Entry Level Qualification 

12

Career Fields 

Engineering & Technology

For Specially Abled 

Career Entrance Exam 

JEE MAIN BE/BTECH

About Career 

1. Production Designers are responsible for developing and creating the final look of the shots / frames of a movie or video production which includes creating the initial idea of the storyline, building sets according to the story, fabricating costumes as per the characters, developing and planning visual effects to be used in a scene and most importantly making the story more meaningful.

2. Remember the stunning and picturesque shots captured in The Great Gatsby? Or the futuristic and third-world scenes from Blade Runner? Or to go back more in time when a somnambulist and a psychotic doctor filled the claustrophobic world with blood on streets and frightening geometrical shapes in The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari? Remember how grand and rich the actors and the shooting locations were in the films like Jodha Akbar and Padmavat or the representation of their majestic and luxurious life. All these and much more detailing’s are usually dealt and planned by the Production Designers. Production designers are the ones who think and decide what goes into a frame ranging from which book goes on the table to what the actor would wear. They are responsible for making and arranging the set which not only looks visually appealing but also has the touch of storytelling in them.

3. As a Production Designer, you would be responsible for interpreting and transforming the story, characters, and narrative themes into images that embrace architecture, decor, and the entire physical space. You would create the look and style of a movie or other visual mediums by coordinating with the director, director of photography and other creative artists in the Art Department.

4. Production Designers usually coordinate with screenwriters, costume designers, cinematographers, directors, and VFX experts to meet the requirements of a particular look and feel of a shot. It is a production design that creates an intriguing world and enhances the story through style, represents a period, and depicts the character in a certain light. They take care of everything from living spaces to facades, entire towns invented or sometimes built.

So what exactly does a Production Designer do and who all works with her?

1. A Production Designer’s ultimate goal is to translate the final impression from the script to the screen. They work and coordinate with several artists, set designers, set decorators, costume designers, hair and make-up specialists, construction coordinators, and props masters. At first, the Production Designer uses the sketches and models made by the graphic designers, storyboard artists, and concept artists to decide and plan the details about the color combinations, color themes, objects to be used, mood and time she is attempting to create. She then makes sure that the designs work with sound, lighting, special effects, and digital visual effects elements. A production designer also assists digital visual effects artists in post-production to help create computer-generated elements that blend with production and cinematography elements.

2. So the next time you watch a film, pause and observe the minute details that go into the background and how they affect the mood of the scene, reflects the state of the characters and articulate the important themes of the story.

3. All the perfect and narrative shots and frames in the movies are made possible by the artistic bend of the Production Designers who have made it possible to portray a galaxy far away, imagined and built on a stage; Gotham city brought to the screen, designed and imagined to make it a reality; or the fictional country Wakanda created by Marvel Comics, or even the altered psychological state of the characters reflected in most of Alfred Hitchcock’s films. Therefore a Production Designer is responsible for interpreting the script and bringing the director’s vision into a more artistic and stunning reality. 

Key Roles and Responsibilities

As a Production Designer, you would be involved in the following key roles and responsibilities:

1. You would read scripts to identify what visual style is most appropriate.

2. You would meet with the Producer and Director to discuss their views and requirements. Then, they develop a conceptual style for every aspect of the production.

3. You would be involved in day-to-day important activities such as: studying scripts and discussing ideas with the director, communicating your ideas to costume, make-up, props, and lighting designers; working out problems like lighting and scene changes; researching historical, contemporary or futuristic details to get the right look for the production; and creating effective designs within the available budget, etc.

4. You would provide sketches to communicate your concept to the Director and Art team. You would also produce scale drawings of sets, and draw up ideas for costumes, props, and make-up and may also provide ideas for special effects or graphics.

5. When working on a film or television project, you would research and scout out filming locations. You would also assess studios, public or private spaces for visual suitability and practicality.

6. Early on in the production process, you would hire an art department. Depending on the size of the production, this could be just a few people or many large teams. It may include set designers and constructors, special effects teams, props, lighting, and sound directors and costume designers.

