Mastering Production Design: Tips for Filmmaking

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 18 July 2023 5 min read

Ever watched a film and marveled at the world unfolding before your eyes? That's the power of production design. It's the art of setting the scene, an essential element in filmmaking. This blog will guide you through the process of exploring production design in filmmaking—because a well-set scene doesn't just happen, it's masterfully created.

Explore Production Design

Production design is the backbone of a film's visual narrative. It's the process of creating the physical world within a movie, setting the tone, and aiding the storytelling. But how do you explore production design? Let's break it down into three key areas.

Production Design Brief

A production design brief is your roadmap. It outlines the visual concept of the film and sets the stage for all design decisions. To create an effective brief, consider the film's genre, story, and characters. Imagine how each scene should look and feel. Remember, every element in your scene—from the colors to the props—should support the story.

Set Design

Set design is the process of creating the physical environment where the action takes place. It involves building and decorating sets—from a cozy kitchen to a spaceship interior. To excel in set design, study the script, understand the characters, and visualize their world. Then, transform that vision into reality. Keep in mind, it's not just about aesthetics; your set design should make practical sense for the actors and crew too.

Location Scouting

Location scouting is the art of finding the perfect real-world places for your scenes. Whether it's a bustling city street or a serene forest, the right location can elevate your storytelling. Be patient, observant, and imaginative when scouting. Remember, a location might not look perfect at first glance, but with the right tweaks and camera angles, it can become the ideal setting for your film.

Select Right Tools

You've got your design brief, you've visualized your sets, and you've scouted your locations. Now, it's time to bring your vision to life. And for that, you need the right tools. Remember, in production design, your tools are as important as your ideas.

Design Software

Design software can be a game-changer in setting the scene. From creating blueprints for your sets to visualizing your designs in 3D, software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Photoshop can make your job easier and more efficient. They allow you to play with elements, try different layouts, and see your design come to life before a single nail is hammered.

Physical Tools

While software is fantastic, you'll still need some good old-fashioned physical tools. From measuring tapes for precise dimensions to paintbrushes for the perfect color, these tools are essential in turning your digital designs into reality. And let's not forget about power tools—you'll need them for building and modifying your sets.

Lighting Equipment

Lighting is often the unsung hero of production design. It can transform a set, create moods, and add depth to your scenes. Invest in quality lighting equipment and learn how to use it effectively. Different lights can create different effects—soft light for a romantic scene, harsh light for a thriller. Remember, it's not just about illuminating your set—it's about using light to tell your story.

Develop Aesthetic

With the right tools in hand, it's time to focus on developing your aesthetic. This is the fun part—setting the scene and exploring production design in filmmaking really comes to life here. Your aesthetic is the look and feel of your film—it's what makes it unique and memorable.

Color Theory

Color plays a significant role in setting the mood and tone of your film. It can evoke emotions, guide the viewer's eye, and even foreshadow events. A deep understanding of color theory can help you use colors to tell your story. For example, warm colors like red and yellow can convey excitement or danger, while cool colors like blue and green can create a calm or mysterious atmosphere.

Texture and Materials

Textures and materials are like the spices in a gourmet meal—they add depth and flavor to your film's visual feast. The rough texture of a stone wall, the shiny surface of a steel weapon, the soft fabric of a vintage dress—each of these elements helps to build a world that your audience can feel and believe in.

Architectural Styles

Your sets are more than just backgrounds—they're characters in their own right. By exploring different architectural styles, you can create sets that speak volumes about the world of your film. From the clean lines of modern architecture to the ornate details of Gothic style, your choice of architecture can tell your audience a lot about the era, location, and even the personalities of your characters.

Communicate with Team

Great! You've explored the elements of production design, chosen your tools, and developed your aesthetic. Now, it's time to bring it all together and get your team on board. Clear communication is key when setting the scene in filmmaking.

Production Meetings

Production meetings are your chance to share your vision with your team. Discuss your ideas for the set design, location, and aesthetics. Be open to suggestions—your team members might have insights that you hadn't considered. Remember, you're all working towards the same goal: a successful film.

Clear Visuals

A picture is worth a thousand words. When exploring production design in filmmaking, visual aids like sketches, mood boards, and 3D models can help your team understand your vision. Show, don't just tell, what you want the film to look like.

Feedback and Revisions

Creating a film is a collaborative process. Don't be afraid of feedback—it's not a criticism of your work, but an opportunity to make it even better. Listen to your team's ideas and be ready to revise your design if needed. In the end, it's all about creating the best possible scene for your audience.

Analyze Production Design

Once you've wrapped up filming and your masterpiece comes to life, it's time to reflect on your work. Analyzing your production design can offer valuable insights to improve in future projects. Let's dive into this final step of setting the scene: exploring production design in filmmaking.

Post-Production Review

A post-production review is like a report card for your film. Look at your set design, location choices, and overall aesthetic. Did everything work as planned? Or were there areas that could have been better? Be honest with yourself—it's the best way to learn and grow as a filmmaker.

Audience Feedback

Your audience is the ultimate judge of your film. Listen to their feedback—what did they love about the film? What didn't work for them? Their insights can be incredibly helpful when you're setting the scene in your next project. Remember, it's all about creating a memorable experience for them.

Future Improvements

Every film you create is a stepping stone to your next project. Take note of what worked well and what could be improved. Maybe your location scouting could be more thorough next time, or perhaps a different lighting equipment would work better. Every project is a chance to refine your skills in production design and make your next film even better. As you continue exploring production design in filmmaking, you'll become more adept at setting the scene, creating engaging and immersive films your audiences will love.

If you're looking to further improve your skills in production design for filmmaking, we highly recommend Jessy Moussallem's workshop, 'How To Become A Film Production Designer'. This workshop will guide you through the essential steps and techniques required to excel in the world of film production design and make your mark in the industry.