Industrial Design Jobs in the Film Industry

Design Custom DVD Packaging
The home video market has become saturated to a point that filmmakers and industry marketers must find a way for their product to stand out. The need for attractive DVD packaging creates an opportunity for industrial design jobs in the film industry. A basic single disc DVD package may not require more than graphic design work. Film industry professionals also release special edition products that hold multiple discs. This is where an industrial designer can use their skills to create unique DVD packaging for film companies. These industrial design jobs in the film industry can help producers charge a higher price for the perceived value of their product.

Build Custom Movie Props
Some props needed on film sets are not available at a store and must be custom made. These custom props vary between film productions and may include weapons, furniture or robotic machines. The budget for props may be higher on larger scale productions than independent films. Lower budget movies can still be used as stepping stones to build a resume and attract higher paying Industrial Design Jobs in the Film Industry. Designers can also work out deals to keep the rights to some of their props. Retaining all of the rights will allow industrial designers to sell or rent them for extra income in between jobs.

Make Film Set Replicas
Films that have complicated scenery or action sequences may require previsualization tools before a full production begins. This technique can help producers iron out unanswered questions or concerns without affecting their release schedule or the availability of cast and crew members. It also costs film companies much less to go through a detailed storyboarding process and correct any discrepancies in advance. The need for producers to previsualize detailed setups creates an opportunity for more Industrial Design Jobs in the Film Industry. Design professionals can get paid to build replicas of entire film sets before producers spend millions of dollars on the real thing.

Design Special Costumes and Prosthetics
Movies where actors have to significantly alter their appearance usually require some form of special effects or prosthetics application. Learning how to build specialty items that actors can wear on a film set can lead to jobs in the film industry. Special costumes like fat suits and items that make women appear to be pregnant are widely used in film and TV production. Prosthetics are used a lot when making horror, sci-fi and some action films but can also lead to jobs in the makeup department. This is sometimes one of many overlooked jobs in the film industry that require great skill but offers great income potential.