Art Director

There are three roles that control the look of the film: the Director, the DP, and the Production Designer.

The Production Designer is the Head of the Art Department. The Art Department is everything we see on screen that isn't the camera: the set dressing, the props, the costume, hair and makeup.

When there is a Production Designer, the Art Director is the second-in-charge of the Art Department. They report to the Production Designer; the Art Director can be supported by Art Department Assistants.

For smaller projects, there usually isn't a Production Designer; in that case, the Art Director becomes the Head of the Art Department. This the the case for AOTS films.

The Art Director is then in charge of:

• Sourcing props, costume, and set dressing before the shoot -- all within the allocated budget and with receipts -- transporting them to and from set, and returning items after the shoot;

• Dressing the set;

• Continuity: taking photos of the location before anything is moved, and returning everything to how it was; taking photos of the set and placement of props, to ensure everything is placed correctly for each take;

• Ensuring the location is not damaged and it is returned to its original state.

The Art Director must have a good eye for the look of the film; a good understanding of colour theory and visual storytelling; a good attention to detail; and communication.