Research

Most film viewers don’t pay much attention to set or costume design in films unless it’s grand or exotic. The key is to make it look as realistic as possible so it wouldn’t take over the story but compliment it.

Production Designers define, manage and are responsible for the overall visual look of films. They direct teams responsible for sets and costumes. Their design sketches show mood, atmosphere, colour, texture, lighting and composition of sets, locations, props and costumes, also graphics and camera angles. Every detail matters, even the costumes of extras. Every character has a style and palette that goes together with their personality and plays a big part in how they come across to viewers.

Production Designers get their inspiration by researching art history, background politics and historical information. They also put a lot of their own taste into their work.

From an interview with the production designer of Australian series Home and Away I found out that there is a brief given to her by the producer of the show which has some instructions to be followed when designing a new set. The colour and style choices are up to the designer herself though.

Colin Bisset's interview with Home and Away's production designer

Kerrie van Lambaart and actor Ray Meagher

While thinking of a look for Damon I got inspired by several films and different TV series in which all leather jacket has been used to create the bad-boy-look.