Introduction to Film Art Departments

About this course

Art departments turn a script into a physical, believable world. This course introduces the structure of a film and television art department (production designer, art director, assistant art directors, graphics, set decoration, props, construction and paint), how work moves from script breakdown to approvals to set, the pace and etiquette of production, and how designers and illustrators contribute. It draws on the founder's art-department experience, with no specific productions named.

Who it’s for: Designers, illustrators and students curious about working in film and television. No production experience needed.

You will be able to

• Describe the main roles in an art department and how they connect
• Explain how a script breakdown becomes a list of graphic and design needs
• Describe the approval chain for in-world graphics and set elements
• Explain the working norms of production: hours, call sheets, confidentiality and safety

Studio project

A scene breakdown with a reference board, approval chains and an annotated map of the art department roles involved.

To complete this course

• Complete every required lesson.
• Have the assignment “Scene breakdown and department map” accepted by an instructor.
• Records of completion are issued only for courses whose content has passed instructor review.

Part of

• Screen Graphics Pathway