Set Designer is a professional who is apt in selecting backgrounds, lighting, props, and other items to create the scenery for stage productions, films, and TV shows. If we go by films like Ramlila, Jodha-Akbar, Devdas, etc. it will become clear that Set Designing has been given the same importance as the acting. The director of not only films but also TV serials gives a lot of emphasis that their sets should be in confirmation with the demand of the theme of their scenes. Set Designer is responsible for accomplishing this task for their Directors.
Although Actors/Actresses or Directors take whole attention/appreciation in a film if we go by the above-mentioned movies, the designer sets of these movies have got their due appreciation and importance. It has made the role of Set Designer all the more important thus the demand for Set Designer has increased a lot in the entertainment industry.
To become a good Set Designer aspiring candidates have to undergo some short-term courses and has to attain a lot of experience before plunging into this profession.
Set Designer Eligibility
Eligibility Conditions
Educational Qualification: Though no specific Educational qualification is required to be a Set Designer yet basic qualification of 10+2 is considered as good to have professional courses in this field.
Age Limits: There is no age bar to become a Film Director.
Set Designer Required Skills
To become a successful Set Designer you should have an aesthetic sense along with research skills and the ability to design a set according to the requirement of the scenes in the given budget.
Creativity, Technical know-how along with the ability to work as a team are the other skills required to accomplish this job in the best possible way.
Computer Skills, Design software, and Computer-aided design (CAD) programs can be an asset for a Set Designer to become successful.
How to Become a Set Designer?
To be a Set Designer one has to follow the given steps:
Step 1
After passing 12 classes the aspiring candidate has to join some college for getting a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts. There are various private and Government institutes like L.S Raheja School of Arts that provide this degree. However, some reputed institutes with limited seats may take an aptitude test before granting admission to their institutions.
If you are having knowledge of Interior Designing and Architecture that can be added advantage to you.
Step 2
After completing Graduation in the relevant field, One can go for Higher Education in a field like a Master’s in the Fine Arts, etc. or One can start his/her career by joining a Media House as an Assistant Set Designer to get some on-the-job experience. After getting some job exposure one can take up his own assignment of Set Designing in an effective and successful manner.
List of Institutes for Set Designer's Courses
- Film and Television Institute, Pune (www.ftiindia.com)
- Banaras Hindu University (www.bhu.ac.in)
- Asian Academy of Film and TV, Noida (www.aaft.com)
- LS Raheja School of Arts, Mumbai (www.lsrsaw.edu.in)
Film Director Job Description
Set Designers are responsible for selecting backgrounds and lighting for the set or stage. They are also entrusted with selecting items and materials for creating the scenery for stage productions, films, and TV shows. They work in tandem with Directors and Production crews to design/recreate the appearance and atmosphere of a specific time, place, or location according to the script.
Experienced Set Designer specializes in specific types of sets, such as for television, movies, live theatre, trade shows, or exhibits.
Communicating with other crew members like Carpenter, Electrician, Lightman, and Soundman, etc. to get the best possible design for their set is another important job of Set Designers.
Set Designer Career Prospects
There are lots of opportunities for Set Designer in the Entertainment industry. Going by the flood of new serials on TV it can easily be foreseen that the demand for Set Designer in the coming time will keep on increasing. In the same way, there will be a huge demand, in fact, there is a huge demand for Set Designer in the Film industry too. These professionals can also find work with various event management companies who are in great demand in domestic as well as corporate circles.
Set Designer Salary
The income/Salary of a Set Designer is entirely dependent upon the type of work he gets. It also depends upon the financial condition of the Media/Production house you are working for. But it is quite sure that you will start getting a handsome salary once you have got some on-the-job experience.
However, if we talk about it in numbers Set Designer’s pay package can vary from Rs. 5,00,000 per month to Rs. 50,000 for even a single assignment. With the required creative skills, the power to work independently and create what is liked by all can get you as per your desires and demands.
