Art Directors Guild : Production Design Initiative

Production Design Initiative

What is the Production
Design Initiative?

An Art Directors Branch administered and funded initiative, designed to provide mentorship, supervision and on-the-job training to future Art Directors, Designers, and members of the Art Department.

If you have any questions regarding the PDI Art Department Initiative, please contact Laura Kamogawa at laura@adg.org

Program Details Application Requirements

APPLICATION PERIOD & TIMELINE

07 Mar

/ 2025

Submissions Open

09:00 AM

25 Apr

/ 2025

Submissions Close

06:00 PM

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Experience and/or educational background relating to the discipline of design for the narrative arts (film, Theater, digital media, architecture, art or project management) including: Research skills (styles, periods, materials) - script interpretation and breakdowns - design document organization (duplication and distribution), and communication skills.
Must supply an online portfolio or CV of professional work experience with images. Portfolios should convey skill and experience through the following means: sketches and/or digital illustrations, basic spatial (white) models, scaled floor plans and elevations, graphic design, visual research and reference, art, or organizational and management training and life experience.
Able to commit full-time to the Initiative
Must be 21 years of age or older
Must be legal to work with any U.S. employer
$50 application fee must be made by calling the Membership Dept to complete your submission to (818) 762-9995
Interview Date: June 2025 via zoom. Dates to be determined

APPLICATION CHECK-LIST

NARRATIVE STATEMENT (PDF)

Maximum 500 words, typed and double-spaced
2-3 paragraphs about your background and prior training (a focused and a thoughtful demonstration of your thinking and understanding of the profession of design for the moving image and or project management experiences.)

RESUME (PDF)

Detail your professional work and education to date. The title of Production Designer or Art Director should not be included in the header of the resume.

2 LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION (PDF)

Recommendations must be signed by recommender
Include the recommender’s e-mail address & phone number
If you are re-applying; submit one new letter of recommendation

VISUAL PORTFOLIO (PDF) (Recommended or equivalent examples of professional work, art, and life experiences.)

Must supply an online portfolio (submission) materials conveying skill and experience through the following means: sketches and/or digital illustrations, basic spatial (white) models, scaled floor plans and elevations, graphic design, visual research and reference.
Work can be finished, or in various stages of development
Maximum of 20 individual (single or composite) page images

SCOPE OF WORK, DUTIES & ACTIVITIES

Researcher: Search and acquire research materials as directed.
Art Department Archivist: Manage digital database pipeline and hard copy files for research, set plans,location files, graphic files, stored set assets.
Copyist: Reproduce all reference materials and blueprint reproduction services.
Information Distribution: Distribute research and set drawings to all departments.
Resource Collection: Follow-through on collection of material samples and swatches from vendors.
Location Surveys: Assist in measuring and documenting as required.
Observer and Auditor: Attend concept and production meetings, location and tech scouts, have access to shooting sets and locations.

SUPERVISED CURRICULUM & PROJECTS

Story Analysis Skills: Practice script and concept presentation.
Drawing & Illustration Skills (analog and digital): Practice quick sketch, drafting, rendering.
Model Building Skills: Practice construction techniques (analog and digital).
Document Creation Skills: Set and decoration estimating.
Logistics 101: People skills, resource and project management, art of work delegation.
Survival Skills: Flexibility, resourcefulness, communication.
Continuing Education: Access at subsidized or reduced rates to digital and fine arts training when available.
PDI Initiative participants are encouraged to attend in person or audit online all ADG sponsored master classes, outreach programs and workshops when available to them.
Participants are expected to participate in ADG programs, such as the annual Art Directors Guild Awards show.
The PD Initiative's staff supervisor will be responsible for scheduling ADG related community service activities.

PRODUCTION DESIGN INITIATIVE COMPLETION

Upon completion of the PDI: Art Department Initiative, all participants will be accorded an exit assessment. The assessment consists of a review of the participants updated portfolio, discussion of work experiences, and next steps for pursuing their future career options and direction.

REVIEW PROCESS & NOTIFICATION

Applicants will be notified of their status via e-mail
Selected applicants will be invited for the final round for consideration via zoom or at the offices of the Art Directors Guild in Los Angeles, CA
Finalists will be chosen to participate in the Initiative
Should you not be selected, you may re-submit your materials for the following year
The Committee does not provide critiques of any applicant’s work
The decisions of the Committee are final and not subject to appeal
All materials submitted by applicants will be retained by the ADG
Please do not contact the ADG offices regarding application status