When we watch a movie, the visuals that we see on the screen can either transport us to a different world or make us feel like we are simply watching a movie set. That is where production design comes in. Production design is an essential part of filmmaking, responsible for creating the look and feel of the film’s world, ensuring that it feels authentic and believable. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the production design definition as well as what elements make for great production design in a film.
Watch: Production Design Techniques
Subscribe for more filmmaking videos like this.
What is Production Design in Film and Story?
First, let’s define production design
Simply put, production design is the art of creating the visual environment where the story takes place. But let’s take a more detailed look at the production design definition to understand its importance more fully.
PRODUCTION DESIGN DEFINITION
What is a production design?
Production design refers to the process of creating the visual environment in which a film or a television show unfolds. It is often used interchangeably with the term 'art direction.' Still, while art direction is mainly responsible for making the visual elements match the director's vision, production design goes much further, having a more elaborate approach to set design, costume design, props, and overall look and feel of a film or TV show.
Key elements of film production design:
- Set design
- Props
- Costumes
- VFX/Special Effects
What is Production Design in Film Used For?
Differentiating Production Design
As we alluded to above, there can be some confusion between production design and a few other similar departments. Let’s dive into the key differences.
Production design vs set design
Set designers work primarily with sets (surprise, surprise). Their job is to work with the director and the production designer to create believable sets which are appropriate for the film.
Set designers will get deep in the weeds of the set, looking into what needs to be planned, obtained, and built for a given environment.
Production designer on set
Production designers, meanwhile, are more high-level. While a production designer will work closely with a set designer to nail down the look of a set, the production designer is responsible for thinking about how this set will fit into the overall aesthetic of the film.
Production designer vs art director
An art director is a production designer’s best friend. The crucial difference between the roles is logistics. A production designer may have hundreds of lofty ideas for the look of a film; it’s the art director’s job to make it happen.
Building a set
Think of the art director as the production designer’s translator. The art director hears what a production designer wants, and then puts together the team and materials to create it – this may be anything from overseeing set construction to budgeting prop creation.
What is Production Design in Film Used For?
Importance of Production Design
The importance of production design in filmmaking lies in how it can add depth and texture to a movie, breathing life into the story and transporting the audience to a different time or world. Having consistent production design can ensure that the audience remains invested in the film, as it subconsciously strengthens the suspension of disbelief.
In this video analysis, we break down production design in the show The Boys and how production design elements like wardrobe, props, and set design create a world that is grounded in ours, but one uniquely its own.
How Production Design is a Superpower • Subscribe on YouTube
Good production design also adds another layer to the storytelling, how the characters interact with the environment and the objects around them serve to communicate character motivations and emotions without spelling it out for the audience.
Here’s a sample mood board a production designer may come up with for a dystopian neo-noir:
Production Design Examples
Note that the production design is concerned with setting, color, costume, and more. At its core, production design serves to provide the narrative with visual information that is as important as dialogue or characterization.
Production Design Meaning in Film History
History of Production Design
The history of production design can be traced back to the early days of cinema, but production design began to take on a more apparent and essential role in the 'Golden Age' of Hollywood in the 1920s and 1930s.
Evolution from Stage to Screen
Initially, the art direction for films was heavily influenced by the conventions of stage production design, set pieces were designed to be seen from a specific angle and only existed on camera for the duration of the shots for which they were designed.
There were no practical considerations about how the set would operate in the real world or how the characters would interact with the environment.
Red River, Montgomery Clift and John Wayne on the studio set together (1948)
With an increase in more advanced filmmaking methods and a desire for a more immersive experience, film productions started to demand more elaborate and realistic sets. Stagecraft evolved into filmmaking, with designers adapting the art of set design for the silver screen.
Advancements in Technology and its Impact on Production Design
As technology advanced in the field of special effects and computer-generated imagery (CGI), production design underwent another revolution. With the development of new materials and modern methods of constructing sets and props, we started seeing more ambitious designs that could match the film's narrative ambitions.
Marvel CGI Set and Production Design
In 1993, production design was given an Academy Award for the best achievement in art direction for the first time, and the following year's Oscars split the categories into Academy Awards for Production Design and Scenography to recognize every integral facet's contribution to what we now know as Production Design.
Related Posts
Characteristics of Film Production Design
Elements of Production Design
In production design, the production designer is the head of the art department on a film set, responsible for creating the visual identity of the movie. They work closely with the director and cinematographer to translate the script into a visual world through the use of sets, props, costumes, and other elements.
Let’s explore some of the most important elements a production designer must think about and how they work together to create the immersive worlds we see on screen.
Set Design: Creating the Physical Environment
One of the most crucial elements of production design is set design: designing and constructing the physical environment for the film or TV show. The designer must create an environment that is convincing and believable, supporting the story and the emotional tone of the film.
The set must establish the location and the era, adding to the mood and feel of the narrative. This video analyzes how production design was an important aspect to establishing the character arcs of the two main characters in Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story.
Space & Separation: MARRIAGE STORY Production Designer Jade Healy
Props: Selecting and Placing Relevant Objects
Props are all the objects that surround the characters in the film. They are objects that are so integral to the story that they need to be included for completeness. A production designer must choose the right props, considering the story, the time, and the character's profile.
The placement of the prop and how the actor interacts with it can say a lot about a character, their personality, and even reveal their backstory or motivations.
Costumes: Dressing Actors Appropriately
Part of a production designer's job is to ensure that the costumes for the characters are authentic and consistent with the narrative's world. Costumes can say a lot about a character, where they come from, their social status, their personality, and their profession.
