Intro to The Film Art Department

Next Class: September 27 – October 9, 2010

Week 1: Monday – Thursday (5:30pm-9:30pm)

Week 2: Monday – Thursday (5:30pm-9:30pm), and Saturday (8:00am-4:00pm)

This class is an overview of the job opportunities and skill sets required to seek entry-level employment in the Art Departments of motion pictures, commercials, digital media and industrial films. These jobs include Locations, Props/Set Dressing, Wardrobe, Hair, and Make-Up.  In addition to 40 hours of classroom time, graduates can be placed in a 20 hour film production or industry related internship as part of this program. After the initial 20 hour internship, there may be additional internship or job placement assistance based upon previous internship performance.

The course begins with an overview of the Hollywood and Independent Film Production Model and Organizational Chart, so students can understand what each department does and how all departments work together during a production. We then briefly introduce the student to the duties and responsibilities of the typical entry-level position on a film set, the Production Assistant (“PA”). PA’s are required to have a working knowledge of the tools of communication and organization on a film (call sheets, location maps, base camps) set as well as understanding the chain of command and basic on-set etiquette. A student will typically be required to succeed as a PA before being offered an opportunity to move up to the entry level art department positions on a film set.

We will then move on to an introduction to the Art Department, which is responsible for the physical elements of a film, including the Locations and Sets, the Props and Set Dressing, as well as the physical appearance of the Actors, specifically Wardrobe, Hair and Make-Up. The Art Department ultimately executes the vision of the Director, and works under the supervision of the Production Designer, who is responsible for the overall “look” of the film.

We will then explore the duties of the Location, Props, Wardrobe, Hair, and Make-Up departments specifically. We will hear from guest speakers who are experienced crew members in each specialty, and learn the specific skill sets required, including the potential entry points to each craft. We will develop an understanding of each of these crew positions, what their typical day on a set involves, and what specific training is required in each craft. Special emphasis will be given to the chain of command in each department, the skills, tools and procedures utilized by each craft, and the performance expectations of a crew member in each of these jobs.

Students will participate in an 8 hour, hands-on “model” shoot where they will work side by side with industry professionals in each department to scout and dress a location, prepare wardrobe, make-up and hair for a group of actors, and see how their efforts translate to the screen as the shoot progresses. This will enable students to experience how each craft within the Art Department works together to prepare a scene for filming. Following the filming, students will have the opportunity to critique each element, and refine their techniques.

Students interested in pursuing the Hair or Make-Up crafts should either already have received specialized training in their area of interest, or should be planning on taking that training before applying for those positions in the film industry. This course will only address the adaptation and utilization of these skills for the film industry.

Upon completing this class, students will be able to:

1. Understand the overall organization of and job opportunities available in the film, television, digital media and commercial industries.
2. Evaluate which specific positions their individual interests and skills will qualify them for.
3. Develop a hands-on understanding of the entry level skill sets in the Location, Prop, Wardrobe, Hair, and Make-Up departments.
4. Present themselves to working Production Managers as entry-level crew members with special skills, interest and experience in the relevant Art Department crafts.
5. Develop a resume and job application approach specific to the film industry and geared toward employment in the Art Department.

The Introduction to The Film Art Department Class is taught in 40 hours, over a two-week period. This class will be taught in FIT’s educational/studio facility, and may include field trips to film sets and relevant suppliers here in Michigan.