Set building lecture

Set building.

The reason for building sets:

1. It supports the story.
2. Puts the story in an appropriate place.
3. Makes it believeable (mis en scene) For example a spaceship interior.

Why choose an studio?

1. It is an controllable invironment
2. Location work is impractical- for example you cant go there or cant change anything there.
3. What you want to film doesnt exist (links with previous point 3)

Locations cons.

1. Access difficulties
2. Doesnt provide everything you need
3. Hide unwanted details. for example: Tarmac has to be covered with gravel to conceal it, window and doors covered or boarded up, postboxes- anything not in keeping with the set period is boxed/hidden from view.

Minitures. Models of the set- usually fantastical in seting made to a scale and in amazing detail. Lord of the rings used this technique a lot in the making of the trilogy. This can then be used as a background to actors shot on green screen and layed over the top.

Production

Production designer passes tech drawings to the art dept and the appropriate people e.g. Carpenters etc. The costing is worked out and approved and construction can then begin.

The drawing must have a lot of detail and information in them for a number of people to read and understand how to make the oject/set without having to continuously consort with the original designer.

Deadlines. It is a good idea to create your own deadline before the actual deadline. This gives you time to work out anything which hasnt worked and do it over. It also takes away the pressure and panic a deadline can bring.