Set Designer Course

Lesson 1 • Reading a Script for Design

Teaches systematic script analysis to extract spatial, temporal, and tonal requirements. This skill drives all subsequent design decisions in a production.

Lesson 2 • History of Set Design

Traces set design from ancient theater through contemporary film and digital production. Historical context informs aesthetic choices and professional conventions.

Lesson 3 • Introduction to Design Workflow

Outlines the full design process from concept to strike, including key deliverables at each stage. Students map a production timeline and understand milestone dependencies.

Lesson 4 • Core Vocabulary and Concepts

Introduces essential terminology used on set and in design documents. Accurate language use is foundational for all subsequent technical and creative work.

Lesson 1 • Developing a Design Concept

Guides students from raw research to a unified design concept with a clear thematic statement. The concept anchors all spatial and decorative decisions throughout production.

Lesson 2 • Creating Mood Boards and Look Books

Covers selection, curation, and layout of visual references into persuasive presentation tools. Mood boards communicate tone and palette to directors and collaborators.

Lesson 3 • Colour Theory for Set Design

Applies colour theory principles specifically to three-dimensional environments and lighting interaction. Students select palettes that reinforce narrative and character psychology.

Lesson 4 • Period and Genre Research

Focuses on accurately representing historical periods and genre conventions through material culture. Accuracy and stylization are balanced against budget and narrative needs.

Lesson 1 • Floor Plans and Elevations

Teaches construction of accurate floor plans and wall elevations from script and concept data. These drawings are the primary communication tool between designer and builder.

Lesson 2 • Drawing Package Assembly

Guides students in compiling a complete, organised drawing package ready for the construction team. Proper package assembly reduces errors and miscommunication on the build.

Lesson 3 • Section Drawings and Details

Covers cross-section drawings and large-scale detail drawings for complex set elements. Detail drawings ensure accurate fabrication of custom-built pieces.

Lesson 4 • Introduction to CAD Software

Introduces industry-standard CAD tools for producing precise digital set drawings. Digital drafting accelerates revisions and integrates with 3D modelling workflows.

Lesson 1 • Spatial Testing and Iteration

Uses models to test actor movement, sightlines, and camera angles before committing to construction. Iteration at model stage prevents costly changes during the build.

Lesson 2 • Model-Making Materials and Tools

Surveys materials, adhesives, and hand tools used in professional set design model making. Material selection affects model accuracy, durability, and presentation quality.

Lesson 3 • Digital 3D Modelling for Sets

Introduces 3D modelling software to build virtual set environments for visualization and review. Digital models enable rapid iteration and virtual camera placement.

Lesson 4 • Building a White Model

Covers construction of an unpainted architectural model to study massing and spatial flow. White models allow directors and cinematographers to evaluate space without colour distraction.

Lesson 1 • Surface Materials and Finishes

Surveys materials used for floors, walls, and ceilings, including their camera and lighting properties. Material choices directly affect the visual quality captured on screen or stage.

Lesson 2 • Structural Systems for Sets

Covers the framing, bracing, and support systems used to build safe, stable set structures. Structural knowledge enables designers to specify builds that meet safety standards.

Lesson 3 • Construction Supervision and Quality Control

Teaches the designer's role in supervising builds, conducting site checks, and approving finished work. Effective supervision ensures the built set matches the approved design intent.

Lesson 4 • Practical Elements and Rigging

Covers installation of practical lighting, working doors, and rigged elements within set construction. Practical elements add realism and must be coordinated with electrical and grip departments.

Lesson 1 • Layering and Composition in Dressing

Applies visual composition principles to the arrangement of furniture, objects, and textiles. Layered dressing creates depth, tells character stories, and guides the viewer's eye.

Lesson 2 • Set Decorator and Dresser Roles

Defines the working relationship between set designer, set decorator, and on-set dresser. Clear role boundaries prevent duplication and ensure cohesive visual execution.

Lesson 3 • Sourcing Furniture and Props

Covers rental houses, auction markets, prop fabrication, and online sourcing for set dressing. Efficient sourcing balances visual quality, authenticity, and budget constraints.

Lesson 4 • Dressing for Camera and Lighting

Adapts dressing choices to the specific demands of camera lenses, angles, and lighting setups. Collaboration with the director of photography ensures dressing reads correctly on screen.

Lesson 1 • Tracking Expenditure and Reporting

Establishes systems for tracking spending, processing purchase orders, and reporting to producers. Transparent financial reporting builds trust and prevents budget surprises.

Lesson 2 • Value Engineering and Cost Saving

Teaches strategies for maintaining design quality while reducing costs through smart material and method choices. Value engineering is a core professional skill in budget-constrained productions.

Lesson 3 • Scheduling the Art Department

Covers creation of art department schedules aligned with the production shooting schedule. Proper scheduling ensures sets are ready before camera arrives.

Lesson 4 • Estimating and Bidding

Teaches methods for estimating build costs, soliciting contractor bids, and evaluating quotes. Accurate estimating prevents budget overruns and supports producer confidence.

Lesson 1 • Designing for Complex Productions

Addresses multi-set productions, location-studio hybrids, and large-scale design challenges. Students develop strategies for managing design consistency across diverse environments.

Lesson 2 • Designing for Different Mediums

Compares design requirements across theater, film, television, commercials, and live events. Each medium imposes unique spatial, technical, and budgetary constraints.

Lesson 3 • Building a Professional Portfolio

Guides curation, presentation, and digital publication of a set design portfolio for industry use. A strong portfolio is the primary tool for securing professional employment.

Lesson 4 • Capstone Design Project

Students execute a full design package for an assigned script, from concept through technical drawings. The capstone integrates all course competencies into a single assessed deliverable.