Hi all, My younger sister has just finished a graphic design course here in the UK and is looking into options for her next step in life. She has a real passion and eye for creating visual displays both graphically and in the physical and is looking at the possibility of getting into set design so I thought I'd ask on here.. What are the best steps to take when looking to get into it? As an actor, I've started looking locally amongst theatre and film companies I know/am involved in just to invite her along to get an insight into it a little but I don't know a lot about that side of things. Would she need to enrol on another course? I've just invited her to join Stage 32 so I'll hook her up with all of this, :) Thanks all.
Filmmaking / Directing : Advice for someone looking to get into set design by Maria Theresa Rodriguez
Advice for someone looking to get into set design
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Hi Maria - I would definitely get her here on Stage 32 and have her start networking with other set designers to get her foot in the door. Plus, have her look at upcoming productions in your area (ie. in our JOBS section), or just by connecting with professionals in your area, and see if she can lend a hand on set as a PA to get started! Best of luck to her and thank you for referring her to our wonderful community!
I'm not a set designer nor even personally, beyond a serious interest in art, graphically oriented. So take my thoughts in that context. I do think mixing on Stage 32 is a good idea but depending on time/effort involved, I think your sister should expand her networking beyond other set designers to as many specialties as possible. I say that because just about everybody in the film biz needs set and graphic design at some point. So I'd look in on people in other areas. I'd be cautious about being a PA. I've done it and frankly beyond establishing yourself as a person who can be counted on to the assigned work, for me, it was not particularly a learning experience. More just hard work. That's my experience, of course. As opposed to that, I'd suggest looking for opportunities to work with set designers/graphics people who are farther along in their careers, perhaps as a volunteer or at a really low rate of compensation on low or micro -budget projects. From time to time I've looked for someone to do graphic work. Posters, one sheets, etc. Having some samples available to show is always helpful to anyone who is looking for a SD/GD. (Your sister may have this covered.)