TV & Film

Art Director for TV & Film Overview

The role of an art director in the television or film industry can be a challenging one. Working in the entertainment industry appeals to many qualified people, making this job a difficult one to obtain and to keep. TV and film art directors are responsible for designing the production set to meet the specific needs of a script or plot environment.

Art Director for TV & Film Training & Education

The role of a TV or film art director is not an entry-level position. One desiring a career as a TV or film art director may start out as an intern, page, production, set assistant, floor director, or other entry-level crew or design position. Acting as a stage manager, set designer, or art director for live theater can sometimes help prepare for a career transition into the TV and film industry. The typical job description for a TV or film art director position may ask for five to ten years of experience in a specific role, depending on the scope of the position.

Specialized schools or programs in design, fine arts, film, or TV set production can help prepare one for a career in this field. The United States Department of Education offers a searchable database online where prospective students can research an institution’s contact information and accreditation status. Organizations such as the Art Directors’ Guild can provide people pursuing this field with networking opportunities and industry news.

Art Director for TV & Film Career & Salary Outlook

Earnings for TV and film art directors vary widely. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, TV and film producers and directors earned an average of $34.01 per hour in 2006. According to the BLS, employment in the TV industry is expected to increase by about nine percent by 2016, and in the film industry jobs are expected to grow by approximately 11 percent by 2016. However, there is also concern that this projected growth may not be realized as the number of movies being filmed abroad, particularly in Canada, increases, which may adversely affect the number of opportunities available in the film industry in the U.S.

Art Director for TV & Film Fields & Specializations

TV art directors create and develop the backdrops for commercials, game shows, talk shows, sit-coms, and dramas. The TV art director may be in charge of a staff of people who will work together to assemble and perfect the set. The TV art director may design the set and oversee the execution of that design to completion; he or she may be responsible for coordinating set painters, props assistants, and other production crew.

Film art directors are responsible for cultivating the sets for all the scenes in a movie and overseeing a crew to ensure that each set meets its specifications. The film art director may have to coordinate with writers, assistant producers, and directors to ensure that the set is on par with their expectations. On lower budget films, the art director may be responsible for fewer people but more direct duties, such as prop coordination and set assembly. For smaller productions, the art director may also be referred to as a set designer.

Sources:

Art Director's Guild