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27-1027.00 · Task explorer

Set and Exhibit Designers: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.

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This source lists 27 tasks, including 19 marked Core and 8 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 08/2021.

27 tasks shown

Core · Task 9289 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Develop set designs, based on evaluation of scripts, budgets, research information, and available locations.

Core · Task 9286 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Prepare rough drafts and scale working drawings of sets, including floor plans, scenery, and properties to be constructed.

Core · Task 9294 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Prepare preliminary renderings of proposed exhibits, including detailed construction, layout, and material specifications, and diagrams relating to aspects such as special effects or lighting.

Core · Task 9305 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Read scripts to determine location, set, and design requirements.

Core · Task 9293 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Submit plans for approval, and adapt plans to serve intended purposes, or to conform to budget or fabrication restrictions.

Core · Task 9306 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Attend rehearsals and production meetings to obtain and share information related to sets.

Core · Task 9287 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Confer with clients and staff to gather information about exhibit space, proposed themes and content, timelines, budgets, materials, or promotion requirements.

Core · Task 9297 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Research architectural and stylistic elements appropriate to the time period to be depicted, consulting experts for information, as necessary.

Core · Task 9303 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Observe sets during rehearsals in order to ensure that set elements do not interfere with performance aspects such as cast movement and camera angles.

Core · Task 9296 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Collaborate with those in charge of lighting and sound so that those production aspects can be coordinated with set designs or exhibit layouts.

Core · Task 9300 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Select set props, such as furniture, pictures, lamps, and rugs.

Core · Task 9304 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Design and build scale models of set designs, or miniature sets used in filming backgrounds or special effects.

Core · Task 9284 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Examine objects to be included in exhibits to plan where and how to display them.

Core · Task 9302 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Assign staff to complete design ideas and prepare sketches, illustrations, and detailed drawings of sets, or graphics and animation.

Core · Task 9291 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Inspect installed exhibits for conformance to specifications and satisfactory operation of special-effects components.

Core · Task 9288 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Estimate set- or exhibit-related costs, including materials, construction, and rental of props or locations.

Core · Task 9292 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Plan for location-specific issues, such as space limitations, traffic flow patterns, and safety concerns.

Core · Task 9285 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Acquire, or arrange for acquisition of, specimens or graphics required to complete exhibits.

Core · Task 9298 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Design and produce displays and materials that can be used to decorate windows, interior displays, or event locations, such as streets and fairgrounds.

Supplemental · Task 9290 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Direct and coordinate construction, erection, or decoration activities to ensure that sets or exhibits meet design, budget, and schedule requirements.

Supplemental · Task 9310 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Coordinate the transportation of sets that are built off-site, and coordinate their setup at the site of use.

Supplemental · Task 9301 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Confer with conservators to determine how to handle an exhibit's environmental aspects, such as lighting, temperature, and humidity, so that objects will be protected and exhibits will be enhanced.

Supplemental · Task 9295 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Select and purchase lumber and hardware necessary for set construction.

Supplemental · Task 9307 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Arrange for outside contractors to construct exhibit structures.

Supplemental · Task 9309 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Incorporate security systems into exhibit layouts.

Supplemental · Task 9299 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Coordinate the removal of sets, props, and exhibits after productions or events are complete.

Supplemental · Task 9308 · 08/2021 · Occupational Expert

Provide supportive materials for exhibits and displays, such as press kits, advertising, publicity notices, posters, brochures, catalogues, and invitations.

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  2. For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
  3. Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.

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Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

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