Art Department for Short Film

BlockReel; New York (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 92,000; Part time

Job summary

BlockReel seeks a talented Production Designer for a dramatic NY short film. The role requires leading the Art Department from concept to strike, collaborating with the director on the visual style, and overseeing set dressing, props, and practical effects.

You will manage the art budget, source materials, and lead a small team on tight budgets. A strong portfolio in narrative projects is essential, with a reel or online portfolio required for consideration.

Qualifications

• Senior-level designer with a strong portfolio on narrative projects, ideally short films or indie features.
• Experience with tight budgets and creative problem-solving is essential.
• Provide a reel or portfolio link demonstrating past design work.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Art Department from concept through strike.
• Collaborate with the director on the visual aesthetic of the film.
• Design and oversee set dressing, props, and practical effects.
• Manage the art budget, source materials, and lead a small team.
• Prepare for 1–2 prep days before principal photography; anticipate long shoot days.

Skills

Art Direction

Budget Management

Prop & Set Dressing

Director Collaboration

Narrative Film Experience

Job description

Seeking a talented Production Designer for a dramatic short film shooting in New York City, targeting $300-500/day for approximately 7-8 shoot days in November 2026. We need someone who can lead the Art Department from concept through strike. This independent production explores themes of memory, isolation, and redemption within a subtle, atmospheric visual style. It’s an intimate story with a few key locations that require careful design to convey emotional depth, not grand spectacle. Your primary responsibilities will include collaborating with the director on the visual aesthetic, designing and overseeing set dressing, props, and practical effects. You'll manage the art budget, source materials, and lead a small, dedicated team. We’re looking for a senior-level designer with a strong portfolio showcasing work on narrative projects, ideally short films or indie features. Experience with tight budgets and creative problem-solving is essential. Please provide a link to your reel or online portfolio demonstrating your past design work. We can provide a basic Art PA, some prop and set dressing budget, and transportation for art-related pickups. We anticipate 1-2 prep days prior to principal photography, which will be discussed upon selection. Standard 10-12 hour days, though some might be shorter.

Budget Range

$300-500/day