The Art Director Backdrop Blur
The Art Director Poster

The Art Director

A film's art director is in charge of the set, from conception to construction to furnishing. This short film walks the viewer through art directors' responsibilities and the demands on their talents. They read a script carefully and design a set to capture the time and place, the social strata, and the mood. They must be scholars of the history of architecture, furnishings, and fashion. They choose the colors on a set in anticipation of the lighting and the mood. Their work also sets styles, from Art Deco in the 20's to 30s modernism. Then it's on to the next project. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2012.

Top Cast

  • Dana Andrews

    Dana Andrews

    Self (archive footage) (uncredited)

  • Ronald Colman

    Ronald Colman

    Self - from 'Late George Apley' (archive footage) (uncredited)

  • Joan Fontaine

    Joan Fontaine

    Self / Jane Eyre (archive footage) (uncredited)

  • Ann Harding

    Ann Harding

    Self - from unidentified film (archive footage) (uncredited)

  • Rita Johnson

    Rita Johnson

    Self - from 'The Big Clock' (archive footage) (uncredited)

  • Charles Laughton

    Charles Laughton

    Self - from 'The Big Clock' (archive footage) (uncredited)

  • George Macready

    George Macready

    Self - from 'The Big Clock' (archive footage) (uncredited)

  • Dorothy McGuire

    Dorothy McGuire

    Self / Kathy Lacy (archive footage) (uncredited)

  • Ray Milland

    Ray Milland

    Self - from 'The Big Clock' (archive footage) (uncredited)

Overview

A film's art director is in charge of the set, from conception to construction to furnishing. This short film walks the viewer through art directors' responsibilities and the demands on their talents. They read a script carefully and design a set to capture the time and place, the social strata, and the mood. They must be scholars of the history of architecture, furnishings, and fashion. They choose the colors on a set in anticipation of the lighting and the mood. Their work also sets styles, from Art Deco in the 20's to 30s modernism. Then it's on to the next project. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2012.

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