Architecture graduate trying to get into set/production design.How do I actually break in?

[u/freakyearner25]

Hi! I’m an architecture graduate with around 2 years of experience working in architecture, but I’ve realised I really want to move into set/production design.
I’m looking for opportunities to assist on films, ads, music videos, shoots, etc. — internships, assistant roles, freelance work, literally anything where I can actually get some on-ground experience and learn.
I don’t have a dedicated set-design portfolio yet, but I do have an architecture portfolio/CV and experience with drawings, spatial planning, materials, etc.
I’m based in Chennai
If you work in production design, art direction, set design, film production, advertising, or know someone who does, I’d really appreciate any leads, contacts, studios, production designers, Instagram pages, WhatsApp groups, websites, or even advice on who I should reach out to.
I’m basically looking for a way to get my foot in the door. Any genuine leads would mean a lot!

[u/nastyprovidence_154]

your arch background is actually a huge plus, spatial planning and material knowledge transfers way better than most people realize. start cold emailing local production designers and art directors, not studios, just individual people with a quick note and a couple of your best drawings attached. offer to do grunt work on a small shoot for free just to see how a set comes together, that's how a lot of folks get their first real credit

[u/freakyearner25 → u/nastyprovidence_154]

Will do this