Designer

Description

This is the set designer/production designer, who gives the movie the look and the atmosphere it needs to make the plot work. But with the evolution of TV shows as well as films, the job has become far more specialised. A set designer should have an understanding of space, form and structure, composition, perspective, visual storyboard, design layout and lighting schemes. This goes for film, TV and even stage productions, some of which require very elaborate sets. It is a job where the designer has to research, plan, construct and oversee the sets used in ad films, TV shows and plays.

Requirements

Go for a bachelor of fine arts degree. Learn software such as VectorWorks, RenderWorks, PhotoShop, Illustrator, Max etc. People with other areas of expertise such as interior design and architecture can also join this field. 

The skills required are as follows:

  • Strong aesthetic sense and fine art training
  • Good research skills
  • Patience to work with carpenters, electricians etc
  • Ability to cope with the demands of a director, which may change during the course of a shoot
  • Good budgeting and planning skills

Job Prospects

An assistant set designer makes very little money, about Rs. 6,000 - Rs. 7,000 per month. Once one builds up a reputation, the pay depends on the project — it can be anything from Rs. 50,000 to a couple of lakhs. As an art director for a film, the pay is still higher. Pay in TV channels varies.

Pros & Cons

  • Good money after the initial stage
  • A great platform for your imagination
  • Long hours, maybe even on weekends
  • Physical exhaustion possible
  • Opportunity to contribute to the arts in theatre or television
  • You may need to work under time and budget constraints