The set designer is the main creator of the visual space of the film or show and is responsible for and oversees the construction and execution of the decor as well as the preparation of clothes based on pre-prepared designs.
The art of stage design has a sharp reference to the undisputed realities of the life of every society and can, with the artistry and creativity of the designer, tell the whole story of the show, whether in cinema, theater, or any other show, in countless scenes without expressing any words. And without length and detail with full clarity and with just one look, it will be designed and defined for the viewer. Stage design is one of the key factors in the production of all kinds of television and cinema films, television programs, theaters, and concerts.
Each type of film or show with any context, content, and format requires its own language and therefore needs its own stage design. In order to transform and actually translate a literary and written text – which is a screenplay or a play – into an image, the stage designer must adapt his special methods to each type of film or show and its coordinates and try from the stage of initial designs to reaching the stage At the end of the work, find a special way to create a suitable atmosphere. Of course, in all these sensitive stages, in addition to continuous research, the text of the script or play, its obvious and hidden concepts, and the thoughts and opinions of the director should also be considered as the main guide and guide. have so as not to deviate from the main concept.
The set designer always tries to design the set and costumes according to the opinion of the director of the film or show, because the author of each work is the director and the initial designs and plans must be approved by him. Most of the time, after reading the text (screenplay, play, or program) and conducting the necessary research and preliminary talks with the director, the stage designer prepares the scene plan (perhaps in the form of sketches drawn on paper) and presents it to the director as a preliminary plan. . After the director reviews, the stage designer agrees with him for the final design. Of course, sometimes there are changes during the work that the stage designer must have enough flexibility in these cases.
A set designer cannot work alone like a painter or a writer. His performance is constantly affected by time pressures, financial problems, changes of opinions, limitations of physical construction and performance, and critics of himself and the director. During filming, the set designer constantly checks the camera movements, recommendations, and orders of the director and cameraman, producer, film accountant, and other agents.
In our country, usually in many films and shows, the set designer is also responsible for designing and preparing the clothes of the actors, and he is referred to as the set and costume designer. In designing the clothes, he chooses the most suitable models, designs and even fabrics for the actors’ clothes with the help of the text and consultation with the director, make-up artist, and some other film agents and prepares them.
In big projects, a group, including the set designer, assistant, and costume manager, works under the supervision of the stage designer. But in small projects, the scene designer usually does the main work himself.
In recent years, the issue of stage design in concerts has also received attention and entered the professional field. This is a good field for stage designers.
The stage designer must have excellent design skills and a good ability to organize, endure work pressure, and complete tasks on time. It is also very important to have creativity and artistic flair in this work.
This job does not have specific working hours. Depending on the project the costume designer is working on, the working hours can sometimes be very tight and long. The stage designer usually makes the initial designs for this work and the necessary arrangements for the required equipment and supplies in the office and implements them at the project site.
In the following, you will get to know the duties, knowledge, and skills required, the necessary education and how to enter the job, the market and career future, the income of a stage designer, and some famous stage designers.
Stage designer duties
Studying the script or play
Talking and consulting with the production manager, director, make-up artist, and other agents if needed
Creating initial ideas for scene design according to the purpose and budget of the film or show production
Submit the draft to the director for further review
Agreeing on the final design of the stage design after the necessary consultations
Providing instructions and guidance to other scene agents including assistants to implement the desired plan for the scene
Buying or renting the necessary equipment and supplies
Monitoring and controlling the scene during filming or performance and making necessary changes if necessary
Required knowledge and skills
Having artistic flair and great interest in this field
Creative power and good imagination
Excellent design skills
Appropriate communication skills to cooperate with other agents
The ability to lead the stage and costume design team
Organizational skills
Great accuracy and attention to detail
Ability to work under pressure and complete projects on time
Having information and knowledge related to the field of design and fashion
Having the necessary flexibility to make possible changes
Getting to know the film and theater production process
Required education and how to enter this job
Graduates of stage design can enter this job. Of course, some stage designers have come to this field from other similar and close fields such as visual communication, interior architecture, etc.
To start working, those who are interested usually have to work as an assistant stage designer for a while or work on smaller projects. After gaining the necessary experience and skills, they can continue their work as stage designers on big projects.
Stage designer marketer and career future
The stage designer can work on various projects of film production and TV series, TV shows, movies, theaters, and concerts.
Until a few years ago, there was not enough educated and specialized staff in this field. But now the expert force has been trained for this department. A good career future is also in front of these expert stage designers. Of course, the competition to find favorable job opportunities and close good contracts is very high. Working with prominent directors and on large projects provides a suitable ground for gaining experience and skills for any stage designer.
Of course, there are also problems in this sector. One of the most important of them is the lack of professional vision of stage design by some officials or even some directors and producers. In a number of films and shows, it is seen that non-specialists (either because of relationships or to pay less) are used for stage design, which is one of the key factors of the project’s success. This not only harms the quality of work but also endangers the job security of professional stage designers.
The income of the stage designer
Stage design – the Iranian path. Accurate information and statistics about the salary and income of stage designers in the country are not available. At the beginning of the work, when the stage designer usually works as an assistant or accepts limited projects, his income will be low. Over time, with gaining more experience and skill, better career fields are presented to the stage designer and after that, he earns a higher income.
In our country, the stage designer is usually responsible for designing the set and costumes, but in other countries, these two are separated. In the following, the income of these jobs is given separately.
The income of stage design jobs in some countries of the world are:
USA – The average annual income for this job in 2013 is $52,000.
United Kingdom – The average annual income of this job in 2013 is 40,500 US dollars.
The income of clothing designing jobs in some countries of the world are:
USA – The average annual salary for this job in 2013 is $42,300.
Australia – The average annual income for this job in 2013 is US$51,000.
United Kingdom – The average annual income for this job in the theater is 28,000 to 44,000 US dollars. Experienced designers earn more. In cinema and television, although you may need to start with a low income, in general, costume designers in this sector earn more than in theater. Freelance designers have different incomes depending on their individual skills and the type of contract they sign.
Canada – The average annual income of a fashion designer in 2013 is US$37,300.
Suitable characters for this job
In choosing a correct job, various factors such as personality traits, values, interests, skills, family conditions, social conditions, etc. must be considered for each person. One of the most important factors is personality traits. Knowing each person’s personality correctly is a complex process that requires expertise and enough time. Of course, each person has their own unique characteristics, even people who have similar personality types are still different from each other in some cases.
In general, there are always successful people of different personality types in all jobs, and it cannot be stated exactly that only certain personality types are successful in this job. But during the research conducted, the personality types that are introduced to this job generally liked this job more and had more job satisfaction with it.
Suitable characters for this job based on MBTI personality:
INFJ is capable of creating unique works with the help of their creativity and ideas. With art, he can express himself and often influence others. Working independently and having control over it is important for this personality type.
INFPs of this personality type like to express themselves and their opinions in a creative way and have individual freedom and flexibility in their work. Many INFPs consider themselves artists even if they don’t make a living doing it. Some of them believe that artistry is a characteristic that exists them.
INTP This personality type enjoys creative work and likes to work with different people from different backgrounds. He usually likes to work alone and prefers to work with small groups who have good taste and talent.