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Film & TV · MS elective · 3 credit hours · 16 sessions

Production Design & Art Direction

“The camera photographs the script, but it sees the set.” This course explores the visual architecture of cinema. Students will learn to translate a screenplay into a physical world, mastering the distinct roles of the Production Designer (creative strategy) and the Art Director (logistical execution). The curriculum covers world-building, color theory, architectural drafting, and the sourcing of props and set dressing to define character and mood.

§ 01 By the end you can
  1. Analyze scripts to create visual metaphors and color palettes (The Look Book)
  2. Distinguish between the roles of Production Designer, Art Director, and Set Decorator
  3. Create technical drawings and floor plans for set construction
  4. Master the logistics of location scouting, permits, and set safety
  5. Execute "Set Dressing" to build environmental storytelling and character depth
§ 02 Sixteen sessions

The whole semester.

  1. 01The Visual Narrative: History of Production Design
  2. 02Script Analysis: Identifying the "Look"
  3. 03Color Theory & Psychology in Film
  4. 04The Art Department Hierarchy
  5. 05Concept Art & Mood Boards
  6. 06Architectural Drafting: Floor Plans & Elevations
  7. 07Set Decorating: Sourcing & Styling
  8. 08 · MidtermMidterm Examination
  9. 09Set Construction: Materials & Budgeting
  10. 10Prop Making & Procurement
  11. 11Textures & Aging: Making it look lived-in
  12. 12Location Scouting: The Technical Recce
  13. 13Working with the Cinematographer (Lighting)
  14. 14Green Screen & Virtual Production Design
  15. 15Continuity in Art Direction
  16. 16Final Project: The Set Design Package

Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.

§ 03 Final project

Final Project: The Set Design Package

How it’s judged

Recommended reading
  1. The Filmmaker's Guide to Production Design by Vincent LoBrutto
  2. Production Design & Art Direction by Peter Ettedgui
  3. The Art Direction Handbook for Film by Michael Rizzo
  4. By Design: Interviews with Film Production Designers by Vincent LoBrutto
  5. Designs on Film: A Century of Hollywood Art Direction by Cathy Whitlock
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