Production Design for Screen: Visual Storytelling in Film and Television (Required Reading Range)

This is a great book about what it is to be a production designer. I use it in my film class.

Outstanding book. There are not many out there on the topic Production Design that relate a practical approach to the craft as apposed to an analytical survey. A must for the aspiring Production Designer/Art Director and a worthy investment for any filmmaker.

If you don't notice the work of the production director in a film or TV program, he or she has probably done his or her job well. The production director's job is to create an environment for the story that enhances the character of the story.Barnwell is mostly concerned with developing the overall design of the production with emphasis on the visual concept of the production and the use of space, light and color to develop the design. She particularly emphasizes the treatment of boundaries and transitions, and shows how set decoration can add to the overall production. There is an introductory chapter that gives a quick brush to logistical matters like models, budgets and construction, but the emphasis is on developing concepts for the design of the production. The author makes clear that this is a collaborative process involving the production director, the director, the director of photography and others.The book includes both interviews and selected quotes from production designers. There are also many illustrations, including initial sketches and drawings, as well as screen shots of actual productions. Some of these illustrations are a little too small to be useful. On the other hand, one would be probably benefit from watching the referenced production on screen. There were also illustrations taken from the work of students, that never reached a final production, and these appeared to be a little pie-in-the-sky. There are practical exercises at the end of each chapter, utilizing a short script contained in an appendix, the usefulness of which will vary by the commitment of the reader.The book will probably be most useful in a full curriculum of production design, since there is little reference to drawing, construction or filming, all of which would probably be presented in other courses. I did notice the absence of any discussion of the use of green screens, which are being used more and more as both an artistic and an economy measure.This material will prove most useful to aspiring production designers, and the people who work with them on large-scale narrative productions. Cinephiles may enjoy a little bit of the background. Lone wolf videographers can skip this book.Note: The publisher provided me with a review copy of this book at no charge.

This book is very concisely structured in such away it makes absorbing the content easy. With chapters and excercises to apply what has been discussed and talked about. Amazing images and illustrations to make this a must have for people intending or working in the art department for TV & Film

Comprehensive book on Production Design, bolstered with examples both from newer and older Film History. Illustrated.

Very good support for people learning about the basics of Production design even if you're already in a film course. Very recomendable.

Great book , really helped with my studies.Price ok

I bought this for someone working professionally in an art dept. His feedback was very satisfactory. He found a lot of ideas and information that threw light on different aspects of his work, past and present. His verdict: highly recommendable.