Members of the Scenic Design category work on projects in the areas of both Live Performance – theatre, opera, ballet, concerts, industrial shows, exhibits – and Recorded Media – film, television, web streaming, cable. That being the case, Scenic Design members perform a variety of jobs, depending on the type of project.
In Live Performance, Scenic Designers read and analyze a script that might be available for a project, have discussions with the director and producer about concepts, production timeline and budget (including how much time has been budgeted for an Associate and/or Assistant Designers who are involved in all steps of the process) and then design the set(s) required for the production. The Scenic Designer does research as needed to create sketches, renderings and/or a model for presentation. They create drafting and working drawings, with details and specifications of colors, textures, finishes and furnishings that are necessary for the carpenters to build the sets, for the scenic artists to paint and finish the sets, and for the props master to dress the sets.
The Scenic Designer may design any projections or special background visuals called for by the scenic design or may collaborate with a Projection Designer for this aspect of the production. The Scenic Designer also collaborates with the Costume Designer to coordinate colors and style for the production; and provides the Lighting and Sound Designers with drafted set plans so the lighting and sound plots can be developed
The Scenic Designer and Associate/Assistants supervise the construction of all elements of the design by visiting the chosen Scenery Supplier and attend the load-in of the production in the theatre or other venue where the production will take place. The Scenic Designer also attends tech and dress rehearsals and preview performances and will design and supervise any changes or additions that may arise as the production heads towards the opening. A successful commercial production may find the Designer being asked to reconceive the design to tour.
In Recorded Media, Scenic Design members may work as the Production Designer, the Art Director, the Assistant Art Director(s) or the Storyboard Artist.
The Production Designer’s job is analogous to the Live Performance Scenic Designer’s: they are responsible for the “look” of the show by designing what the constructed sets will be and by selecting (with input from the producer, director and writer) any locations to be used and how these may need to be modified for shooting. The Production Designer provides input to and approves the work of the Set Decorator, the Art Director, the Graphics Designer, the Assistant Art Directors and the Scenic Charge Artist.
The Art Director manages the budget and work schedule, and coordinates with the Set Dec., Graphics, Props and Special Effects departments, and supervises the Assistant Art Directors who create the technical drawings and/or models – paper and virtual – of built sets, partial set pieces, props, backings, location surveys and modifications needed at locations; providing color and finish details of sets to the Construction Coordinator, Scenic Charge and Set Decorator)
As opposed to the timeline for a Live Performance production, where the goal is to get everything ready for the opening performance, Recorded Media productions have a schedule set by the producer which includes “Pre-Production” (work done before shooting begins), “Production” (work done concurrently with shooting) and “Post-Production” (wrap-up work after shooting has concluded). Where films have a generous production period of several months to a year or more, episodic television operates on a very compressed 7- to 10-day production schedule: there is a new script every 7 or 10 work days.