Art department professionals bring visual stories to life through set design, props, styling, and creative direction. From film and television productions to commercial shoots and events, these skilled creatives transform concepts into compelling visual experiences. Whether you need a production designer, set decorator, or props master, art department specialists ensure every visual element supports your narrative and captivates your audience.
Manala
Anna Gardiner
I Chose Good
Anna Gardiner
Love Bites
Anna Gardiner
Girl Crush
Anna Gardiner
Design for ‘Cenobia’
Anna Gardiner
Unstoppable Change
Rani Brown
The art department on a screen production is responsible for creating the visual world of the film or series, encompassing production design, set decoration, props, construction and the practical elements that make a location or built set look right on camera. Blue Mountains art department professionals work across feature films, television series, short films, commercials and music videos.
The Blue Mountains offers extraordinary locations for screen production, and local art department professionals have extensive knowledge of the region's built and natural environments. When building a production team, engage the production designer and art director early so that locations, set builds and prop requirements can be factored into the production schedule and budget from the outset.
What does an art department professional do on a film or video production?
Art department professionals are responsible for the visual design and construction of sets, props, and the overall aesthetic environment of a production. They work closely with directors and cinematographers to create the physical world that supports the story, handling everything from set decoration and prop sourcing to graphic design and set construction. In the Blue Mountains, art department specialists often bring unique skills in working with natural materials and heritage locations that are common to our region.
How far in advance should I book an art director or set decorator for my project?
For film and video productions, it's best to engage art department professionals during pre-production, ideally 4-8 weeks before your shoot date depending on the scale of your project. This allows time for concept development, sourcing or building props and set pieces, and coordinating with other departments. Our local art department specialists can often work with shorter timeframes for smaller projects, but early booking ensures the best creative outcomes.
Can Blue Mountains art department professionals work on productions outside the region?
Yes, many art department professionals in our Screen directory regularly travel to work on productions in Sydney, regional NSW, and beyond. However, they also bring valuable local knowledge of Blue Mountains locations, suppliers, and resources that can be particularly beneficial for productions filming in our area. Their familiarity with the region's unique aesthetic and heritage properties is often a significant advantage.
Do I need separate people for production design, art direction, and set decoration?
This depends on the scale and budget of your production. Larger productions typically have specialized roles for each function, while smaller projects often have one versatile art department professional handling multiple responsibilities. Many Blue Mountains creatives are experienced in wearing multiple hats and can adapt to your production's needs and budget constraints.