DIRECTION

Production Design

Production Design encapsulates a holistic, visual approach to an entire film. This process determines the look of the environment, which includes locations, colors, textures, space, and objects that are used in a scene. Also the aesthetics of an actor’s presentation, costume, and makeup. This creates (or is created from) an overall color palette for the film – a fundamental requirement in filmmaking that can have a profound impact on the tone and underscored message of your movie.

Art Direction

When Art Direction is thrown in the mix, I often think of the term “Project Management”. If a Production Designer oversees the entire look of the film, an Art Director’s job is to facilitate and implement the Production Designer’s creative intent. This eventually gives the film its unique visual identity. They take care of the nitty gritty bits. From the largest scale locations to the smallest details.

On a finer level, art direction also encompasses several other important things such as tweaking and fixing up a location so that it looks correct on screen. This can be referred to as “set dressing”. Art Direction also includes props & wardrobe. These elements, when chosen wisely, will render a scene more believable or convincing.

The overall aesthetic, dictated by a Production Designer and implemented by an Art Director, influences the final film as much as lighting, storylines, and dialogue.