Master in Production Design

Attracting artists from architecture, interior design, scenic design, theater arts and other related fields, the Production Design curriculum focuses on the creative process of visually and physically developing an environment that becomes an essential component of the storytelling process. Production Designers must possess a keen understanding of the story in order to create a believable and realistic world on screen.

First year Fellows collaborate on at least three produced narrative projects, learning to transform designs into reality on a soundstage or location, while adhering to restricted budgets. Fellows develop design skills through classes, workshops and practical set construction, focusing the first year on traditional design methods to express their ideas. Digital design tools and techniques are integral to the curriculum and are the focus of the second year.

Second year Fellows design an entire thesis production, while completing an independent design project for their portfolio. The curriculum also includes special workshops on set illustration, drafting, model building, budgeting, color theory and the latest digital design. These courses help Production Design Fellows learn to communicate their visions to their AFI production teams, as well as to future professional colleagues.

First Year Curriculum

• PRN 510: Introduction to Cycle Production – Boot Camp
• PRN 511: Cycle Production I
• PRN 512: Cycle Production II & III
• PRN 521 & 522: Narrative Workshop and Analysis
• DES 511 & 512: Production Design Workshop: Cycle Mentorship
• DES 521: The Art and Craft of Production Design: Design II
• DES 522: The Art and Craft of Production Design: Art Department Skills/Dramatic Analysis
• DES 531: Design I
• DES 532: Perspective
• DES 541: Professional Practice I
• DES 542: Professional Practice II
• CON 511 & 512: Master Seminars
• CON 521 & 522: American Approaches to Film
• Year One Portfolio Review

Second Year Curriculum

• PRN 610: Thesis Production – Production Design
• DES 611: Advanced Production Design Workshop: Set Design I
• DES 612: Advanced Production Design Workshop: Applied Set Design
• DES 621: Advanced Pre-Visualization for Production Design
• DES 622: Advanced Pre-Visualization for Production Design
• DES 631: Advanced Production Design Topics: Design III
• DES 632: Advanced Production Design Topics: Presentation Graphics
• DES 651: Digital Media Production: Digital Tools
• DES 652: Digital Media Production: Visual Effects Overview
• DES 670: Internship Practicum
• DES 690: Thesis Portfolio – Production Design
• CON 621 & 622: World Approaches to Film

The American Film Institute is America's promise to preserve the heritage of the motion picture, to honor the artists and their work and to educate the next generation of storytellers. As a nonprofit educational arts organization, AFI provides leadership in film and television and is dedicated to initiatives that engage the past, the present and the future of the moving image arts. The AFI Archive and the AFI Catalog of Feature Films preserve the legacy of America's film heritage for future generations , comprising rare footage from across the history of the moving image and compiling an authoritative record of the first 100 years of American film. AFI honors film and television artists and their work by hosting a variety of annual programs and special events, including the AFI Life Achievement Award and AFI AWARDS . The AFI Life Achievement Award has remained the highest honor for a career in film and demonstrates the enormous power and the art of film. AFI AWARDS, the Institute's 21st-century film, and television almanac, celebrates the most outstanding movies and television programs of the year and the creative teams behind them in a non-competitive atmosphere. AFI applauds filmmakers and film enthusiasts alike with film exhibitions throughout the year; AFI DOCS , presents five days of international documentaries and is the only festival in the United States dedicated to screenings and events that connect audiences, filmmakers and policy leaders in Washington, DC; the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center offers year-round programming in the Washington, DC area; AFI FEST presented by Audi, the Institute's showcase for the best festival films of the year and an opportunity for master filmmakers and emerging artists to come together with audiences in the heart of Hollywood . AFI FEST is the only festival of its stature that is free to the public. AFI ’s notable 100 YEARS, 100 MOVIES lists reintroduce classic American films to millions of movie lovers all over the world. AFI educates the next generation of storytellers at the AFI Conservatory , which has been consistently recognized as one of the world's top film schools. The Conservatory’s collaborative, hands-on production environment with an emphasis on storytelling boasts acclaimed alumni including Darren Aronofsky, Patty Jenkins, Janusz Kamiński, Heidi Levitt, Matthew Libatique, David Lynch, Terrence Malick, Wally Pfister, Robert Richardson, Ed Zwick and many, many more. The AFI Conservatory offers a two-year Master of Fine Arts degree in six disciplines: Cinematography, Directing, Editing, Producing, Production Design and Screenwriting. The prestigious Board of Trustees, chaired by Sir Howard Stringer, and Board of Directors, chaired by Bob Daly, along with President and CEO Bob Gazzale, is comprised of key figures from the entertainment, business and academic communities that guide AFI . As a nonprofit educational organization relies on the generous financial support from moving image arts enthusiasts like you to provide funding for its programs and initiatives. Become an AFI member today and play your part in preserving as well as making American film history.