Below you can see Mark Bridges’ meticulously researched design work through sketches featured on his personal website for There Will Be Blood, one of Paul Thomas Anderson’s best films.
Mont Sainte-Victoire (c.1895) by Paul Cezanne
Special and Visual Effects: Enhancing the Visuals
Special and visual effects are often used to enhance the story and reinforce the production design. They are created with the help of technology and computer-generated imagery, adding detail and realism that would otherwise be impossible to achieve.
For films like Christopher Nolan’s Inception, VFX is a major part of production design and story. We recreated a scene from the film below showing the various VFX elements used to create the scene.
Inception VFX Breakdown • Subscribe on YouTube
Production design is an essential aspect of filmmaking that goes beyond creating a visually appealing set. It influences the mood, tone and atmosphere of the film, and helps to tell the story in a compelling way.
A skilled production designer collaborates with the director, cinematographer, costume designer, and other key members of the crew to create a cohesive and immersive world that draws the audience in. By understanding the importance of production design, filmmakers can elevate their craft and create unforgettable experiences that captivate audiences for years to come.
Up Next
What Does a Production Designer Do?
All of the elements of production design we talked about in this article are directly linked to the role of the production designer. For a deeper dive into the role of the production designer and their importance in filmmaking, check out our next article.
Up Next: Production Designer Duties →
Showcase your vision with elegant shot lists and storyboards.
Create robust and customizable shot lists. Upload images to make storyboards and slideshows.
Crafting your brand can feel like a daunting task. After all, how do you convey the essence of who you are and what your business stands for in just one look? The answer is simple: create a mood board.
A mood board is a visual representation of your brand’s identity, including elements such as colors, fonts, and images that accurately reflect your company’s personality. Here’s how to make a brand mood board that aligns with your brand’s voice.
How to Make a Brand Mood Board Guide
Inspiration & Research
When making a branding mood board you have to get inspired. Determine the feeling you want to evoke through your brand—the kind of energy that reflects who you are and what your business is about.
From here, start compiling imagery (photos & graphics) that represent this feeling and start jotting down potential colors & fonts that will help bring all these elements together into one cohesive look. Looking through editorial photography, commercial photography, and other brands will be a good start to narrow down what type of visuals you like.
A great compass for gathering imagery that aligns with your brand is to think about your brand’s core values, mission statement, and target audience. Ask yourself questions such as “What words come to mind when I think of my brand?” and “What kind of feeling do I want customers to have when they interact with my product or service?”
Brand Mood Board Examples
Once you have a better idea of the type of message you want to convey, it’s time to start researching different images, fonts, colors, textures, etc., that embody that message. Use Pinterest boards, photography mood boards, or other online resources to compile visuals that fit with your vision for your brand.
Learning How to Make a Brand Mood Board
Brainstorm Color Schemes & Fonts
Now it’s time to narrow down which colors and fonts fit best with the overall aesthetic and vibe of your brand. The colors should be bold yet complementary—not too many choices or it will become overwhelming.
Brand Mood Board Examples • Colors
When it comes to fonts, consider two main options—one font for headlines and another for body copy—that match the vibe of your visuals
How to Make a Brand Mood Board • Fonts
Fonts are an essential element of brand design and recognition. The importance of the right font choice cannot be overstated; the font chosen can set the tone, define the message, and create a unique impression in the mind of consumers..
It’s important to choose a font that not only aligns with a brand's visual identity but also communicates its message in an effective way
Creating a Branding Mood Board
Make It Your Own
Finally, make sure to include something unique about yourself or your business on each mood board so it stands out from the rest. This could be an image related to a hobby or interest, or perhaps an inspiring quote from a favorite author or mentor. Whatever it is, make sure it resonates with you and speaks directly to who you are as a person/business.
Related Posts
- FREE: Create and share a mood board online →
- What is a Mood Board — Definition and Examples →
- Mood Board Examples from Fashion and Photography →
How to Make a Brand Mood Board Digitally
Assembling the Branding Mood Board
Now comes the fun part—assembling the board. While this can be done physically with cutouts and physical materials, a more efficient and effective way is to use online software. We chose to use StudioBinder’s intuitive mood board app to create an example brand mood board. Check it out below.
Our very own screenwriting software • Subscribe on YouTube
Once in the app, begin adding elements such as fonts, photos, illustrations, color palettes, patterns, etc., until you have created an eye-catching collage that perfectly expresses your brand's core message.
Creating a Mood Board for Branding
Refining Your Vision
Once you have assembled all of the elements onto your board, it's time to start fine-tuning them until they are just right. Take a step back from the project if necessary — sometimes taking a break helps us see things more clearly when we return — then come back with fresh eyes.
This is a great time to gather feedback from trusted peers. A brand is a means of communication with a consumer. How a consumer perceives that brand through the visual elements it uses is the whole point. Feedback gives you a window into how the brand you created will be received. Use it to refine and improve your brand vision.
How to Make a Brand Mood Board • Example
Learning how to make a brand mood board can seem intimidating at first but when done right, it can become a potent tool for crafting an effective brand identity. By gathering inspirational visuals, designing color schemes & font choices that speak to your core values as well as adding personal touches that show off who you truly are, you can create the perfect mood board to represent your brand in no time.
Plus, having this on hand when designing marketing materials or website design will save tons of time in the long run. So what are you waiting for? Get started on crafting those creative elements today.
Up Next
What is a Mood Board?
Mood boards are incredibly helpful for providing a visual representation of ideas, impressions and feelings. To learn more about the components of a mood board, check out our next article.
Up Next: What is a Mood Board? →
Showcase your vision with elegant shot lists and storyboards.
Create robust and customizable shot lists. Upload images to make storyboards and slideshows.