7. You would manage the art department throughout the process, instructing them on direction and vision. You would also attend progress meetings, rehearsals, and filming, adjusting and advising on visual aspects all along the way.​​​​​​​

Career Entry Pathway 

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies –– Class 11-12 with any subject as per scheme of studies – Bachelor’s Degree in any subject – Master’s degree or Post Graduate level Diploma in Film and Television Production/ Film Production Design – Work as an Assistant and gain a few years of experience in the Art Department of any Film and Television production company – Become a Production Designer

After completing Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies and Class 11-12 with any subject as per scheme of studies you can pursue a Bachelor’s degree in any subject. Then you can do a Master’s degree or a Post Graduate level Diploma in Film and Television Production or in Film Production Design. After this qualification, you can start working as an Assistant in the art department of a film or television production company and gain a few years of experience. To become a Production Designer you need at least 7-8 years of experience in the creative field.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies –– Class 11-12 with any subject as per scheme of studies – Bachelor of Design (specialisation in Exhibition Design/ Interior Design/ Interior and Space design/ Interior Architecture/ Design Accessory / Communication Design or similar filed) - Work as Communication Designer/Exhibition/Interior Designer and gain a few years of experience in creative design/ Work as an Assistant and gain a few years of experience in the Art Department of any Film and Television production company – Become a Production Designer

After completing Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies and Class 11-12 with any subject as per scheme of studies you can pursue graduation in B. Des with specialisation in Exhibition Design/ Interior Design/ Interior and Space design/ Interior architecture/ Design Accessory/ Communication Design or similar filed. After graduation you can start working either as an Exhibition Designer/ Interior Designer/ Communication Designer or an Assistant in the related field and gain a few years of experience. To become a Production Designer you need at least 7-8 years of experience in the creative field.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies –– Class 11-12 with any subject as per scheme of studies – Bachelor of Design (with specialisation in Exhibition Design/ Interior Design/ Interior and Space design/ Interior architecture/ Design Accessory/ Communication Design or similar filed) - Post-Graduate Diploma in Interior Design/ Exhibition and Set Design/ Film and Television Production/ Film Production Design/similar - Work as an Interior Designer or Exhibition Designer and gain a few years of experience in creative design/ Work as an Assistant and gain a few years of experience in the Art Department of any Film and Television production company – Become a Production Designer

After completing Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies and Class 11-12 with any subject as per scheme of studies you can pursue graduation in B. Des with specialization in Exhibition Design/ Interior Design/ Interior and Space design/ Interior Architecture/ Design Accessory/Communication Design or similar field. After graduation you can go for a Post-Graduate Diploma in Interior Design/Exhibition and set Design/ Film and Television Production/ Film Production Design/ similar field. Then you can start working either as an Interior Designer/ Exhibition Designer or an Assistant in a related field and gain a few years of experience. To become a Production Designer you need at least 7-8 years of experience in the creative field.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies –– Class 11-12 with any subject as per scheme of studies – Bachelors in Art Direction & Production Design or related field - Post-Graduate Diploma in Interior Design/ Exhibition and Set Design - Work as an Interior Designer or Exhibition Designer and gain a few years of experience in creative design/ Work as an Assistant and gain a few years of experience in the Art Department of any Film and Television production company – Become a Production Designer

After completing Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies and Class 11-12 with any subject as per scheme of studies, you can go for Bachelors in Art Direction & Production Design or related field. After graduation you can then pursue a Post-Graduate Diploma in Interior Design/Exhibition and Set Design. You can then start working either as an Interior designer or as an Exhibition Designer or as an Assistant in a related field and gain a few years of experience. To become a Production Designer you need at least 7-8 years of experience in the creative field.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies –– Class 11-12 with any subject as per scheme of studies - Bachelors in Fine Arts (BFA) in Interior Design/ Space Design/ Communication Design - Work as an Interior/Space/Communication Designer and gain a few years of experience in creative design/ Work as an Assistant and gain a few years of experience in the Art Department of any Film and Television production company – Become a Production Designer

