Description
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.
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
From the Publisher
From a galaxy far, far away to a New York City apartment in a Woody Allen film, cinematic production design takes many forms. Because production design encompasses everything translating the script and the director’s vision into physical environments, it is an art and craft deeply embedded in the core of filmmaking. While anyone can recognize the importance of a film’s “look,” many assume that this aspect of cinematic storytelling is only available to Hollywood projects with lavish budgets. That idea will soon change. Author, filmmaker, and film instructor Vincent LoBrutto makes the processes and concepts of the craft accessible to all in The Filmmaker’s Guide to Production Design.
From the Author
“Filmmakers are visual storytellers,” LoBrutto observes. “Production design provides possibilities that have been long ignored, misunderstood, and underutilized outside of the old and new studio systems.”
About the Author
Vincent LoBrutto is an instructor of motion picture editing and film studies for the School of Visual Arts Department of Film, Video, and Animation. He has worked as a film editor for Fox and HBO and as a postproduction coordinator for the ABC television network. He is editor of and a contributing writer to CinemaEditor magazine. A special member of the American Cinema Editors (ACE), he also contributes to Cineaste and Film Quarterly. LoBrutto is the author of several books on filmmakers and filmmaking, including The Filmmaker’s Guide to Production Design and The Art of Motion Picture Editing (Allworth Press). He lives in Mount Vernon, New York.
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M.C. McCormick –
as described
mitsa lasky –
A must have for production designers and film people.
David Crowe –
Despite the negative reviews listed here about this book, my opinion is that this is one of the best explanations of what Production Design does (and should do) for cinema that is on the market. Having worked in art departments for over 15 years on feature films and television shows this book is what I wish all my workmates had read before production started to understand just what we were helping shape with the story, not just window dressing and logistics. This book is written intelligently but without alienating the reader, using film examples that film fans will know or can easily find. Great for filmmakers who need a good injection as to what Production Design can do for their films. Thank you for this book Mr. Lobrutto.
Gardalon Moone –
I was very pleased with this book when I first read it. And when I read it the second time. I still refer back to it whenever I have a question concerning design. The best factor about this book is that it helps the beginning designer to wrap his brain around the philosophy of production design. Success in any endeavor requires 2% mechanics, and 98% mind-set; it’s about how you think, which influences what you do. Lobrutto doesn’t get too deep into the nitty-gritty, which keeps it a rather simple read; if he did go into all the aspects of design, it would be such an imposing volume that people would then complain about how thick it was. This book is certainly not an end-all-catch-all. It’s a beginner’s guide.(In reply to one of the prior comments) It is true that Lobrutto has few credits in film. However, I laud the fact that he interviews the top designers in lieu of his experience.Overall, an exellent introduction to the topic of visual design, and one which I shall continue to recommend to aspiring designers.
Greg Bussey –
Too philosophical to teach anything helpful.
jose –
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!
Shinseng –
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.
Scenic Designer –
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.
Khizar hayat –
Good
Not to bad
Abhishek Mohanty –
Filmmakers guide
Most recommended for aspiring filmmaker’s