I am often more amazed by set design than a lot of the other elements. I have heard a lot of discussions about shallow depth of field and bokeh (for photography and cinematography). But, one thing I notice constantly is the background being as in focus as the foreground elements. Yet, I’m not distracted by it. I’m drawn into a the world they create. It is my personal belief that, that with good location scouting, set dressing and then lighting, even a phone be used to create an amazing story (“see Tangerine”). And, of course sound design is important too. Thanks for the lesson.
I love the fact that you have said "There is more to making a film than just a camera" This is the mindset that makes a filmmaker appreciate other departments that make the movie come to life. Thank you for this video I have learned a lot.
What you're touching on here is the CULTURE of filmmaking and how that culture puts a heavy emphasis on technology (camera, lighting, editing, hell even audio) and not a lot on production design. In fact, most of the time the folks I've met who work on production design tend to have been arts students who can work on theater sets, work in commercials, in narrative film--and then turn around and work on art installations for galleries, or for an experimental film production, etc.. So, they tend to be everywhere, which enhances their multidisciplinary approach to their craft, whereas film heads stay firmly in their own silo. You see this in film school as well as on-set. Interesting... we need to change the way we think about these jobs.
We definitely do! Which is why I wanted to make this video! It’s not always about just camera and lighting! Productions designers are some of the most multifaceted and skilled people and get the least recognition!! So hopefully this shedded a tinie bit of light on something other than cameras!
@@BrittneyJanae Yes, well said. Thank you for doing this. One more observation I want to make here: I do think gender plays a role in all of this. So, for example, most of the art departments I have seen are a good balance of men and women, usually leaning more towards female workers. But on the rest of the film set, its a sausage party--cis-het (usually white) dudes geeking out over their gear and all that. I don't mean to be gendered in my comment, but I do think the typical cis-het male filmmakers I have seen on-set are not thinking about different fabrics and colors for costuming or different textures for materials on the wall, etc. Nothing against them, but its just not top of mind if your a gaffer or even a DP or director. I think the men in these roles will appreciate when someone brings that level of production quality to their project, no doubt. But it may not be second-nature to think through these matters. And, yes, I am very guilty of that myself! I'm trying to do better ^_^
So many people are focused on technical aspects of cameras, lenses, lighting,… but in reality production design is so important, because that’s how you create the world for your audience. Thank you for reminding us!
Thanks for taking the time to share with us all so freely, and look forward to you uplifting the sound design teams who always seem to get overlooked... 💼
Yes, yes, yes! Thank you so much for bringing this perspective to a RU-vid channel. So many people only want to talk gear or where you put a light to create a "cinematic" look but that discredits so much of the process and the artists that help get what's onscreen in shape for an audience to believe it all. More of these, please 🙏🏻
"How do we make a house feel like a HOME?" - such a dope comment, as the camera isn't going to do it, and the lights can only illuminate or hide what's there 👏🏻
👠👗 I appreciate you so much for sharing this video. I'm an actor/writer turn director and cinematographer. I've been trying to grow for years, but never quite got things where I envisioned them. This video reminded me of something I've been forgetting all along. Thank you!
Yes my sista!!! I teach my students this about moving image aesthetics. Cinematography is about 90% location. If the world looks legit everything else tends to fall into place.
Amazing video. I think why Tim Burton is one of my favorite directors is because of the production design and aesthetic of his films. You know that you’re watching a Tim Burton movie because of the worlds he creates. Two of my all-time favorite movies are Beetlejuice and Batman Returns.
I loveeeeee Beetlejuice!!! That’s amazing and yes I started researching as I was making this video and fell in love with some new found production designers! We def need more conversation around this topic!
🤵🏽 Agent 00Comfortable! At the ready, stage-right, with additional extension cords. Not saying digital productions are any easier or harder, but I applaud the teams that do the same with digital world/sets/environments to such great detail that their work almost forces the eyes to betray the mind. One example that my mouth still refuses to remain shut over when watching, is "Luca" (2021). The atmospherics, elements, lighting, materials... ALL ON A 4K 40inch SCREEN - goot lort. 😫 I'll always have a sincere "Thank You for Your Service" for the soulfully passionate who contribute to exemplary works.
👕 got to check it out and I truly believe we forget those departments very easily because of budgets . Production design is very important but it goes back to budget. When you have to do multiple roles, it takes longer than it should. overall I love the video
Your content is excellent. We really appreciate the insights and perspectives. I've been in the game for 25 years, and I'm still learning everyday, especially from quality videos like yours.
💼Thanks for painting a picture of what we need to know and to grow as cinematographers. Great video. I've always wanted to know what are the different roles on a film set and what do they do. For example "what does a producer do?" "what does a show runner do?" All this to say, show us what you want us to learn, and I'll watch it, and absorb it.
Production Design is the only department that can't be commercialized by a single manufacture, this is why it has not received the attention that it deserves relative to the other hyped areas such as camera, lenses, lighting, camera support, audio and post. There is no SmallRig, Aputure, Kondor Blue or Arri of Production Design. There is no singular product sku or segment that defines this area.
🦾🤖two movies i watch when i get a chance are iRobot and Oblivion. AI apocalypse. main characters (will and tom) wearing leather throughout movies. both characters have 🏍️. but the oblivion one is a folding 🏍️. looked at small bts of the customization on the bike for the movie. cool stuff. i tend to like the robot aesthetic. unfortunately it seems harder to get behind the scene footage showing how certain aspects of film is put together
Thanks so much for sharing all your useful insights from actually doing the work. There are so many gear videos (which i love watching too, dont get me wrong) but content like this is so fresh! thanks! 🧣