After completing Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies and Class 11-12 with any subject as per scheme of studies you can go for a Bachelors in Fine Arts (BFA) in Interior Design/ Space Design/ Communication Design. After graduation in the above or similar field you can then start working either as an Interior/ Space/ Communication Designer or as an Assistant in a related field and gain a few years of experience. To become a Production Designer you need at least 7-8 years of experience in the creative field.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies –– Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies- B.Arch. – Master’s degree or Post Graduate Diploma in Interior Design/Interior Architecture / Exhibition and Set Design - Work as an Interior Designer/ Interior or Space Architect/ Exhibition Designer and gain a few years of experience in creative design/ Work as an Assistant and gain a few years of experience in the Art Department of any Film and Television production company – Become a Production Designer

After completing Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies and Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any subject as per scheme of studies, you can go for a degree in B.Arch. After graduation, you can pursue a Master’s degree or a Post-Graduate Diploma in Interior Design/Interior Architecture/ Exhibition and Set Design or in a related field. After this you can start working either as an Interior Designer/ Interior or Space Architect/ Exhibition Designer or an Assistant in a related field and gain a few years of experience. To become a Production Designer you need at least 7-8 years of experience in the creative field.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies –– Class 11-12 with any subject as per scheme of studies - BFA/ Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts/ Studio Art/ Visual Art/ Applied Art/ Interior Art/ related field – Master’s degree or Post Graduate Diploma in Interior Design/ Exhibition and Set Design - Work as an Interior Designer/ Exhibition Designer and gain a few years of experience in creative design/ Work as an Assistant and gain a few years of experience in the Art Department of any Film and Television production company – Become a Production Designer

​​​​​​​

After completing Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies and Class 11-12 with any subject as per scheme of studies, you can go for a Bachelor of Fine Arts / Visual Art/ Studio Art/ Applied Art/ similar degree in a related discipline. After graduation, you can pursue a Master’s degree or a Post-Graduate Diploma in Interior Design/ Exhibition and Set Design or in a related field. After this you can start working either as an Interior Designer/ Interior or Space Architect/ Exhibition Designer or an Assistant in a related field and gain a few years of experience. To become a Production Designer you need at least 7-8 years of experience in the creative field.

Required Qualification & Competencies 

To become a Production Designer, you can study for a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree or a Post Graduate Diploma in any of the following academic fields (remember that all these fields may not offer you courses in both undergraduate and postgraduate levels of education.

Some of these fields you can study after Class 11-12 with any subject as per scheme of studies and some of these are available to you only after a bachelor’s degree:

1. Applied Art

2. Creative Production

3. Exhibition Design

4. Film and Television Production

5. Film Design & Technology

6. Film Production Design

7. Fine Arts

8. Furniture and Interior Design

9. Graphic Art

10. Installation Art

11. Interior Architecture

12. Lifestyle Accessories Design

13. Studio Art

14. Visual Arts

Competencies Required

Interest

1. Artistic: You should have an interest in Artistic Occupations. Artistic occupations mostly involve working with creative ideas, art, and designs. These occupations involve abstract or conceptual thinking, and creative self-expression and often do not follow any set processes or rules for getting things done.

2. Realistic: Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Knowledge

1 .Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principals involved in the production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

2. Fine Arts: Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.

3. Creative Design: Knowledge of various techniques, methods, and specifications for creating and developing designs for various products and materials such as textile, clothes, interiors, furniture, accessories, jewelry, animation, graphics, materials, film, video, web, user interfaces of digital devices, photography, etc.

Skills

1. Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, understanding the points being made by others, asking questions, etc.

2. Reading Comprehension: Skills in understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

3. Graphic Design Tools: Skills in using various graphic design tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, etc.

4. Artistic and Visual Design: Skills in creating and developing designs that are visually appealing and attractive.

Personality

1. You are always imaginative or in most situations.

2. You always prefer to experience new things and have new experiences or you mostly do.

3. You can always act independently or could do so in most situations.

4. You are a soft-hearted person sometimes.

5. You remain calm in difficult situations sometimes but some other times you are anxious.

Career - Job Opportunities & Profiles 

1. After completing the required education in this particular field, initially, you can start working as an Interior Designer/ Exhibition Designer and gain some experience before entering the Art department of any Film and Television company. When you begin working as an interior/ Exhibition Designer you must gain 4-5 years of experience in the art and creative field and then you can work in several projects in Film, Television or Commercial ad filmmaking agencies.

