When I used to produce set models, in another life, which is a good  tool for a production design to work with. It was never as detailed as these TV show models, but they have the brass to spend doing it.
I suppose these days it is far easier to do a 3D computer graphic, than to physicaly work on producing a stage model.

this collection of set models

The 'Happy Days' set made up using 'Lego' pieces, I found to be the quickest & easiest way to do set models. In fact I still have my sons Lego, from the time I convinced him he was getting too old to play with Lego & I need to use them for the theatre. That was 30 odd years ago so I don't think he wants them back know.
But they did come in handy when I directed 'Man Of La Mancha', to work out the flying desending staircase into the dungeon, as we only had a gable roof above the stage & no fly loft.
I think the old set models are still great to work out the scenography especialy for musicals, rather than working from a 3D graphic on paper.


Edited by JoeMc - 4/29/10 at 10:02pm

At least with TV they tend to have the gold bars to pay for thier time & patience.
Lego makes it much easier than messing about with balsa wood to get the base structure into shape.
When I was doing TV sets you were luck to get a few scribbles on a piece of paper, but there again the sets here were not much more substail than paper & sticky tape anyway.


Edited by JoeMc - 4/30/10 at 8:07pm

I think you just did Drew
To me there is more of an acomplishment to produce a model of the set by hand, rather than just being computer generated.
While I'm not knocking the press buton drawing or modeling, as it does save time 'n all that. It does loose a lot that is gained by imaginative thought via the incubation process while doing it all the hard way.
Cad is great for saving effort & persperation of mundain reproduction but can't beat the touch 'n feel thingy of sandbox playing & viewing by everyone.


Edited by JoeMc - 5/18/10 at 10:55pm

Great diverse designs & sets DRew.
It looks like a great space to work with.
Our venues tend to be some what more basic & don't have Fly Lofts available.
Most venues are no more than the local community hall or just an available  space converted into a theatre on a shoe string.
In fact they are hard pressed to even have basic stock flats or lighting rig, that is not on loan  or otherwise obtained.
Out of about 100 member groups of our State Theatre Association, there are only around half a dozen who have thier own venue & actually have some design to thier stage settings. The majority of groups are founded on  the principle of "let's do a show" & bumble along without any thought to the technical design aspects.
However I would urge you to look ito attaining some acedemic acreditation, especialy in your obviously more competive market over there, even if it is just at night school or attending design workshops.
Also look to picking up crew work at a proeatre venue & becoming known thru networking.
Fire up your own website with your designs on & self promote.




Edited by JoeMc - 5/23/10 at 8:44pm