Film/Video Designer
Creates and manages the visual look of a film, TV or theatre production — graphics, sets, lighting.
Overview
A Film/Video Designer creates and manages visual aspects of a film, television/theatre production. The professional works in coordination with the director and producer to create a design style for aspects such as graphics, sets, lighting, etc., to produce an authentic environment.
Where they work
- Media and Production Houses
- Film Sets
- Theatres, etc.
Work environment
The work timings typically depend on the shoot hours. If you are employed in a company, the timings are typically 5 to 6 days a week for 8 to 9 hours per day. Shift system is applicable.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You are interested in artistic occupations
- You are comfortable working in groups
- You pay attention to details while working
- You like to keep your things organised
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete your 10 + 2 in any stream.
- 2Complete Bachelor's degree in Design (B.Des) in Film and Video Design, followed by Master's degree (M.Des.) in the same discipline
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Bachelor's degree in Design (B.Des.)/Science (B.Sc.) in Film and Video Communication, followed by Master's degree (M.Des./M.Sc.) in the same discipline.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
This course is offered by the Department of Film Studies. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University, Malappuram, Kerala
- Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra
- RISU Jaipur, Rajasthan
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- World University of Design, Sonipat, Haryana
- AAFT University of Media and Arts, Raipur, Chhattisgarh
- Singhania University, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan
- Lakhotia Institute of Design, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Ramoji Academy of Film and Television, Hyderabad, Telangana
- LV Prasad Film and TV Academy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Sree Sankara College, Kalady, Kerala
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Trainee
- 2Film/Video Designer
- 3Senior Film/Video Designer
Related careers to explore
Art Director
Oversees creative projects from start to finish and sets the visual style for the work.
Multimedia Designer
Builds presentations of images and information for the web, television, movies and video games.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Any Stream, Arts.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to creating.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Sabu Cyril — An Indian film production designer. He has worked in more than 116 feature films and 2500 ad films, bagging several national awards and filmfare awards for the same. He has pursued a B.Sc degree in Visual Communication from Madras College of Arts. Sabu started his career as a graphic designer and illustrator, before eventually entering film and production design.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 113 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Film_%2F_Video_Editor/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The card's government list repeats Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University and Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University (entries 2 and 6, 3 and 7); each appears once here. The card also places the World University of Design, Sonipat in Punjab — Sonipat is in Haryana, and the state is corrected here.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.