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Production designer, theatre/television/film : Salary and conditions

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  1. Job description
  2. Salary and conditions
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Case studies

  • Production designer is not typically an entry-level position. Those breaking into the field usually start as art department runners, art department assistants or design assistants. Freelance rates vary so it is best to check current agreed rates with Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematographic and Theatre Union (BECTU)  and Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT) . Rates for feature films and high-end television dramas tend to be higher than those for theatre or low-budget productions.
  • Typical salaries at senior level vary widely. The current BECTU agreement suggests that production designers should negotiate fees on an individual basis for each job.
  • Salaries may vary a great deal from one production to the next and your income will depend on the nature and number of contracts you take on. Negotiating a weekly or daily rate is common. If you are on a low income, you can supplement your earnings with other activities, e.g. teaching, model-making, exhibition design. Only a few designers command high salaries. Those fortunate enough to work on West End productions may receive a percentage of box office takings or royalties.
  • Working hours can be very long and typically include regular unsocial hours and weekends.
  • The working environment varies. You may work in theatre workshops, television/film studios, in a design office, at home or be away on location.
  • The nature of contract work often results in intensely busy periods interspersed with inactivity if no work comes in.
  • Part-time work is unlikely, although freelancers can control their workload by deciding which contracts to accept. The length of contracts varies according to the nature of the production and its budget. Career breaks are possible.
  • There is an even divide of men and women in the production design profession.
  • Work is mostly available in cities where studios and theatres are located, e.g. London, Glasgow, Dublin, Manchester, etc., although location work means that you must be prepared to be away from home at short notice for long periods of time.
  • Employment may be insecure and flexibility is required.
  • Stress may be caused by time and budget constraints and by having to work with demanding personalities, but the work can also be very stimulating and exciting.
  • Travel within a working day, absence from home at night and overseas work or travel may be frequently required, depending on the productions you work on.
 
AGCAS
Written by AGCAS editors
Date: 
September 2011
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