Description
Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.
- • Examine objects to be included in exhibits to plan where and how to display them.
- • Acquire, or arrange for acquisition of, specimens or graphics required to complete exhibits.
- • Prepare rough drafts and scale working drawings of sets, including floor plans, scenery, and properties to be constructed.
- • Confer with clients and staff to gather information about exhibit space, proposed themes and content, timelines, budgets, materials, or promotion requirements.
- • Estimate set- or exhibit-related costs, including materials, construction, and rental of props or locations.
- • Develop set designs, based on evaluation of scripts, budgets, research information, and available locations.
- • Direct and coordinate construction, erection, or decoration activities to ensure that sets or exhibits meet design, budget, and schedule requirements.
- • Inspect installed exhibits for conformance to specifications and satisfactory operation of special-effects components.
- • Plan for location-specific issues, such as space limitations, traffic flow patterns, and safety concerns.
- • Submit plans for approval, and adapt plans to serve intended purposes, or to conform to budget or fabrication restrictions.
- • Prepare preliminary renderings of proposed exhibits, including detailed construction, layout, and material specifications, and diagrams relating to aspects such as special effects or lighting.
- • Select and purchase lumber and hardware necessary for set construction.
- • Collaborate with those in charge of lighting and sound so that those production aspects can be coordinated with set designs or exhibit layouts.
- • Research architectural and stylistic elements appropriate to the time period to be depicted, consulting experts for information, as necessary.
- • Design and produce displays and materials that can be used to decorate windows, interior displays, or event locations, such as streets and fairgrounds.
- • Coordinate the removal of sets, props, and exhibits after productions or events are complete.
- • Select set props, such as furniture, pictures, lamps, and rugs.
- • Confer with conservators to determine how to handle an exhibit's environmental aspects, such as lighting, temperature, and humidity, so that objects will be protected and exhibits will be enhanced.
- • Assign staff to complete design ideas and prepare sketches, illustrations, and detailed drawings of sets, or graphics and animation.
- • Observe sets during rehearsals in order to ensure that set elements do not interfere with performance aspects such as cast movement and camera angles.
- • Design and build scale models of set designs, or miniature sets used in filming backgrounds or special effects.
- • Read scripts to determine location, set, and design requirements.
- • Attend rehearsals and production meetings to obtain and share information related to sets.
- • Arrange for outside contractors to construct exhibit structures.
- • Provide supportive materials for exhibits and displays, such as press kits, advertising, publicity notices, posters, brochures, catalogues, and invitations.
- • Incorporate security systems into exhibit layouts.
- • Coordinate the transportation of sets that are built off-site, and coordinate their setup at the site of use.
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Related Pathways
Arts, Entertainment, & Design
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
