The set designer collaborates with the theater director to create an environment for the production-and communicates details of this environment to the technical director, charge scenic artist and property master. They are trained professionals, often with Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees in scenic design. The production designer is often called the set designer, or scenic designer. They design, plan, organize, and arrange set design, equipment availability, and control a production's on-screen appearance. Main article: Production designer The production designer is responsible for the production's visual appearance. Some directors produce their own television programs, and, with formal approval of the funding studio, enjoy a tighter grip on what makes the final cut than Directors usually have. The producer usually hires the director (unless the director is also the producer). Though directors hold much power, they are second in command after the producer. During shooting, the director supervises the overall project, manages shots, and keeps the assignment on budget and schedule. The Director helps decide on locations, and creates a shooting plan. The director typically helps hire the cast (and possibly crew). The director is responsible for all creative aspects of a production.

In general, actors and other regular artists on a show are familiar enough with their roles that the director's input is confined to technical issues. The role differs from that of a film director because the major creative control usually belongs to the producer. Main article: Television director The television director is usually responsible for directing the actors and other filmed aspects of a television production.

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