A few notes from the San Diego Media Pros Meeting 26Feb2020 discussing Production Design, process and Art Department costs.
Lauren Fehlhaber, Art Director and Set Designer, and Woody Woodburn, Set Leadman and Carpenter, both of Inspired Images Studios, presented the process they use to create sets tailored to their client’s needs.
Using a Production Designer on your project will help you make the most of your production budget and will add layers to your project. A Production Designer will not only design the environment but will work through the logistics (how to get the set pieces from fabrication to location, ensure that the set pieces will be able to get through the door, ensuring a smooth strike and removal of set from location, and more).
Why Build a Set
- Freedom to design the look this allows the client to maintain consistent branding
- Removing location space restrictions
- Wild walls for better camera angles
- Control the environment
- Control the sound and lighting
- Minimizes the regulations
- Cost effectiveness of fewer location moves and travel
- Flexible availability
Art Department & Set Budgeting
The more details you can provide to start with, the more accurate the estimate will be.
The Production Designer will want to know what the set is for, number of scenes, how many actors per scene, any special considerations (ex. Puppets that need special space for operators), and more…
“The most difficult part of the entire process – getting a picture of what in the client’s mind in your mind.”
Woody Woodward
Typical Process
Production Designer creates the initial drawings using SketchUp for client approval, AutoCAD for technical drawings for scene shop. Leadman takes CAD drawings and generates more detailed plans with specifics on how and supports are located.
Sample Projects & Art Department Costs
National Infomertial ($10k*)
Design: 2-3 weeks
Fabrication: 4 weeks
Set Build (Studio): 2 days (3-4 guys)
Pre light & Dress: 1 day
Shoot: 1 day
Strike: ½ day
Kitchen Set ($15k*)
Design: 3-4 weeks
Fabrication: 3 weeks
Set Build (Studio): 2 days
Pre light & Dress: 1/2 day
Shoot: 1 day
Strike: ½ day
Live Talk Show ($8k*)
* A similar set would cost twice as much in Los Angeles.
Other things to consider
- Unreal Engine in-camera VFX: a behind-the-scenes look
- Unreal Engine’s Project Spotlight uses LED walls for real-time in-camera visual effects
The Film Hub
The meeting was held at The Film Hub, a co-working office space with video and audio facilities, really beautifully geared towards a collaborative film-making environment. Facilities include: professional sound stages, foley stage, podcast/audio recording room, post production suites, multiple sets (incl. Kitchen set), conference & casting rooms, event space, and more.
The Film Hub
170 Eucalyptus Ave., Vista, CA 92084
760-643-0850
inspiredimagesstudios.com
O’Connell Design is a consultancy offering creative services in Production Design, Animation, and Visual Effects for film and television.