Art Department

The Art Department is responsible for the visual style of a production.

Recommended Skills for working in the Art Department:

General understanding and interest in art and design
Organized, creative and able to solve problems
Ability to imagine, research, plan and communicate an artistic vision within budget
Knowledge of the media production industry

A combination of demonstrated skills such as a strong sense of visual storytelling, drawing, drafting, photography, 2D or 3D rendering, model-building, design, graphic arts training, administrative and supervisory skills, architectural, interior and theatrical design, photography, research, project management, computer skills.

+ Production Designer

The Production Designer works with the Director, Producer(s), Director of Photography, Costume Designer, Key Hairstylist and Makeup Artist to create and establish the visual style of the film. They oversee the preparation of set drawings for the Construction and Paint Departments and provide design guidance for the Set Decoration and Props Departments, the Graphics and Draftsperson crew members and the Special and Digital Effects creators.

+ Art Director

The Art Director coordinates the preparation and execution of the visual elements of the production and acts as a liaison within the Art Departments and with other departments. The Art Director represents the Production Designer when they are unavailable and supervises the work being done in all Art Departments. They assist in the script breakdown, and manage scheduling and the budget.

+ Assistant Art Director

The Assistant Art Director performs duties as assigned by the Art Director. They may assist in supervising construction and painting of sets.

+ Set Designer

The Set Designer performs all duties of a Draftsperson. They prepare working drawings for studio set construction and/or to modify locations.. They may also supervise construction and painting of sets.

+ Draftsperson

The Draftsperson prepares working drawings for studio set construction and/or to modify locations. They visit the studio and/or locations to photograph, survey and take measurements in order to create accurate drawings of the design. They may also build scale models.

+ Graphic Artist/Illustrator

The Graphic Artist / Illustrator helps to and prepare drawings of locations, props and sets to clarify concepts for the Construction, Paint, Set Decoration, Props, and Costume Departments. They also prepare the graphic elements for sets, props and costumes.

+ Story Board Artist

The Story Board Artist illustrates scenes for the film. This process helps the Director communicate their ideas to the crew and cast.

+ Model Maker

The Model Maker creates miniature versions of sets, objects and locations

+ Art Department Coordinator

The Art Department Coordinator assists the Art Director and ensures the efficient operation of the Department. This includes communicating with other departments, conducting research, sourcing materials and services, tracking budgets, creating schedules and coordinating with other departments. They may also be responsible for clearances and product placement.

+ Clearances/Product Placement Coordinator

The Clearances/Product Placement Coordinator makes sure that no copyrighted material is used in the production without proper permission. They ascertain the level of clearance requirements and desire for product placement from the Production Company’s legal advisor or Producers and then must seek clearance authorization from the copyright holder and final approval from a legal advisor or Producer. They work closely with Sets, Props, Costume, Graphics and Locations Departments to ensure compliance.