ART DEPARTMENT: The magic behind the magic!

Art department to art department: There's something about hearing "ART!" echo on set that gets your heart racing, right? Every time I hear that shout, I immediately think, "Oh no, what’s missing? A prop? A set piece?!" It’s a moment of panic we've all felt, and trust me, it never truly goes away. But over the years, I’ve learned the secret to surviving the chaos, the real magic happens long before the camera rolls. Preproduction is our time to shine, to map out the madness and get ahead of the inevitable "AAAARRTT!" call.

It’s in those quiet, behind-the-scenes moments where we prepare, plan, and sometimes improvise (mostly) our way to smooth days on set. With the right structure and creativity, the art department can keep the work fun, focused, and, most importantly, seamless. So, here are a few tricks I’ve picked up to keep things moving without losing the spark of creativity!

1. The art of setting the scene

Every great film takes its audience to another world and another time and the Art department is the team responsible for creating that world. It’s not just about making a space look good; it’s about creating an environment that reflects the story, the characters and the emotions. It’s about turning abstract ideas into physical spaces that feel authentic and alive. But beyond the aesthetics, setting the scene is about STORYTELLING. The way a room is laid out or the way light filters through a window can speak volumes about a character’s emotional state or the tension in a moment. As the art director, we’re helping guide the audience’s feelings without them even knowing it.

1. Mood boards & masterpieces

Before any set is built, it all starts with the mood board. This collection of images, colours, textures and inspirations guides the entire creative team, ensuring that everyone from directors to costume designers shares the same vision. The real magic happens when these mood boards turn into physical sets. Translating those early visuals into reality is where the art director’s skills shine. It’s about balancing creativity with practicality, finding ways to bring ambitious designs to life within budget and time constraints. When done right, mood boards become the foundation for cinematic worlds, transforming inspiration into a fully immersive experience.

1. Colours and patterns that speak

Colours and patterns are more than just decorative choices - they’re powerful tools for storytelling. The right colour palette can evoke emotions, signal shifts in tone or subtly highlight a character's internal journey. Whether it’s the use of warm, earthy tones to create a sense of comfort or bold, contrasting patterns to heighten tension, every design element plays a role in shaping how the audience feels without them even realising it.

1. Prop talk: Every detail tells a story

Props might seem like background elements, but each one plays a crucial role in storytelling. Whether it's a worn-out book on a shelf or a watch on a character’s wrist, every prop is chosen with intention. These details not only add authenticity to a scene but also reveal deeper layers of the narrative, subtly hinting at a character’s past, personality or emotional state. The magic of props is that they’re silent storytellers. A carefully placed object can trigger memories, foreshadow events, or even symbolise themes in the film. As art directors, it's our job to select and position props in ways that elevate the storytelling without overshadowing the action.

1. Collaboration station

In the art department, collaboration is key. Bringing a film’s visual world to life requires constant communication between the director, cinematographer, costume designer and other departments. While the art director shapes the look and feel of the environment, it’s through collaboration that these ideas blend seamlessly with the director’s vision and the overall storytelling. Every choice, from the design of a set to the texture of a costume, affects how the story unfolds on screen. Being in sync with the rest of the crew is essential.

1. Ready, set, organise!

In all honesty, behind every smooth day on set is an art department that’s mastered the art of organisation. Preproduction is where it all begins - the time to plan, prepare, and troubleshoot. From creating detailed lists of props to mapping out set changes, having everything in order is essential to keep things running like clockwork. Being organised not only reduces chaos but also frees up mental space for creativity when it’s needed most.

On set, things move fast, and being prepared for last-minute adjustments is crucial. Whether it’s having backup props ready or a well-thought-out plan for quick set changes, organisation is what keeps the day from derailing. The key to success is anticipating problems before they arise and having solutions ready to go. With strong planning, the art department can work efficiently while still allowing room for those creative sparks to fly.

1. The silent director: Shaping story through space

In many ways, the art department acts as a silent director, guiding the audience’s experience through the careful design of space. While actors deliver lines and the camera captures action, the sets, props and overall environment shape how the story is perceived. Each element is thoughtfully placed to enhance the narrative, influencing emotions and drawing viewers deeper into the film’s world.

This subtle influence is what makes art direction so powerful. A well-designed space can evoke feelings of tension, nostalgia or comfort, all without a single word being spoken. The layout of a room, the choice of colours, and the arrangement of props work together to convey meaning and context. By understanding the relationship between space and story, Art directors become essential storytellers, crafting immersive experiences that resonate long after the credits roll.

I hope you enjoyed this exploration of Art direction and found some useful insights along the way! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to share your perspectives on our social media pages