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This article pulls back the curtain on the fascinating world of set design. We’ll take you on a step-by-step journey alongside the set designer, exploring the key stages that bring a script to life.

It This article continues our series on Set Design Workflow. If you haven’t seen the previous one, we recommend reading it first.

Phase 3: Construction Design

Construction Design is the step following Preliminary Design in filmmaking set construction. In this phase, the initial concepts are refined and elaborated upon to create comprehensive plans and specifications. Detailed drawings are produced, illustrating precise dimensions and construction techniques. Material selections are finalized, and a thorough budget is developed, taking into account all elements of the set. This stage involves close collaboration between designers, engineers, and construction teams to ensure feasibility and accuracy. Construction Design solidifies the blueprint for the set, addressing all technical aspects and preparing for the actual construction and fabrication process.

MODELING & RENDERING

In the construction stages of designing a set, we typically create 3D models. These models are usually not photorealistic or perfect down to the last detail but present the materials, colors, furniture placement, and overall atmosphere. They serve as a visual tool to help us understand how the space will look and feel, and often guide the director and cameraman in deciding on angles, focal lengths, and camera movements. Additionally, these models facilitate coordination with other departments like set dressing, lighting, transport, and more, ensuring that everyone is on the same page and that all elements work seamlessly together.

ENGINEERING / IF NEEDED /

In some cases, constructing certain sets requires unique construction solutions or coordination with field specialists. This may include direct collaboration with an external contractor for specific parts. These design elements and their solutions can greatly influence the final decor. In some instances, this could result in altering a scene, modifying parts of the script, or adjusting stage choreography, impacting aspects such as camera angles, stunt coordination, and more.

CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS

While designing a set, it is important to remember that film design is not just about creating realistic environments but about achieving the right look. We are not building real historical buildings or doing preservation work, so we can take certain artistic liberties when possible. The Art Department always strives to create something unique, not just recreating historical buildings, but crafting environments that are entertaining, visually appealing to the camera and audience, and that add character to the story.

DETAILS DRAWINGS

Of course, the working drawings are accompanied by necessary specific and standard details. In developing these details, the focus is not on structural realism, but rather on achieving the look and feel outlined by the designer. Sometimes, these details are rendered to a 1:1 scale as templates, especially for sculptural elements on facades or interiors.

CONSTRUCTION COST

All design materials created at this stage serve as a more accurate base for developing a precise budget estimate for the set. This estimate covers not only the costs of materials and labor but also rent, logistics, transportation, and other associated expenses. Considering these factors at this stage of the design process is crucial for effective planning and execution.

With the completion of this stage, we’re now ready to move onto the next phase of our set design workflow -> Furniture & Equipment

… and if you want to know the rest, you’re going to have to read Part 4 of this of article.

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