The Role of a Production Designer

Why is the Production Designer role so important? What are some of their responsibilities on a film?

The Production Designer's role is important because they manage all of the visual aspects of a film. They are a in a key position that requires them to work closely with the director and the producer regarding the budget and the schedule. During the preproduction phase, they must look over the script in order to estimate the budget necessary to effectively communicate the story. (budget for location, props, costumes, etc.) The production designer must design the backdrop that aligns with the scene and overall story. It is also the production designer's job to consider whether or not CGI should be implemented into the film. In addition to this preproduction planning, the production designers must create design sketches to the Art Director. This becomes the basis in which the Construction Department builds their sets. Furthermore, it is one of the most important jobs of the production designer to manage time scheduling and money management.