The Filmmaker's Guide to Production Design [Paperback]

Vincent LoBrutto (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2002

Learn to turn a simple screenplay into a visual masterpiece! Top production designers share their real-life experiences to explain the aesthetic, narrative, and technical aspects of the craft. Step by step, aspiring filmmakers will discover sound instruction on the tools of the trade, and established filmmakers will enjoy a new outlook on production design. They will learn, for example, the craft behind movie magic–such as how to create a design metaphor, choose a color scheme, use space, and work within all genres of film, from well-funded studio projects to "guerilla filmmaking." This indispensable resource also contains a history of movie making and guidelines for digital production design. For the experienced filmmaker seeking new design ideas to the struggling newcomer stretching low-budget dollars, this book makes the processes and concepts of production design accessible.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In this outstanding book on production design, LoBrutto, an independent filmmaker and freelance film editor, goes to great lengths to cover the essentials-storyboarding, set decoration, budgeting, architecture, screenwriting, props, and wardrobe. He begins with an explanation of and introduction to design before dedicating a chapter to each particular facet of production, including one on genres with useful research techniques. LoBrutto tells readers step by step what to do and then illustrates his points by discussing scenes from different films that students can watch to understand and appreciate fully the scope of the text. Ending each chapter are practice exercises to reinforce the techniques. LoBrutto includes a list of 100 films to study, a glossary of terms, plus tools for further research. Ward Preston's What an Art Director Does: An Introduction to Motion Picture Production Design covers much of the same material but is more anecdotal; LoBrutto's book is an in-depth manual for serious filmmakers. This guide should be in every academic library where there is a strong film program, and public libraries may want to consider it as well. Highly recommended.
Rosalind Dayen, Broward Cty. South Regional Lib., Pembroke Pines, FL
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

A fascinating and instructive study. -- Gene D. Phillips, senior professor of Film History, Loyola University, and chief writer of The Encyclopedia of Stanley Kubrick

A unique resource that deftly reveals a vastly important yet underappreciated aspect of the filmmaking process. -- David E. Williams, The Hollywood Reporter

LoBrutto lucidly unravels the sometimes elusive skein that connects the magic trinity of director, designer, and cinematographer." -- John Bailey, ASC, cinematographer, The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, As Good as It Gets, and The Big Chill

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Allworth Press (May 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1581152248
• ISBN-13: 978-1581152241
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.5 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #580,560 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good... for some, October 14, 2009

By 

Shinseng (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Filmmaker's Guide to Production Design (Paperback)

This is a handy little guide to production design, but as other reviewers have noted, it is not necessarily meant for a production designer. It's for filmmakers themselves (as noted in the title).

As an independent filmmaker, I found this book an entertaining and informative read. It helped me get a better understanding for just what the art department is involved with on a feature. Also, it inspired me to design the sets for my next film.

Recommended for beginning independent filmmakers who are often their own production designer. For those who want a career in production design this book, although a nice intro, will leave you wanting something deeper.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Very Poor Guide, April 6, 2010

By 

Scenic Designer - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Filmmaker's Guide to Production Design (Paperback)

This book is very poorly written. Its like the author heard about Production Design and decided to write a book on what he'd heard. Full of inaccurate information. This book is a mess.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars not so great, July 11, 2010

By 

jose - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Filmmaker's Guide to Production Design (Paperback)

This writer is ridiculously opinionated criticizing great films as if his opinions were a matter of fact. After checking out his imdb resume I realize this person has done almost nothing in film and yet has the audacity to criticize others. get a real job dude, your book sucks. FACT!