ID-105 - Introduction to Production Design - Sinead Clancy

Introduction

Welcome! My name is Sinéad Clancy, and I’ll be your instructor for ID-105 : Introduction to Production Design.

I’m a production designer, set decorator, and educator with over 30 years of professional experience working in film and television across Ireland, Europe, and the United States. I continue to work actively in the industry, and my teaching is directly shaped by real-world production practices and current professional workflows.

I hold a Bachelor of Design from the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in Dublin, a postgraduate diploma in Media with a specialization in Art Direction from Atlantic College in Galway, and an MFA in Media Design. My early career was based in Ireland, where I helped establish two production design studios. One was with iconic low-budget producer Roger Corman, where I designed his first five feature films. The other was with Ireland’s national Irish-language broadcaster TG4, where we built and designed a custom soundstage for the long-running soap opera Ros na Rún, which is still in production today.

Since then, my career has spanned studio features, independent films, and television. I’ve worked as both a Production Designer and Set Decorator, collaborating closely with directors, cinematographers, producers, and crews within the art department. Alongside my industry work, I’ve spent many years teaching at the college level and mentoring students entering the entertainment industry. I’m deeply passionate about teaching, instilling a love of the craft, and actively advocating for my students’ success.

The goal of this course is to introduce you to production design as both an artistic and professional discipline. We’ll explore how sets function as storytelling tools, how the art department operates, and how designers communicate ideas clearly within a collaborative production environment. The course examines the production design process for television, film, and theatre, including the roles and design responsibilities of various production team members. Educational and professional pathways into the industry will also be discussed.

Course Description

ID-105: Introduction to Production Design examines the process of production design for television, film, and theatre, focusing on how visual design supports story, character, and theme. The course explores the structure of the art department and the design process of various production team members, as well as the working relationships between departments within a professional production environment. Educational and professional pathways for entry into the entertainment industry are also reviewed.

Students will learn to evaluate the duties, responsibilities, and collaborative relationships of all members of the production design team across television, film, and theatre. Through hands-on assignments, students will practice script breakdowns, thematic analysis, visual research, and vendor sourcing, culminating in a final project that presents a cohesive production design concept for a specific genre.

What to Expect in this Course

This is an in-person, on-campus course, and students are expected to be present for the entire class session each week. Production design is a collaborative, hands-on discipline, and regular attendance and participation are essential to your success in this class.

Weekly Workload & Participation

Students should expect a weekly time commitment of approximately 2–6 hours outside of scheduled class time, depending on the assignment and individual working pace. Weekly work may include:

• Reading assignments

• Script analysis and breakdowns

• Visual and thematic research

• In-class assignments

• Ongoing development of a production design concept

Many exercises will be completed during class time, with additional assignments completed independently outside of class.

Projects & Assignments

This course is project-based rather than exam-based. Students will work toward a final visual portfolio project that presents a cohesive production design concept for a specific genre. Throughout the semester, students will complete smaller assignments, such as script breakdowns, mood boards, research packets, and design presentations and all build toward the final project.

Clear assignment guidelines, rubrics, and deadlines will be provided both in class and on Canvas.

Technology & Materials

Students are expected to have:

• Regular access to a computer for research, writing, and image organization

• Access to Canvas for course materials, announcements, assignments, and grades

• Basic familiarity with digital tools for organizing visual research (such as presentation or image-based software)

Specific software requirements, if any, will be discussed in class. Advanced technical skills are not required at the start of the course.

Professional Expectations

Students are expected to arrive on time, remain for the full class session, and come prepared to participate in discussions, labs, and critiques. Because this course mirrors professional production workflows, students are expected to conduct themselves with professionalism, respect collaboration, and meet deadlines consistently. Production design is learned by doing. Active engagement, curiosity, and a willingness to participate are far more important than prior experience.

Types of Assessments

Students in this course will be assessed through a combination of project-based and participation-based work, rather than traditional exams. Assessments may include:

• Script analysis and breakdown assignments

• Visual research and mood boards

• Thematic summaries and written reflections

• In-class design exercises and assignments

• Class participation and engagement in discussions and critiques

• Design presentations and pitch-style review with your Final production design project

Assessment focuses on creative development, professional process, critical thinking, and the ability to communicate design ideas clearly and collaboratively. 

All assignments in this course receive individual, constructive feedback. Feedback is designed to support each student’s creative development, strengthen critical thinking, and encourage professional-level problem solving. Rather than focusing only on outcomes, feedback emphasizes process, growth, and refinement, helping students understand why design choices work and how they can be pushed further. Students are encouraged to revise, ask questions, and engage in dialogue around feedback. The goal is not perfection, but continuous improvement, creative risk-taking, and the development of a strong, thoughtful design voice over the course of the semester.

Textbook Information

The required textbook for this course is Filmmaker’s Guide to Production Design by Vincent LoBrutto (Allworth Press, 1st edition, ISBN: 978-1581152241).

This book guides students through the filmmaking process from the art department’s perspective and covers areas that extend beyond what can be addressed fully in lectures. It provides valuable context about professional workflows, terminology, and the collaborative nature of production design.

Filmmaker's Guide to Production Design, Publisher: Allworth Press. Author: LoBrutto, Vincent. ISBN: 978-1581152241. Edition: 1st edition

Other Relevant Course Information

Additional course information, policies, schedules, and assignment details will be outlined in the course syllabus, which will be available on Canvas once the class begins. These materials will be reviewed during the first class session and referenced throughout the course as needed.

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 02/08/2026 Sub#: 2023 Sub ID: 207642