The Art Director (1949)

The Art Director

1949

Documentary

Synopsis

A film's art director is in charge of the set, from conception to construction to furnishing. This short film walks the viewer through art directors' responsibilities and the demands on their talents. They read a script carefully and design a set to capture the time and place, the social strata, and the mood. They must be scholars of the history of architecture, furnishings, and fashion. They choose the colors on a set in anticipation of the lighting and the mood. Their work also sets styles, from Art Deco in the 20's to 30s modernism. Then it's on to the next project. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2012.

Credits

Director

Otto Lang

Cast

Ann Harding as Self - from unidentified film (archive footage) (uncredited)

Charles Laughton as Self - from 'The Big Clock' (archive footage) (uncredited)

Dana Andrews as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)

Dorothy McGuire as Self / Kathy Lacy (archive footage) (uncredited)

George Macready as Self - from 'The Big Clock' (archive footage) (uncredited)

Gregory Peck as Self - Philip Schuyler Green (archive footage) (uncredited)

Joan Fontaine as Self / Jane Eyre (archive footage) (uncredited)

Ray Milland as Self - from 'The Big Clock' (archive footage) (uncredited)