Production Design Initiative

• Experience and/or educational background relating to the discipline of design for the narrative arts (film, Theater, digital media, architecture) including: Research skills (styles, periods, materials) - script interpretation and breakdowns - design document organization (duplication and distribution), and communication skills.
• 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.
• 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 2024 via zoom. Dates to be determined

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)

RESUME (PDF)

• Detail your professional work and education to date

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)

• 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

• The goal of the Art Directors Initiative is to expose participants to a full range of workplace experiences (feature, episodic, commercials, reality shows, live events, and theme parks)
• Once admitted, the Participant's name will be placed on an availability list managed by the Initiative's staff supervisor
• The Initiative requires approximately 260 days of consecutive or nonconsecutive participation by those accepted
• Announcements will go out to all Guild Production Designer/Art Director members that AD Initiative Participants are available for immediate placement on film, TV or commercial projects. (Note that placement is not guaranteed and will depend on the schedules and requirements of the Production Designer/Art Director members and the projects on which they are employed)
• Participants would be hired, compensated and insured in the same manner as all other Production Assistants by the producers of the particular production
• Participants will be supervised by the show’s Production Designer and Art Directors. These members will serve as the Participant's primary mentors and networking agents for their further placement and advancement during their training period
• Guidelines governing the assignment, supervision and periodic assessment of the Participant's progress will be issued by the Initiative to the participating Production Designer/Art Directors
• Participants may not displace Guild members or other IATSE represented crafts. Only productions that have fully satisfied their required staffing for all positions may participate in the Program. Participants may not be used as alternative low-cost employees for the creation of essential covered work on the production
• Participants are responsible for their own housing, transportation and living expenses
• 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 all shooting sets and locations
• 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 management, art of work delegation
• Survival Skills: Flexibility, resourcefulness, communication

• 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 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.
• PD 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.

• At the end of approximately 260 days of consecutive or nonconsecutive participation, the participant's mentor/supervisors will be required to submit formal letters of review to the ADG Council, addressing the applicant’s abilities, or, there may be an exit interview held by members of the PD Initiative Committee in lieu of the formal letters.

• Applicants will be notified of their status via e-mail
• Selected applicants will be invited for the final round for consideration 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