Production designers are collaborators amongst other filmmakers and heads of the Art Department. They play a crucial role in shaping the visual style and requirements of a movie or show and provide context. They provide workable ways to create movies or shows with agreed budgets and timelines. Selecting or suggesting locations and infrastructures is also one of the main tasks. The look of a set or place is important for storytelling or dramaturgy to support the characters. It is an integral part of making a movie, play or event compelling and evocative. When choosing suitable locations and/or designing looks, much craftsmanship is involved in creating these backdrops. PDs are largely responsible for realizing the vision of the director. They begin their work in the early stages of pre-production. They create detailed illustrations, drawings and specifications to create a framework for production. Regardless of relentless demands and long hours, this is one of the most responsible and creative roles in the film and event industry.

Production designers may be requested by a producer or director to view a script or concept paper to provide initial estimates of the Art Department's expenses for a project. When they read a script, they evaluate the visual qualities that help bring the story to life and make the characters believable. After a thorough breakdown, they meet with the core team to discuss and decide how best to shoot or design the show, whether to use sets and/or locations, whether a visual theme or specific design elements are necessary or increase and add psychological depth to the story or whether visual effects should be used. These discussions are followed by budget considerations and thorough research to obtain initial ideas from libraries, books, photographs, paintings, the Internet, and so on. PDs coordinate the art directors who hire the required art department crew. The ADs oversee set designers, who create technical drawings and models necessary for construction. Props buyers and decorators procure props and organize the manufacturing of special items. When filming begins, the PDs review each setup along with the director, cameraman, and standby art director to provide last fixes and give it a go. They check in advance the construction and furnishing of other sets/locations to be ready according to the shooting schedule. Although they usually finish their work on the final day of principle photography, they may be involved in post-production and vfx on larger  films.

Production designers lead a crew and must have extensive design experience and the best leadership skills. It is a desirable requirement to prior have worked as a draftsman, set designer and art director. They may also have a background in architecture or theater, where they have learned to conceptualize ideas by creating dramaturgy through visual spectacle and stylization. Extended knowledge and skills include sketching, technical drawing, color theory, architecture, construction, art and design history, interior design, cameras and lenses, lighting, visual effects, computer-aided design, budgeting, etc.

- Excellent visual understanding, aesthetics and design skills including presentations

- Excellent communication skills to inspire and motivate a team towards a common goal

- Excellent leadership qualities

- Great ability to set priorities and meet deadlines

- Tact and diplomacy