Production Design for Film and Television MA: What is production design?

Production Design can be broadly separated into two types:

• a production that requires a studio environment particular to television; or
• script-driven drama where the output could be intended for either television or the cinema.

The former deals with the creation of a purely televisual world. The designer in this case will create a particular environment in response to a brief using:

• built scenic elements;
• sculptural forms; and
• lighting and technology.

Production design for drama is driven by the need to create an illusion of a different nature - one that will aid the viewers' suspension of disbelief. It is an enhancement of the script through the visual element, whether in a period, contemporary or futuristic setting.

The means of achieving this is incredibly complex and multi-layered as it deals with:

• the architectural structure of the set (and how much of it to build);
• the practical lighting and locations;
• choice of colour and texture in the form of props and fabrics; and
• the practical management of the process.