Createascene: Everything You Need to Know About the Art Department

'Createascene' is a 'hands on' resource guide for those interested in entering the film industries' art department. Written by a practicing art director/production designer with over 30 yrs experience, the book examines all aspects from initial drawings through budgeting, mood boards and schedules to the many techniques and shortcuts used in creating and filming the sets. Many people, even outside the industry, will find this book and it's many anecdotes, interesting and informative. The book examines all the most commonly used practices, terms and materials on low and high level budget productions. Createascene also works through all the challenges experienced today from how to recce efficiently, dress locations, source the props, scenery construction techniques, studio etiquette and more. A vital book for anyone new to the art department, or those in other departments, it explains who does what and encapsulates exactly what an art department is responsible for and how the hierachy works. With over 100 colour photos and diagrams, this book is a must for anyone serious about turning an ambition into a professional career where a good reputation is imperative.

Table of Contents:
About This Book 1, Introduction 3, The Film Crew 5, The Green Light 12, Where An Art Director Starts 15, Crewing And Budgets 23, Drawing And Visuals 36, Props 54, Set Dressing 60, Studios 68, Scenery 76, Set Materials 89, Paint 105, Architecture 118, Landscapes 126, Models And Perspective 138, Scenic Artwork And Photo-backings 148, Special Effects 153, Graphics 174, Working In Foreign Countries 179, Health And Safety 182, If it can, it will 186, Acknowledgements 190, Glossary 192

About the Author :
Bruce Hill established himself as an art director in a family business running a small film studio. Working closely with his father, an ex BBC scenic artist and designer, he soon established a network of new clients by assisting on the many commercials and feature films that passed through it's doors. This could have been anything from still's shoots with high profile photographers, to the model-making and filming of the 'Tower of Ultimate Darkness' for inclusion in the Time Bandits movie by Terry Gilliam and scenic work on the film 'Alien' by Ridley Scott. Bruce art directed his first high budget commercial by the then acclaimed and challenging director Howard Guard (no other art director wanted to work with him!) and continued designing many of his commercials over the next few years. This was also the pop video era, when band's realized a good video could improve record sales and Bruce, being a relatively young art director, became very much in demand designing dozens of well known videos. These included 'Cloudbuster' by Kate Bush and designing the sets for the award winning 'Billy Jean' by the late Michael Jackson directed by Steve Barron. Other videos included Simple Minds, Tina turner, Elton John, Cliff Richard and Steve Nicks. He also designed feature film 'Love Potion No. 9, plus many corporates and short films. Bruce has remained busy throughout his career with clients demanding value for money together with unrivalled experience and talent in this sector, he also lectures in the subject. Often asked if there was any written information to supplement his anecdotal and popular lectures, this book is the result.

Review :
"Creatascene is essential reading for anyone who works, or wants to work in the Art Department for Film & TV. It is well written, informative, easy to read and, refreshingly, comes from a UK perspective. It is clearly written by someone who has that essential mix of experience, passion and the ability to communicate", Jim Grainger, The Manchester College.