The design brief meeting brings the director and designers together. The director will explain the vision for the piece, including its style, period and setting, to enable a unified approach, and budgets will be set for each department.

All designers have to ensure that they consider the following within their area, to fulfil their brief or instructions:

• the artistic intentions of the production and how to communicate the intended meaning for an audience
• making appropriate choices for the style and genre of the piece
• the establishing of character, period, location and time of day
• the mood and atmosphere of the scene
• selecting appropriate materials or equipment
• collaboration with other designers
• health and safety considerations
• staying within the budget