Production Designer, Senior

GENERAL ROLE DESCRIPTION:

The Senior Production Designer’s primary goal is to ensure that the content and integrity of the concept is maintained throughout the design, production and installation process.   The demands of this role require an in-depth understanding of the creative intent and the ability for realizing it through the effective execution of the theatrical design process.  The Senior Production Designer is the overall representative of the theatrical design team interfaces and is responsible for supporting their interests and sharing their efforts.

CORE FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Confirm scope to schedule and budget parameters
• Supervise dimensional design team with creative direction and D&P and A&E requirements
• Determine and direct mock-up and staging requirements and advise on systems and methods
• Provide design direction to Show Set lead and ensure drawing packages meet show and facility requirements
• Chair reviews of all show design documents
• Supervise design and production progress to schedule and budget and advise on impact of all proposed changes
• Strategize production and installation of show elements
• Supervise production and installation crews
• Field art direct installation of show elements

TECHNICAL SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS (as they apply to specialty production design positions):

Rockwork:  Proven experience in the field on Disney rockwork projects.  Specific skills include in-depth knowledge and mastery of methods and materials particular to rockwork, including development of rockwork models and coordination of corresponding show elements, application and articulation of plaster, cage construction and installation.  A background in fine arts with an emphasis in sculpture is preferred but not required.

Facades: Proven experience in the field on Disney themed façade projects.  Specific skills include in-depth knowledge and mastery of methods and materials particular to themed plaster, including appropriate use of tools, application and articulation of products and materials and knowledge of substrate requirements.  Knowledge of CAD and Power Point skills are preferred for use as design and documentation tools, as is a background in fine arts with an emphasis in sculpture.

Themed Paint: Proven experience in the field on Disney projects.  Specific skills include in-depth knowledge of materials and application techniques for varied painted scenic effects.  General aesthetic knowledge in the blending and use of color palettes is mandatory.

LEADERSHIP SKILLS:

• Effectively orchestrate activities and personalities

• Persuasive advocate for good design and a steadying influence for the team

• Natural ability to make sense out of diverse multidisciplinary requirements and to bring the project goals into focus for everyone involved

• Working member of the Design team with a natural inclination to generate ideas and the ability to do so with great fluency.

• Ability to research and present design options so that the team can make informed decisions that ultimately give the project greater depth

EDUCATION, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Degree in theater arts, fine arts or environmental design preferred but not required
• Theater design, theatrical technical direction and/or film design (art direction, production design) experience preferred, but not required
• 8-10 years in theme park  design, production and installation experience
• Extensive knowledge of dimension design
• Extensive knowledge of set design and production
• Strong knowledge of fabrication techniques and materials
• Strong team leadership and supervisory experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge of show requirements for special effects, lighting, media design
• Computer literate in Excel and Word
• CAD and computer modeling skills preferred but not required

DESIRED QUALIFICATION:

(See above under Education, Training, Knowledge and Skills)