There is actually a lot of space for artistic souls in the film industry. The art world is full of digital art these days, so don’t limit yourself to gallery jobs and art PR if you don’t have to. The film world is basically adjacent to the art world anyway, and jobs in the industry have many art world and artist parallels. From set designers to creative producers, there are a number of career options for artistic roles looking to jump into the film industry. So, let’s take a look!
Art Department
Movies have their own art department with SEVERAL roles available to arty types. From production designers to art directors there’s actually a wide variety to choose from. Storyboard artists sketch scenes shot-by-shot to help visualise the film before it’s made, where scenic artists paint the backgrounds, murals and textures that makes the film look so authentic.
Meanwhile set designers and decorators create blueprints and 3D models for sets, and also source designs to furnish the film set. There are also props masters who are in charge of all the handheld objects that actors use.
If you opt for a career as a production designer, you’ll oversee the entire visual feel of the film including everything from locations to costumes. The art director meanwhile, executes the production designer’s vision, managing the art department crew.
Construction And Fabrication
This is where art meets craftsmanship. Here model makers build scale models of sets and props. Carpenters, welders and painters help bring these to life, building and dressing the physical sets of the movie.
Then, special effect artists create physical effects like destruction or fantasy creatures for your favourite film villains.
Makeup & Costume
Mixing art and fashion for the screen, there are a number of jobs in this area. Let’s start with the obvious, costume designers source and design all clothing and accessories on the film. Meanwhile, a wardrobe supervisor manages all costumes on set.
Of course, there are also makeup artists and hair stylists to oversee each character’s general look. And, perhaps the most fun, are special FX make-up artists who craft prosthetics for more fantasy characters.
Post Production
So once the filming is over, that doesn’t mean the work has ended. There are a number of arty film jobs that don’t begin until the camera crew have put down tools. This is where tech meets creativity.
VFX artists add computer-generated effects and worlds while matte painters create digital or hand-painted backgrounds. There are also colourists who adjust the colour and tone of the film to ensure continuity from scene to scene. In addition, sometimes there are 3D modellers and animators who design and animate digital assets.
The Big Ones
There’s no reason why arty people can’t take control of the whole film. Directors often have an artistic background and guide the entire creative vision. Meanwhile, creative producers balance logistics and art direction. And, while screenwriting isn’t visual per se, they do craft the foundation of what artists bring to life, so why not?!
Text by Lizzy Vartanian
