with Niamh Ni Chartaigh
This was really interesting. I know I say that about everything but this really was. Especially for someone like myself with a fine art education. I kept thinking all day that this was just the sort of thing I should be doing. I think I would really like to get some work experience doing this job, just to see. With my background I could really bring loads to this area. We looked at "Edward Scissorhands" and analysed it from the art dept's viewpoint. We also watched the opening scene of "Withnail & I". This work involves really understanding how things operate and signify visually.
This was a very practical day. We first hypothetically sketched locations and props etc for hypothetical situations. We went out and researched locations for other scenarios we were given. We had to report back on the qualities of locations that might be suitable and how they could be made more suitable with dressing etc.
We spoke about all the different things that the art dept is responsible for within a scene. We spoke about the different roles within the art dept. and what each is responsible. We looked at how delegation occurs so that all aspects are catered for. We looked at how the art dept. integrates into the whole of the film. We looked at the skills necessary for each of these roles. We sdiscussed different approaches for different budgets. Finally, Niamh spoke briefly about ways to get involved in working with an art department and in film generally. She was open about her career and how she got to this position. She was really a lovely person.
