Production Design for Pilot

Seeking a talented and creative Production Designer for an upcoming independent sci-fi pilot. This project is a visually driven, character-focused story exploring themes of memory and alternate realities. It’s got a cool, slightly retro-futuristic aesthetic we're aiming for, with a grounded, gritty feel rather than super polished. We need someone to come in on day one ready to translate our vision into compelling practical sets and props, helping define the world our characters inhabit. Your responsibilities will include designing and overseeing the construction of key sets (mostly smaller interior builds and dressing existing locations), sourcing and managing props, and working closely with the director and cinematography team to ensure visual cohesion. You'll also be managing a small art department budget. We're looking for someone with at least 3-5 years of experience in production design, ideally on narrative projects. A strong portfolio demonstrating your creative range and ability to work effectively within budget constraints is a must. While we'll provide some basic tools and materials, having your own kit of essential design and fabrication tools is a plus. Experience with practical effects or unique material usage would be fantastic. This is for a 1-2 day shoot, likely spread across a couple of weeks in August 2026. Prep will be about 2-3 weeks leading up to that, starting in mid-August 2026. Compensation is $100-200/day, commensurate with experience. We’ll provide meals on set and cover reasonable travel expenses within NYC. It's a small, passionate crew, so a collaborative attitude is essential.