Book Critique: Dream Worlds by Hans Bacher

My current project 'What if Metropolis' has a heavy focus on production design, amongst other focuses. This book explores this term, defining it as "exactly that, the design of the production; the 'look' of the film". Which correlates to the research I had previously conducted on the term/creative role.

"The production designer designs the movie. If necessary, he or she develops a visual style for the film".

The book introduced me to style guides, "a booklet of approximately 60 pages in which the basic rules of the styles are explained" to each department of a project. A simple idea, but very efficient at ensuring that a group of artists are all aiming for the same visual language. A good technique to help lace all contributors to the same goals, yet still allowing creative freedom.

'Dream Worlds', similarly to other industry-look books I have read, emphasise the importance of life drawing...

"Don't get lost in detail"

"Capture the pose"

"Look for clear readability" 

"Try Circulator" 

There is also an emphasis on archiving your life-drawn works, for referencing. 

Research trips aren't as readily available to me, as a student, compared to a working production designer. However, they are presented as extremely valuable. A traveller should work as a sponge, absorb and collect as much as you can to help nourish your archives. 

The technique of using 'floor plans' was one of the biggest take-always I had from this book. A simplistic planning method that I certainly overlook. This is a method I would like to incorporate into my current 'metropolis' project. 

The book reassures the idea of rough work; not everything has to be beautifully neat, aesthetic, and detailed, which is something I hope to loosen-up about and communicate through my floor plans. 

Floor Plan Inspired by 'Mulan's Room':