Production Design Major

The Production Design Major within the BA in Film & Cinematic Studies is designed for students passionate about creating the visual world of a film. Production designers are responsible for defining the look, atmosphere, and style of a film through set design, props, costumes, and visual elements. This major equips students with both creative and practical skills to bring a director’s vision to life on screen.

Why Choose the Production Design Major?

1. Create Immersive Visual Worlds
Learn how to design and build sets, props, and costumes that bring the script’s environment and characters to life, creating visually stunning films.

2. Hands-On Design Experience
Gain practical skills in storyboarding, set construction, and art direction through hands-on projects, while working closely with directors and cinematographers to ensure your designs align with the film’s vision.

3. Master Visual Storytelling
Understand how to use colour, texture, and composition to create mood, enhance the story, and immerse the audience in the film’s world.

Core Modules in PD Major

Introduction to Production Design: Learn the basics of visual storytelling, set design, and the production designer’s role in filmmaking.
Art Direction and Set Design: Explore the process of designing and constructing sets that reflect the film’s narrative and visual style.
Costume Design and Makeup: Study how costumes and makeup contribute to character development and the overall look of a film.
Storyboarding and Pre-Visualization: Develop skills in creating detailed storyboards and visual concepts to guide the production process.
Design Fundamentals: Understand key design principles such as color theory, composition, and lighting, and their application in film.
Advanced Production Design Techniques: Master complex design processes, from large-scale set construction to location scouting and resource management.

With the growing demand for highly visual and immersive content across film, television, and digital media, your skills as a production designer will be essential in creating memorable, story-driven environments that captivate audiences.

Career Opportunities

Art Director

Manages the execution of the production designer's vision, overseeing the construction and decoration of sets to create the film's environment.
Set Designer

Designs the physical sets where scenes are filmed, ensuring that they reflect the time, place, and style of the story.
Costume Designer

Creates the clothing and wardrobe for characters, ensuring costumes enhance character development and align with the film’s setting and tone.
Prop Master

Responsible for sourcing, creating, and managing all props used in a film, ensuring they fit the story's style and period.
Visual Consultant

Provides expert guidance on the visual aspects of a film, advising on elements like colour palettes, lighting, and design coherence across scenes.

Production Design Major