Art Director
An Art Director is a senior manager within a film’s art department. This person is the chief assistant to the Production Designer. The Art Director’s role is practical and logistical. They are responsible for executing the Production Designer’s creative vision. This involves managing the crew, budget, and schedule for the art department. They turn abstract concepts into tangible, physical sets.
Art Director vs. Production Designer
This is a key distinction. The Production Designer (PD) is the head of the art department. The PD creates the overall visual look, style, and color palette for the film.
The Art Director (AD) reports to the PD. The AD is the manager who builds that look. They handle the day-to-day operations. They make the creative vision a practical reality. If the PD is the “architect,” the Art Director is the “project manager” or “general contractor.”
Core Responsibilities
The Art Director’s job begins in pre-production. First, they break down the screenplay. They work with the PD to list every set, location, and prop. Next, the AD creates a detailed budget and schedule for the art department. They must manage these resources for the entire production.
During production, the Art Director’s role is hands-on. They hire and supervise the art department crew. This includes set designers, draftsmen, and construction managers. They oversee the design and construction of all film sets. They ensure every detail matches the Production Designer’s plan. This ranges from the wall colors to the style of the floorboards. The Art Director must be a master problem-solver. They ensure all sets are built safely, on time, and within budget.
The Art Director’s Team
The Art Director manages a large team of skilled artists and craftspeople. Key collaborators often include:
| Set Designers | These artists draft the blueprints and technical drawings for the sets. |
| Construction Coordinator | This person manages the build crew. They physically build the sets based on the set designer’s plans. |
| Set Decorator | This person finds and places all the furnishings. This includes furniture, curtains, and props that actors do not touch. |
| Prop Master | This person handles all “hero” props. These are the items that actors physically interact with, like a phone or a weapon. |
The Art Director coordinates all these different divisions. They ensure everyone works together toward one cohesive visual goal. They are the essential link between the Production Designer’s imagination and the physical world the camera captures.
« Back to Glossary Index