Production Design: Concepts, Resources, and Masters of the Craft
Creating the perfect production design is an essential part of any movie or TV show. It takes a skilled team of designers, painters, and craftspeople to bring the director's vision to life. Set design not only helps establish the tone and mood of the production but also provides a visual spectacle that captivates the audience. If you are interested in pursuing a career in production design or just fascinated with the craft, then this blog post is for you.
Concepts
Before starting any project, it is essential to have a concept in mind. Production/set design is no exception. The concept will determine the overall tone, color palette, and style of the set. There are various ways to approach a concept, but mood boards are the most popular. Mood boards can be digital or analog and are a collection of images, textures, colors, and fonts that convey the concept. Pinterest is a great platform for creating digital mood boards, but if you prefer analog, get yourself a bulletin board and start collecting images.
Resources
Production design requires technical knowledge and skills. You have to understand how to use tools like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Photoshop. Luckily, there are tons of resources available online to help you get started. Websites like Pluralsight offer courses on these programs and other digital design tools. You can also join online forums and groups to connect with other designers and professionals in the industry. These online resources can help you learn the skills needed to develop a successful career in set design.
Masters of the Craft
There are numerous industry titans who have made a name for themselves in the world of production design. For instance, Dante Ferretti, who has worked with director Martin Scorsese on several films, including The Aviator and Hugo, has won three Oscars for his work. Other notable set designers include Jack Fisk, who worked on There Will Be Blood and The Revenant; Adam Stockhausen, known for his work on Grand Budapest Hotel and Moonrise Kingdom, and Patrizia von Brandenstein, who has worked on multiple films with director Milos Forman.
Social Media Personalities to Follow
The internet offers a vast amount of resources, including social media personalities that can inspire and educate you. Art departmental, an Instagram account run by Canadian production designer Rose Lagacé, is dedicated to the art departments of film, TV, and theatre. The account shares behind-the-scenes images of sets and interviews with art department professionals. Also, check out the Instagram account @setdesign_inspiration for daily inspiration of set designs.
Inspiration
Finally, get inspired by the world around you. Go to museums, galleries, flea markets, and antiques stores. Observe how artists and designers use colors, texture, and materials together to achieve different moods and atmospheres. Take note of objects that catch your eye and try to incorporate them into your set designs. Inspiration can come from anywhere, so keep your eyes open and take note of the world around you.
Production design is a complex and fascinating field that requires creativity, technical skill, and attention to detail. Whether you are interested in pursuing a career in set design or just fascinated with the craft, there are resources available to help you learn and grow. By understanding the concepts, connecting with industry professionals, following social media personalities and looking for inspiration anywhere, you can develop the skills needed to become a successful set designer. Remember, the world is your canvas, so let your creativity flow.