Overview of the role
An art director translates the creative vision of production designers, producers and directors into tangible sets, props and visual styles. They design, build and dress studio sets or locations, manage the art department budget and maintain the aesthetic continuity throughout production to enhance the show’s mood and visual appeal.
Art directors run the art department which may include other roles including buyers, assistants and runners. Whether in studio or on location, art directors may also plan special effects like pyrotechnics or fake snow. If there is not a production designer on the production, they ensure that what they do meets health and safety guidelines, meets the needs of the producer/director and is within budget.
Core responsibilities
These core responsibilities are provided as a guide and are not exhaustive. The exact responsibilities in a particular job will vary depending on the scale / budget band / genre of production.
- For studio shows liaise with the production designer to understand the brief and vision for the studio set
- For filming on location rather than in studio, work with the producer and director to understand their requirements
- Organise the art department and draw up a project plan according to budget and timeline
- Liaise with production and health and safety on specific concerns or risk assessment requirements
- Turn the brief into a reality by drawing plans, visuals and making models
- Identify functional elements, such as props, scenic design and specialist equipment that may be required
- Liaise with the production team regarding when a location is to be dressed or a studio set built
- Oversee construction of the set
- Design props and oversee their build
- Be responsible for how the set is dressed and the inclusion of props
- Remain on set throughout production to ensure it is maintained and dressed appropriately
- Oversee the striking of the set or location and the appropriate transportation and storage of assets and props
Skills
Check out role specific skills, transferable skills and attributes for the role of art director.
- Interpret the brief or concept to fully understand the vision of the production designer or director
- Plan and get approval for design, construction and props plans using visuals, models and drawings
- Liaise with production designer, director and other departments, including VFX and SFX if required, during set development and build stages
- Develop and train assistants in the art department on design and drawing techniques, methods and professional etiquette
- Communication: interpreting other’s requirements and communicating requirements to departments and colleagues
- Creativity: creative and design skills, ability to visualise concepts
- Teamworking: collaborating within own and other departments, liaising with production and suppliers
- Networking: investing time in networking activities, building a network of business contacts and establishing rapport with others quickly and effectively
- Problem solving: contingency planning and resolving issues with suggested designs so that productions remain on schedule
- Creative and practical: visualises what a production requires, the look of a set or location, imagines how it will accommodate the production brief and department requirements
- Artistic: able to draw conceptually and technically, work with specialist design software, build props and small sets, have knowledge of art history
- Construction knowledge: can source appropriate materials and props, understands build timelines, is aware of the latest developments in production design
- Understanding of production: familiarity with production techniques, studio environments, studio capabilities and the challenges of working on location