Profession miniature set designer

Miniature set designers design and build miniature props and sets of motion pictures. They build models used for visual effects that meet the look and requirements of the production Miniature set designers cut material using hand tools to construct three-dimensional props and sets.

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Personality Type

  • Artistic / Enterprising
  • Artistic / Realistic

Knowledge

  • Cinematography

    The science of recording light and electromagnetic radiation in order to create a motion picture. The recording can happen electronically with an image sensor or chemically on light sensitive materials such as film stock.

  • Graphic design

    The techniques to create a visual representation of ideas and messages.

  • Health and safety regulations

    Necessary health, safety, hygiene and environmental standards and legislation rules in the sector of particular activity.

Skills

  • Use personal protection equipment

    Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.

  • Consult with production director

    Consult with the director, producer and clients throughout the production and post-production process.

  • Preset miniature sets

    Arrange miniature sets in preparation of shooting.

  • Change over props

    Set, remove, or move props on a stage during a changeover.

  • Ensure health, safety and security measures

    Take responsibility for health, safety and security measures in the workplace including posture the body well, safely operate tools and machinery, and wear the right clothes and protection for the climate. Apply health and safety standards. Adhere strictly to the site safety rules and systems and equipment operational procedures.

  • Finish project within budget

    Make sure to stay within budget. Adapt work and materials to budget.

  • Follow work schedule

    Manage the sequence of activities in order to deliver completed work on agreed deadlines by following a work schedule.

  • Design miniature sets

    Draw miniature set sketches and define set materials and building methods.

  • Model sets

    Produce plans, drawings and models of sets.

  • Create set models

    Create three-dimensional models of the envisioned set layout.

  • Build miniature props

    Build miniature props from a variety of materials, working with the design staff to create the appropriate prop for the production.

  • Design miniature props

    Draw miniature prop sketches and define prop materials and building methods.

  • Build miniature sets

    Build miniature sets from a variety of materials, working with the design staff to create the appropriate prop for the production.

  • Work ergonomically

    Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.

  • Preset props

    Arrange props on the stage in preparation of a performance.

Optional knowledge and skills

prevent technical problems with scenic elements adapt props draw up artistic production work safely with machines work safely with pyrotechnical materials in a performance environment ensure safety of mobile electrical systems lighting techniques hand props to actors translate artistic concepts to technical designs film production process analyse the need for technical resources photography work with the director of photography analyse a script ensure visual quality of the set adapt sets work with the camera crew manage consumables stock manage supplies work with the lighting crew attend rehearsals work safely with chemicals

Common job titles

  • Concept artist / character designer
  • Graphic designer
  • Process development engineer
  • Process / development engineer