Course variations

Course summary

The Production Design curriculum focuses on the creative process of visually and physically developing an environment that becomes an essential component of the storytelling process. Production Designers must possess a keen understanding of the story in order to create a believable and realistic world on screen.First Year Fellows collaborate on at least three produced narrative projects, learning to transform designs into reality on a soundstage or location, while adhering to restricted budgets. Fellows develop design skills through classes, workshops and practical set construction, learning traditional drafting methods as well as computer-aided design. Digital design tools and techniques are integral to the curriculum.Second Year Fellows design an entire thesis production, while completing an independent design project for their portfolio. The curriculum also includes more advanced classes on set illustration, drafting, model building, budgeting, color theory and the latest digital design. These courses help Production Design Fellows learn to communicate their visions to their AFI production teams, as well as to future professional colleagues. During the course of study, Fellows have the opportunity to meet art department professionals during campus seminars and visits to Los Angeles film sets.

Program modules

PRN 510: Introduction to Cycle Production - Boot Camp, PRN 511: Cycle Production I,PRN 512: Cycle Production II,DES 521 and 522: The Art and Craft of Production Design: Art Department Skills/Dramatic Analysis ,DES 511 and 512: Production Design Workshop ,DES 532: Perspective ,DES 541: 2D Digital Design,DES 542: 3D Digital Design,CON 511 and 512: Master Seminars,CON 521 and 522: Approaches to the Moving Image Arts,CON 531: Design for Film ,PRN 610: Thesis Production - Production Design ,DES 611 and 612: Advanced Production Design Workshop: Set Design,DES 621 and 622: Advanced Art and Craft of Production Design,DES 631: Advanced Production Design Topics: Storyboarding ,DES 632: Advanced Production Design Topics: Advanced Imagery,DES 651: Digital Design: Graphics,DES 652: Digital Design: Portfolio

Entry requirement for international students

Students should have a bachelor's degree. Applicants must have a demonstrated passion for narrative filmmaking. A demonstrated desire to collaborate with other artists in a rigorous Conservatory environment. A demonstrated experience and/or educational background related to the discipline to which they are applying. Applicants most have ability to supply portfolio (submission) materials conveying skill and experience in the applicant's desired discipline. All applicants are expected to be at least 21 years of age. Scores of TOEFL are also required.

Qualification

Masters

Awarding body

AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE CONSERVATORY

Department name

American Film Institute Conservatory