Film set designer

Role and mission of the film set designer

The job of a film set designer is above all one of decoration and precision. On the productions in which he takes part, he works on natural or manufactured sets, which he completes and dresses to bring them to life. To do this, he searches – in second-hand shops, antique shops, auction rooms or even flea markets – for the elements that will enhance these sets. They are often on the road, looking for specific objects and accessories. The set pieces they hunt for contribute greatly to the realism and coherence of the narrative set by the director, which he must respect and interpret as accurately as possible. The choice of pieces, the harmony of colours and the nuances of textures are all elements that shape his choices. On a day-to-day basis, he works closely with the props designers.

Training: how do I become a film set designer?

The job of film set designer is primarily an artistic one. So anyone wishing to make a career out of it must first have completed specific training at an art school, preferably with a major in decoration, set design or even space design. They can then supplement this training with work placements or short courses in cinema, which will enable them to get to grips with the world of film, understand its codes and master its inner workings.

What are the skills and qualities of a film set designer?

This is a job that requires a real taste for objects and an obvious aesthetic sense. Their particular sensitivity to atmospheres enables them to grasp the worlds depicted by directors, and to project them in their imagination, in order to immerse themselves in them and suggest the most appropriate set elements. The job of film set designer is also a contact job: you have to know how to negotiate, convince and debate in order to achieve your goals. They’re not afraid to hit the road, and are often on the lookout for new objects to add to their collections.

Film set designer: career prospects

A film set designer generally works for a production studio. He or she may initially have worked as a film set designer or prop maker, with whom he or she works a great deal. With experience, they may move on to occupations with greater responsibility, such as set designer or chief set designer.

Average salary of a film set designer

The average salary for a film set designer is around €2,000 per week. However, on certain productions with particularly ambitious and sought-after sets, the film set designer may take on even greater responsibilities. In such cases, they have all the cards in their hand to negotiate a higher salary accordingly.