This module is designed to strengthen and enhance students' understanding of cinematic production design and its aesthetic, technical, and cultural effects through close analysis of key examples. We will examine classic cases of film worlds that have been created by designers like William Cameron Menzies (Gone with the Wind), Ken Adam (the Bond films), Anton Furst (Tim Burton's Batman), Lucas/McQuarrie (Star Wars), and Dave Gibbons (Watchmen). Each of these designers not only helped generate the look of their respective films but also the material culture - costumes, props, posters, merchandising - associated with them. As such, cinematic art direction extends into the afterlife of film, through the experiences and visual memories that are sold alongside the entry ticket. This expanded notion of design includes video games, virtual reality, theme parks, set tours, graphic novels, and 'art of the film' books, as well as costumes, cosplay, and other forms of fan culture.
The module will also feature guest lectures from experts in cinematic design, taking us through the design process from concept and storyboarding, through shooting to marketing.
The historical use of light, space, and colour, as well as digital effects both in film and other visual media, will also be explored both for their extra-cinematic aesthetics as well as their cultural and material significance.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able:
Delivery will be by lectures, seminars, screenings, and workshops. Screenings are active, collaborative and tutor-supported. The module will make use of the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Canvas for communication and dissemination of information between students and staff as well as making online learning materials available to all.
All courses based in the Kingston School of Art offer students free access to the online video tutorial platform Lynda.com. This provides a wide range of subjects to choose from, many with downloadable exercise files, including software tutorials covering photography, graphics, web design, audio and music, CAD and Microsoft Office software, as well as courses on Business and Management skills. Some of these are embedded in the curriculum and offer additional self-paced learning, others may be taken at will by students wishing to broaden their employability skills in other areas.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Lecturer, seminars, workshops, screenings | 88 |
| Guided independent study | 212 | |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
The assessment strategy for this module consists of a research portfolio of 2,000 words (A1) and either an essay of 3,000 words or a 20 minute video essay with a 1,000 word commentary (A2). Students will write one essay and produce one research portfolio with examples of films designs alongside their technical, symbolic, and aesthetic function. The particular aspects which make up the portfolio will be determined in relation to the content and approach of the teaching as appropriate.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| To reflect on film and other visual practices in the context of production design | A1, A2 |
| To demonstrate an understanding of critical ideas and debates relating to the historical production of film and media design | A1, A2 |
| To demonstrate an understanding of critical ideas and debates relating to the historical production of film and media design | A1, A2 |
| To comment critically on the practices adopted in a variety of film and visual media design strategies as they reflect aesthetic, cinematic, technical and commercial imperatives. | A1, A2 |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio (A1) | Coursework | 50% |
| Essay or video essay and commentary (A2) | Coursework | 50% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It is NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Barnwell, Jane, Production Design for the Screen (2017), Bloomsbury.
Fischer, Lucy Rose. Art Direction and Production Design: A Modern History of Filmmaking (2015). I.B.Tauris.
Kirkham, Pat, Saul Bass: A Life in Film & Design (2011), Laurence King.
McIver, Gillian, Art History for Filmmakers (2016), Fairchild Books.
Shorter, Georgina, Designing for Screen: Production Design and Art Direction Explained (2012), Crowood Press.
Whitlock, Cathy, Designs on Film: A Century of Hollywood Art Direction (2010), It Books.