Set Designer

Set designers are the people who are responsible for the artistic design and presentation of a stage for fashion shows and movie shoots. They are creative and practical individuals who recreate landscapes and atmospheres to suit what is stated on the script. Set designers imagine, plan and designs the scenery or setting to be used for musical concerts and shooting films. They coordinate with directors and camera men to come up with the best stage plans and designs that can enhance the production of the film. It is the responsibility of the set designer to create the overall outlook of the stage for runway shows and the arrangement of set props for a television or film production. Their work is mostly at the pre-production stage as they manage the arrangement of set items at a filming location in order to create an aesthetic feel for the camera. They are also the people who determine the kind of backgrounds, lights and props to be used for a particular film or television show.

What does it take to become a set designer?

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT

To become a set designer, you need a bachelor’s degree in set design or theatre art probably from the University of Lagos  or University of Ibadan. It will be an added advantage if you get a higher diploma in production design or set design. Also take courses on interior design, scenic painting, model making and drafting. Considering the fact that the job of a set designer is one that has a high level of practicality its important you get hands on experience by working under a professional set designer in order to increase your desirability in the job market.  

SKILLS

A set designer must possess inter-personal communication skills, planning and organising skills, and must also be able to pay attention to details. You must be a creative thinker and have the ability to create things with visual impact. It’s also required that you are able to draw, paint and make use of computer aided designs (CAD). You need to be able to work with a slim budget and still deliver results. You must possess problem solving skills in order to address lighting issues during a movie shoot. You must be an idea power house who is able to suggest appropriate costumes, make-up, props and lighting for the shooting.

JOB RESPONSIBILITY

It is the responsibility of the set designer to create and craft the set to be used for a TV show, film or musical concert. It’s part of your job to sketch out set plans using computer aided designs (CAD) like Autodesk. You are also expected to read the script in order to understand the kind of set you need to create. The set designer is also responsible for ordering set materials and also arranging them in their rightful places. You are to oversee the construction of the set while working hand in hand with other crew members. The set designer is also expected to analyse stage entrances and exits in order to ensure that there are no confusion during the shoot. Since they work hand in hand with the director they are expected to render set models to him or her and make changes to the set where necessary. It is the responsibility of the set designer to make rough designs of the set and also give an estimate of what it will cost to come up with that particular set to the producer.

EMPLOYERS SET DESIGNER

The service of set designers are often needed by media houses and other movie production companies. In Nigeria companies like Silverbird, Ebonylife TV, Mnet, KracksTV etc are employers of set designers.

The job of a set designer is one that requires creativity in order to come up with mind blowing set concepts, so its important that you allow yourself to be inspired constantly even with things that are present in your immediate environment.