Our Art Direction Process

In class we were given clear instructions and details of what we as an art director can do during these production work shops.

1. They read the script and look at it from an art direction point of view. They have to think about whats actually going to be in the scene. They can write up a props list and design details to be handed out to the departments that require them.
2. They then draw up a blueprint of the location being used, this blueprint will contain everything the director needs to know (visually) about the set. Things like colors, props, roads, trees. All that sort of thing. The director then goes and uses this plan to help him establish where he can and cannot put the cameras ect...  
3. Art directors can also do story boards, these help because they come from the eye of an art director and may contain visual details that may not be apparent in a director's or DOP's storyboard. 
4. Its also not unusual to create a small model of the set so that the director can see at hand where he can place cameras and find angles without having to visit the set. This is good for location filming when the set may not be accessible 24/7. 
5. It's common practice for art directors to discuss how the film is shot, the art directors job is to make the scene work. In big dramas and feature films there eye for detail is very valuable.          
6. In the art department the buyer then has to buy the props required to make the scene work or to help the scene establish the required look and feel desired by the director.