Production Designer

Q&A with Martyn Hébert

What was your job title?

Production designer for film and television

What did your job involve?

Everything that happens in front of the camera, other than the actors. So for example the sets, props, locations, wardrobe, make-up and special effects.

What did it look like on an average day?

Each day is different with new challenges. It often involves long days both pre shooting and during shooting.

What qualifications and experiences enabled you to achieve your position?

I spent 5 years at Art school, then spent 5 years gaining theatre experience at Liverpool Playhouse, Welsh National Theatre and the Donovan Maule theatre, Nairobi amongst others; then 20 years freelance production designer for film and television and the occasional commercial.

What were your career highlights?

I won two BAFTA Best Design awards and also working on ‘Traffick’ for Channel 4. Meeting and knowing Bungle from ‘Rainbow’ (Stanley Bates) and Pantomime days.

Any advice for aspiring creative students?

Having a creative idea is the first step, but knowing how to realise your vision is a necessity. Technical know-how (knowledge) will help.