WIP. DOCKET
Five Secrets of Premium Art Direction
The only time we pay attention to art direction is when we watch Wes Anderson’s films. But art direction plays an important role in every other directors’ films as well. An actor dominate only 10 % of the screen. The remaining 90 % is dominated by art direction.
Whether it is an ad, a film, or a TV show, strong art direction makes a character feel livable and believable inside a space. It helps to communicate a character’s social class, time period of the story, and geography without a single dialogue. Yet it remains one of the least discussed subjects in filmmaking.
Most resources available on the internet are predominantly provided by interior designers, not film professionals. The reason is that art direction is deeply inspired with interior design. What we see in a tv commercial is a specific type of interior design. There are various interior design approaches that you can explore.
Here are five widely used wall types. They will help you elevate your space to a premium look.
1. PANEL MOLDING:
Panel molding creates a bold statement in a space. We see it in luxury fashion brand commercials such as Dior and Chanel, as well as in film scenes of ministers’ offices, celebrity homes, and grand hotel corridors. Using panel molding in a film instantly elevates the space to a premium look. It adds dimension, character, and texture to a space. Off white is the most commonly used shade, but there are many other colours and shapes you can explore based on your brand colour and overall colour palett
2. WOOD SLAT PANEL:
Wood slat panel is widely used to give a premium feel and beautiful texture to a space. Its natural wooden tone complements the overall colour of a space. We often see it as media walls, but it is also common in meeting hall, bedroom, ceiling, and island table. You can also use it as a room divider to add depth to a scene.
From a cinematography point of view, wood slats on a ceiling can guide the viewer’s attention and create strong perspective shot.
3. ART-DECO:
Art Deco is a timeless style that emerged in the 1930s and 1940s. We notice it in many classic Hollywood films. Mr. Anurag Kashyap used it beautifully in his most ambitious film, Bombay Velvet, to reflect the era of the story. Art Deco is known for geometric shapes, golden metallic tones that often stand out against green, and the iconic sunburst motif. We often see it in commercials set in grand hotel lobbies.
4. WALLPAPER:
The wallpaper is known for its floral patterns and rich texture. You can see it in Stranger Things. It comes in different colors and designs. Two of the most common colors are maroon and faded yellow, which create a retro look. Yet, it is also a timeless design, so you should experiment with it in your next project.
5. EXPOSED BREAK WALL:
