Production Design and Art Direction

Screencraft

by Peter Ettedgui

In Production Design and Art Direction sixteen of the world's greatest production designers discuss their craft, revealing the creative process which led to the look of the most memorable films of our time. Contributors include Dean Tavoularis (Godfather Trilogy), Dante Ferretti (whose work with Fellini, Pasolini and Scorsese covers the span of the best of Italian cinema) and Anna Asp (Fanny and Alexander). As aesthetically appealing as any art book, Production Design and Art Direction is densely illustrated with drawings, scripts, storyboards and models, as well as stills from the films. This book is part of the Screencraft series, which includes the enormously successful Cinematography, also by Peter Ettedgui and published by Focal Press in the US.



The text is based on the words of 16 masters of the craft
Beautifully produced and lavishly illustrated with drawings, scripts, storyboards, models and stills from memorable films
Part of the Screencraft series, the first books to explore the crafts of filmmaking by tracing the entire creative process through the eyes of leading practitioners

Genres: Design, Film, Art, Nonfiction

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was inspired by the production designers in this book. I think there are some brilliant films showcased here and some wonderful Production designers. Lots of pictures in here too, and the designers talk about their work and/ or experiences of working in show business.

Not too much information held in these pages but definately a good reference if you're lacking some inspiration.

One of the designers tells a story about how he designed a bar (or something) in some obscure town and someone else working on the film told him that that isn't at all how bars look in this little town. The designer was really discouraged by it and wanted basically to crawl under a rock and die. However tthe director (or someone high up) came in and asked what was wrong and the guy told him, to which he replied, "what I want you to do, is walk back out there as confident as ever. Walk up to this guy and ask him if he has been into every bar in that town, I'll bet you he'll say most of them, to which you will reply 'this one was around the corner....." A good assertion of confidence.

[Almu Redondo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Basic book with interesting but short interviews with some of the best Production Designers for film. Is a light introductory reading but not very deep into the projects or processes.

[Ade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Candid and informative interviews with many well-disciplined and truly artistic creators. I found this book to be an inspiration that bolstered my dreams of film making.