6.1 Set Design and Location

Set design and location are crucial elements of mise-en-scène, shaping the visual world of a film. From studio sets to real-world locations, these choices impact the story's atmosphere and authenticity. Production designers, art directors, and set decorators work together to create believable environments.

The selection of sets and locations influences a film's realism and symbolic depth. Architectural styles and period accuracy transport viewers to specific times and places. Symbolic elements in set design can convey deeper meanings, reinforcing themes and adding layers to the narrative.

Set Design

Elements of Set Design

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• Mise-en-scène encompasses all the elements placed in front of the camera to be photographed, including set design, lighting, composition, costuming, and acting
• Production design is the overall look of a film, television or theatre production, created by the production designer in collaboration with the director and producer
• Studio sets are built on a soundstage and provide complete control over the environment, allowing for greater flexibility in lighting, camera angles, and sound recording (Casablanca)
• Art direction involves the overall aesthetic of a production, including the design and construction of sets, selection of locations, and creation of graphics and props
• Set dressing refers to the placement of furniture, artwork, and other decorative elements within a set to create a specific atmosphere or convey information about characters and their environment (The Grand Budapest Hotel)
• Props, short for properties, are objects used by actors during a performance or production, such as hand props carried by actors, set props that are part of the scenery, and consumable props like food and drinks

Roles in Set Design

• The production designer is responsible for creating the overall visual appearance of a film, working closely with the director and other department heads to establish the aesthetic style and tone
• The art director works under the production designer, overseeing the construction of sets and coordinating with other departments to ensure the visual elements align with the overall design concept
• Set decorators are responsible for sourcing, selecting, and arranging the decorative elements within a set, such as furniture, artwork, and props, to create a believable and visually compelling environment
• Prop masters manage all props used in a production, ensuring they are appropriate for the time period, character, and scene, and maintaining continuity throughout the filming process
• Graphic designers create visual elements such as signage, posters, and product packaging that appear within the set design to enhance the realism and authenticity of the environment (Mad Men)

Location and Realism

Location Shooting

• Location shooting involves filming on real locations outside of a studio, which can add authenticity and realism to a production
• Filmmakers must consider factors such as permits, weather conditions, and logistical challenges when choosing to shoot on location
• Location scouting is the process of finding and securing suitable locations for filming, taking into account the script requirements, visual aesthetics, and practical considerations (The Lord of the Rings)
• Shooting on location can provide a sense of place and history that is difficult to replicate on a studio set, immersing the audience in a specific time and place

Architectural Styles and Period Accuracy

• Architectural styles play a significant role in establishing the time period, location, and social context of a film or television production
• Period accuracy refers to the authenticity of the set design, costumes, and props in representing a specific historical era or location
• Filmmakers often conduct extensive research to ensure that the architectural details, decor, and furnishings accurately reflect the time period and location of the story (Downton Abbey)
• Anachronisms, or elements that are inconsistent with the time period, can distract the audience and undermine the believability of the production

Symbolism in Set Design

• Set design can incorporate symbolic elements that convey deeper meanings or themes within the story
• Color schemes, lighting, and the placement of objects can all contribute to the symbolic significance of a set
• Recurring visual motifs throughout a production can reinforce themes and establish a cohesive aesthetic (The Shining)
• Symbolic elements in set design can provide subtext and foreshadow events, adding depth and complexity to the narrative