2. You may also start working on digital and visual designing on smaller projects initially and after having built a strong portfolio within the art department you can look for opportunities in bigger projects. After working as an Associate in the art department you can expect to work under several film and television projects where you will get to work under Production designer and Art Directors. After working in the Art Department under several roles over a long time (8-10 years), you can either start working as a freelance Production Designer or take up projects under various Film and Television companies.

You can also look for job opportunities in:

1. Film and video production companies: Reliance Entertainment, Yash Raj Films Pvt Ltd, Balaji Telefilms Ltd, Red Chillies Entertainment Pvt, Dharma Productions Ltd, Wizcraft International Entertainment, etc.

2. Television companies: Balaji Telefilms, Bennett, Coleman & Co. (The Times of India Group), UTV Television, Zee Telefilms, Television Eighteen India, Sony Entertainment Television, Dice Media, Buzzfeed, etc.

3. Advertising or commercial filmmaking companies: Flying Saucer, Little Red Car Films, Nirvana Films, Corcoise Films, Equinox Films, MAD films etc.


      

4. You can also find production designing and art direction service providing companies like D’fine art, Set Makers, W Display, Acme Scenery Company, Art Film Group etc. where you can be a part of the art design production team under different roles.

​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​5. You can also find work opportunities as Set designer for Awards Shows, Fashion Shows, Chat Shows, News Channels, Concerts, Reality shows, etc. and gain ample experience before becoming a Production Designer.  If you want to work independently you will need a lot of experience, say 8-10 years, working within the art department or related creative field.

Career Growth

1. There are several ways through which you can progress in the Art Department of any Film and Television production houses. One of the most common career progressions in any Art Department of Film & TV Production Design is as follows:

2. Set Design Associate/Assistant - Assistant Art Director (First Assistant, Second, Third) -Art Director - Production Designer

3. Production Designer is the senior-most position within the Art Department in Film and Television industry, therefore, you would initially start as an associate/ Assistant. Although it is not necessary to start your career as an Art Department assistant after completing the required education, you may also start working as a Graphic Designer or a Storyboard Artist directly and then further move up the ladder to become a Production Designer. In order to reach the topmost position within the art department you would need years of practice and experience to finally become a Production Designer.

Salary Offered  

1 .As an Interior/ Exhibition/ Communication Designer with an experience of around 0-1 years, initially, you will receive a low salary of around Rs.10, 000 – 22, 000 per month

2. As a Set designer with an experience of around 2-4 years, you can expect Rs.20,000 – 45,000 a month. Although in some cases with experience of many years as a Set designer you may earn around Rs.50,000 or even more for even a single project.

3 .As a concept Artist (Illustrator) with an experience of around 2-4 years you may earn around Rs.45,000 – 50,000 per month or even more in a big-budget Bollywood or regional movie.

4. As an Assistant Art Director with an experience of 5-7 years, you may earn around Rs.60,000 – 85,000 per month or even more.

5. As an Art Director with an experience of 8-12 years, you may earn around Rs.75,000 – 1,25,000 per month or even more per month.

6 .As a Production Designer with an experience of 13+ years, you may earn around Rs.85,000 – 2,00,000 per month or even more.

Monthly Earning In Indian Rupee

1. Entry level: 0 - 2 years of work experience

2. Junior Level: From 1 to 12 years of work experience

3. Mid-Level: From 5 to 20+ years of work experience

4. Senior Level: From 10 to 25+ years of work experience (there could be exceptions in some high-end technical, financial, engineering, creative, management, sports, and other careers; also in the near future, people will reach these levels much faster in many careers and in some careers, these levels will have no meaning as those careers will be completely tech skill driven such as even now, there is almost no level in a Cyber Security Expert’s job)

Famous Personalities 

Not Available

Work Activities 

1. Creative thinking: Developing new ideas, concepts, innovative solutions to problems, newer ways of getting things done, designing products and services, creating work of art and craft, etc.

2. Decision making and problem-solving: Analysis of data and information; evaluation of alternative decisions and results of decisions; taking the right decisions and solving problems.

3. Communicating with co-workers and others: Communicating with people in writing, verbally or otherwise inside your workplace and various other people who have professional relationships with your place of work including vendors, government officials, etc. or with people at large.