DESIGNER

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 realise 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.

RESPONSABILITIES
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.

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.

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 prioritise 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

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