Made In Dagenham, 2012

This is the 3rd film I worked on while at the Northern Film School. I was the art director for this shoot.

Made In Dagenam Film Shoot Round Up

As the art director on this short shoot is was my job to draw up plans of the location and provide photos for the director to help him develop his own plans. However like other shoots before this my jobs did not take up much of my time and while on set my art department was frozen out because there was nothing really for anyone to do. We could have provided props but after a discussion with the director and DOP we all felt that the locations could not be transformed in any way that would lead you to believe these characters are anywhere other than beautiful park. What I did do was observe the shoot and tried to learn from the other students directing decisions. Its a real shame because the art department makes up a large portion of a film crew but on a shoot this small with so many people we did find ourselves standing around for long periods of time contributing nothing to the production.      

Made In Dagenam Film Shoot Gallery

Recce Draw Ups

I need to hand these over to the director so that he can then see where the cameras can be placed around the scene.

Art Direction Recce

We went to Roundhay park to scout a suitable location to film a scene from 'Made In Dagenam'. In the script the scene is set in an estate but it seems we had the challenge to relocate to a park. We searched around taking photos and discussing possible options for an hour or so. These are some of the location we found.

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.  

Art Direction Introduction

Production designer is the HOD, responsible for the style of the film.

Art Director works on behalf of the production designer.

Stand By Art Directors are the go to person on set for the crew. Usually on set all the time, from the start to the finish of production.

Props Guys help the Stand By Art Director on set. Cook food, move things, props ect... (One will be called the Charge Hand, his role is to make sure the scene is set for filming - also called the Props Master)

Costume Designers liaise with most of the other departments and get the style of the costumes required for the scenes. (avoid color clashes and strobing)

Costume Supervisor is the stand by costume person.

Production Buyer is responsible for the art departments budget. Crucial for production.

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Dressing Props - Props that are needed to dress the set.
Action Props - Props the actors will interact with.

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Location Recce - Scouting the location, take photos ect...
Tech Recce - This is a tech assessment of the location. Most of the departments will go out and try to make a plan of whats needed and how the scene will be shot.

Composite Set - A larger set (studio) made up of rooms - corridors ect...