Skip to content
ESCO occupation

production designer

Back to ESCO occupations

Production designers are responsible for the complete look (style, colouring and locations) of television programmes, series, motion pictures and commercials. They create the visual concept for the entire production such as set design, lighting, costumes and camera angles. Production designers work together with the director, designers and oversee the art department. They also create sketches, drawings, do colouring and location research and advise props and stage settings to the director.

2654.1.5 ISCO 2654 ESCO source
Competences
38
Groups
4
Essential
16
Optional
22

Competences and skills

38 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 2 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
film production process

The various development stages of making a film, such as scriptwriting, financing, shooting, editing, and distribution.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

1 competence
CAD software

The computer-aided design (CAD) software for creating, modifying, analysing or optimising a design.

digital
Scope note
CAD software should be differentiated from computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software. CADD systems are CAD systems with additional drafting features. For example, CADD systems enable an engineer or architect to insert size annotations and other notes into a design.
ESCO source
Essential skills and competences 14 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

8 competences
adapt designers’ work to the performance venue

Reorient the work of performance collaborators, such as musicians, dancers, actors as well as artistic and technical collaborators, such as set designers, lighting operators and stage managers.

ESCO source
analyse a script

Break down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.

ESCO source
analyse logistic needs

Analysing the logistic needs of all the different departments on the organisational level.

ESCO source
consult with production director

Consult with the director, producer and clients throughout the production and post-production process.

ESCO source
develop design concept

Research information to develop new ideas and concepts for the design of a specific production. Read scripts and consult directors and other production staff members, in order to develop design concepts and plan productions.

ESCO source
develop the look of a production

Develop the overall look or style of a theatre, opera, television, or film set.

ESCO source
provide input to collaborators to guide their work

Discuss and exchange ideas related to the project with the team. Show the raw material to each designer and explain desires, expectations and aesthetic or technical concerns. Review proposals submitted by cooperators.

ESCO source
supervise costume workers

Coordinate and direct costume workers in the process of drawing, cutting and sewing costumes and samples.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

6 competences
conduct research on trends in design

Conduct research on present and future evolutions and trends in design, and associated target market features.

ESCO source
create production schedules

Create the timeline for the production of a motion picture, broadcast program or artistic production. Decide how long each phase will take and what its requirements are. Take into account the existing schedules of the production team and create a viable schedule. Inform the team of the schedule.

ESCO source
estimate duration of work

Produce accurate calculations on time necessary to fulfil future technical tasks based on past and present information and observations or plan the estimated duration of individual tasks in a given project.

ESCO source
manage budgets

Plan, monitor, report on the budget and prepare set production budgets.

ESCO source
manage staff

Manage employees and subordinates, working in a team or individually, to maximise their performance and contribution. Schedule their work and activities, give instructions, motivate and direct the workers to meet the company objectives. Monitor and measure how an employee undertakes their responsibilities and how well these activities are executed. Identify areas for improvement and make suggestions to achieve this. Lead a group of people to help them achieve goals and maintain an effective working relationship among staff.

ESCO source
use CAD software

Use computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimisation of a design.

digital
ESCO source
Optional knowledge 2 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Cross-sector

2 competences
lighting techniques

The characteristics of techniques used to create atmospheres and effects on camera or on stage; the equipment required and appropriate setup to use.

ESCO source
photography

Art and practice of creating aesthetically appealing images by recording light or electromagnetic radiation.

ESCO source
Optional skills and competences 20 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

15 competences
arrange permits

Arrange permits for shooting a film on location. Consult with owners and local authorities.

ESCO source
assess production needs to plan a production schedule

Make sure all production needs are clear before you plan the schedule. Take into consideration the demands of the choreographer, artistic director and company director and the the specific needs of the performers/dancers as well as the available budget. Take into account work space, logistics, staging, lighting, sound, multimedia requirements. Factor in requirements related to costumes, makeup, hair and props.

ESCO source
create set models

Create three-dimensional models of the envisioned set layout.

ESCO source
design lighting

Design the right atmosphere and an aesthetically appealing film with light. Give instructions on which equipment, settings, and cues should be used.

ESCO source
design props

Draw prop sketches and define prop materials and building methods

ESCO source
develop a specific interior design

Develop a conceptual interior design fitting the global mood the room(s) must convey, according to the quality standards agreed on. Adhere to the order of a client for a domestic area or to the concept of an artistic production, such as a movie or a theatre play.

ESCO source
ensure visual quality of the set

Inspect and amend the scenery and set-dressing to make sure the visual quality is optimal with in constraints of time, budget and manpower.

ESCO source
make film shooting schedule

Decide when the shooting will start on each location, how long it will take, and when to move to another location.

ESCO source
make photographic storyboards

Take photographs of potential locations. Create a photographic storyboard to show findings to producer and director.

ESCO source
make set construction drawings

Visually describe the various pieces of the set in order to develop the plan and to share with others.

ESCO source
search for a suitable filming location

Search for locations suitable for film or photo shoots.

ESCO source
select costumes

Find the right costume for a certain role and actor.

ESCO source
use storyboards

Use a graphic presentation to convey, shot by shot, your creative vision and ideas on how a motion picture should look in terms of light, sound, visuals, costumes or make-up.

ESCO source
work with the camera crew

Work with the crew responsible for the camera operation and movement to get directions from them on where to stand for an aesthetic result.

ESCO source
work with the director of photography

Work with the director of photography on the artistic and creative vision that needs to be followed during production of a movie or theatre production.

ESCO source

Cross-sector

5 competences
attend rehearsals

Attend rehearsals in order to adapt sets, costumes, make-up, lighting, camera set up, etc.

ESCO source
collaborate on costume and make-up for performances

Work with the staff responsible for costumes and make up in line with their creative vision and obtain directions from them about how make-up and costumes should look.

ESCO source
draw design sketches

Create rough pictures to assist in creating and communicating design concepts.

ESCO source
recruit employees

Hire new employees by scoping the job role, advertising, performing interviews and selecting staff in line with company policy and legislation.

Scope note
It may include recruiting volunteers.
ESCO source
work with the lighting crew

Work with the crew responsible for the lighting setup and operation to get directions from them on where to stand for an aesthetic result.

ESCO source